As the 4th most populous city in the U.S, Houston’s roads and highways are abuzz with activities. As a result, traffic accidents are a normal occurrence. When an auto wreck occurs, everyone involved is required to stop and exchange information. Unfortunately, not everyone does, thus creating a scenario where injured victims have to struggle on their own, piecing together the facts of the crash.
Hit and run accidents are often destructive. Apart from serious property damage, victims also suffer life-changing injuries. Hit and runs involving pedestrians are often fatal. Discussing your case with a Houston car accident lawyer is the best way to protect your rights and catch the runaway driver.
What Texas Laws Say
As in many other states, leaving an accident scene without following the set legal procedures is prohibited in Texas. Anyone who is involved in a traffic accident must stop and remain at the scene until the relevant authorities arrive. While waiting, they must surrender all necessary information as provided for under the Texas Transportation Code Chapter 7 Section 550.023:
- Insurance information
- Names and contact information
- Any other relevant information
In scenarios where an unattended vehicle or property is hit, the present party must leave or attach their contact information in a visible place that the other party will easily discover. Failure to do the above may amount to criminal and civil lawsuits.
Because the moments following an accident can be confusing, you should strive to be as calm as possible. Although the accident may not be your fault, leaving the scene too soon may imply a sense of liability that may haunt you later as you pursue justice. The best thing to do is to contact a Houston hit and run accident attorney and remain at the scene until they arrive.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accident lawyer serving Houston.
Call (832) 346-9585
Compensation Following a Hit and Run Accident
Like other car accident victims, anyone involved in a hit and run accident is entitled to compensation for injuries and damages suffered. However, making a monetary recovery in such cases is often a tall order. Remember, the party at fault may never be traced, leaving behind unimaginable losses to cover.
Fortunately, that’s not the end. People injured in hit and run accidents have a unique chance to recover damages by filing a claim with their insurance companies. All you need is to properly file your car accident claim within the stipulated time and conditions as set by your insurance company.
Compensation in a hit and run accident lawsuit may cover:
- Lost wages
- Emotional trauma
- Lost future earnings
- Rehabilitation costs
- Property repair costs
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical pain and suffering
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
If a loved one is killed in an accident, you may file a wrongful death claim or survival action which allows you to recover damages directly suffered by the deceased such as lost wages, physical pain, and suffering as well as medical expenses. A wrongful death claim also compensates for damages suffered by surviving family members such as loss of consortium, loss of companionship, and funeral costs.
No one should have to suffer the consequences of an accident caused by a rogue driver alone. Our resourceful Houston hit and run accident attorneys could fight for justice even when the culpable parties are nowhere to be found.
What To Do After a Hit and Run Accident
While it may be difficult to remember some things after a hit and run accident, there are a few steps that will help you stay safe and also protect your rights.
- Remain at the scene.
- Call the local police department. An officer will be dispatched to investigate the crash and coordinate medical evacuation with paramedics for injured victims.
- Try to remember as much as you can. Write down everything starting with the color, license plates, and mode of the other vehicle.
- Never try to chase after a runaway driver, as this would pose further harm to you as well as other road users.
Finally, don’t forget to contact a Houston hit and run accident attorney to ensure you are on the right side of the law.
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Contact A Houston Hit and Run Accident Attorney To Fight for Justice
Hit and run accidents are not ordinary crashes. You need all your legal bases covered before you can start the claim process. Do not hesitate to contact a Houston hit and run accident lawyer for help with investigating your accident, establishing fault, tracking down the other driver, and of course, maximizing your claim.
Call or text (832) 346-9585 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
