Like everywhere else in the United States, hit and run accidents are a matter of public safety concern in Texas. According to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, over 682,000 hit and run accidents occur each year. Of these numbers, 65% of deaths reported involve pedestrians and bicyclists. Any person can become a victim of these accidents, and if you are involved in such an accident, it’s equally important to know what your rights are.
If you suffered a life-threatening injury or lost a loved one in a hit and run accident, it’s not the end. There is still hope for justice if you consult a skilled and understanding Katy hit and run accident lawyer. Recovering maximum compensation for our clients has been a strong guiding value at Lone Star Injury Attorneys. Our dedicated car accident lawyers leave no stone unturned to ensure that parties in the wrong are held accountable for their actions.
Texas is among the many states that have hit and run laws in place. Although they are enforced to the letter criminally, more people continue to fall victim to these accidents. These laws require that any party involved in an accident remain at the scene regardless of who is at fault. These requirements are enshrined in the revised Texas Statutes Section 550.021. Ignoring these statutes may result in criminal and civil charges.
Some of the requirements of these laws include:
If someone struck your property in your absence, they are also required to locate you or leave a note indicating their contact information. Failure to do this opens the possibility for criminal action against them. After a hit and run accident, you may also file civil charges with the help of a trial-experienced lawyer in Katy.
If you are a victim of a hit and run accident, you should watch out for your safety. The first thing you do should be to check yourself for injuries. If you have been severely injured, have someone call an ambulance. But if you are able, remain at the scene and call the police. Remember as many details as you can about the driver who fled the scene. You may record the vehicle model and color, as well as the plates if you have them. Before your hit and run collision attorney arrives at the scene, take photos and videos of the scene and your injuries.
Like other states, Texas has greatly evolved when it comes to personal injury law and how the compensation processes work. Some states would bar you from filing a claim if you contributed to your injuries in any way. But that’s not the case in Texas. With the right lawyer, it’s possible to recover a beneficial outcome even if you were partly to blame for the hit and run accident.
Your degree of fault must fall at 49% or below. Anything above that will likely disqualify you from seeking compensation. Your attorney will help you determine if you are eligible for settlement by looking into the circumstances that led to the accident and your injuries. If your lawyer can show that the other party bears the highest degree of fault, he or she will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Unfortunately, hit and run drivers who flee the scene can be difficult to track down. Some are never caught. Regardless, you may still have available options for recovering compensation. One of the common ways is filing a claim with your insurance company. This helps you recover damages for lost wages, past and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, property repair costs, pain and suffering, and other related losses. But since not all victims have uninsured motorist coverage, it’s in your best interests that you speak with our Katy hit and run accident attorney as soon as possible.
A hit and run accident is not your ordinary crash. Numerous statutes come into play and without the necessary legal knowledge, it may be difficult to bring your claim forward and achieve full justice for your injuries. Our Katy hit and run accident lawyers are here to help you track down the reckless driver and hold them accountable for your losses. Schedule a free case evaluation today by calling us today.
