Like everywhere else in the United States, hit and run accidents are a significant public safety concern in Texas. According to research conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, there are over 682,000 hit and run accidents occurring each year. Shockingly, 65% of reported deaths in these accidents involve pedestrians and bicyclists. These accidents can victimize anyone, making it crucial to be aware of your rights if you find yourself involved in such an incident.
If you have suffered a life-threatening injury or lost a loved one in a hit and run accident, there is still hope for justice. Consulting a skilled and compassionate Katy hit and run accident lawyer can make all the difference. At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, our dedicated car accident lawyers prioritize recovering maximum compensation for our clients and steadfastly pursue holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions. No stone is left unturned in our quest for justice.
What State Laws Say About Hit and Run Accidents
Texas is among the many states that have hit and run laws in place. Although these laws are enforced strictly from a criminal standpoint, hit and run accidents continue to victimize more people. The laws mandate that any party involved in an accident must remain at the scene, regardless of fault. These requirements are outlined in the revised Texas Statutes Section 550.021. Failure to comply with these statutes may result in both criminal and civil charges.
Some of the requirements under these laws include:
- Pulling the vehicle over close to the accident scene
- Remaining at the scene
- Assessing the extent of damages caused
- Rendering necessary assistance to injured victims
- Exchanging contact information with parties involved
- Calling the police if someone is killed
If someone damages your property in your absence, they are also obligated to locate you or leave a note with their contact information. Failure to do so could lead to criminal action against them. After a hit and run accident, you may also file civil charges with the assistance of a trial-experienced lawyer in Katy.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accident lawyer serving Katy, call (832) 449-8230
Steps to Take After an At-Fault Driver Flees the Scene
If you are a victim of a hit and run accident, your safety should be your primary concern. The first thing to do is check yourself for injuries. If you are severely injured, ask someone to call an ambulance. If you are able, remain at the scene and call the police. Try to recall as many details as possible about the driver who fled. Record the vehicle model and color, and if possible, the license plate number. Before your hit and run collision attorney arrives at the scene, take photos and videos of the accident site and your injuries.
Katy Hit And Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
I Was Partly At Fault, Do I Have a Claim?
Unlike some other states, Texas has evolved significantly in terms of personal injury law and compensation processes. In some states, you may be barred from filing a claim if you contributed to your injuries in any way. However, this is not the case in Texas. With the right lawyer, it is possible to pursue a beneficial outcome even if you were partly at fault for the hit and run accident.
Your degree of fault must be 49% or below. Anything above that may disqualify you from seeking compensation. Your attorney will assist you in determining if you are eligible for a settlement by examining the circumstances that led to the accident and your injuries. If your lawyer can demonstrate that the other party bears the highest degree of fault, they will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
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What If the Driver is Never Found?
Unfortunately, hit and run drivers who flee the scene can be difficult to track down, and some are never caught. Nevertheless, you may still have available options for recovering compensation. One common approach is filing a claim with your insurance company. This allows you to recover damages for lost wages, past and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, property repair expenses, pain and suffering, and other related losses. However, since not all victims have uninsured motorist coverage, it is in your best interests to speak with our Katy hit and run accident attorney as soon as possible.
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I Need a Katy Hit and Run Accident Attorney
A hit and run accident is far from your ordinary crash. Numerous statutes come into play, and without the necessary legal knowledge, it may be challenging to bring your claim forward and attain full justice for your injuries. Our Katy hit and run accident lawyers are here to assist you in tracking down the reckless driver and holding them accountable for your losses. Schedule a free case evaluation today by calling us.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form