Being involved in a collision with a motorcycle, truck, or car can have devastating consequences. The financial burden of receiving necessary medical treatment for your injuries can be overwhelming. Many victims of auto wrecks often wonder, “Can I receive compensation for my damages?” A Missouri City hit and run accident lawyer can provide answers to such questions. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a hit-and-run accident occurs every 43 seconds in the United States.
If you have been involved in a collision, it is likely that you have incurred various losses that come with financial costs. For instance, your laptop or phone may have been damaged in the accident, or your vehicle may require repairs. Additionally, you may have sustained bodily injuries that necessitate medical attention. All of these expenses can be significant, especially if you lack health insurance coverage. Fortunately, our committed team of car accident attorneys is here to assist you.
Who Will Be Responsible for Compensating my Damages if the Driver Leaves the Scene?
If you were walking on the streets and a car struck you, the driver can be directly held accountable for the accident. However, it is important to note that not all drivers who flee the scene of an accident are automatically considered at-fault. Even though they commit an illegal act by leaving, it does not automatically mean that your insurance company (or, if the other driver is identified, their insurance company) will agree that someone else is 100% responsible for the crash.
For this reason, it is advisable to consult with a local hit and run accident lawyer who can help determine the party or parties at fault for your damages and explore your options for seeking compensation. It is possible that the driver acted impulsively due to an adrenaline rush at the time of the crash or was attempting to avoid colliding with something else before hitting you. Understanding their potential arguments is crucial before proceeding with litigation.
Regardless of the circumstances, there are potential sources from which you may receive compensation for your damages, including:
Your Insurance Company
Many individuals in the United States and around the world have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which is typically included as part of their auto insurance policy. To remove this coverage, you must sign a waiver. By paying regular premiums on a monthly or yearly basis, your insurance company is obligated to cover all or part of your treatment costs related to a hit and run incident.
However, not all insurance companies act in good faith. Some may dismiss your claims or delay payment. These actions are often referred to as acts of bad faith. If you find yourself in this situation, you may feel that your health is at risk, especially when you have to make upfront medical payments before receiving treatment. To prevent this, it is advisable to consult with a lawyer experienced in handling hit and run collisions.
The Driver Who Hit You
The driver who fled the scene is the most appropriate defendant in a car accident case. They are directly responsible for the collision and are required to cover the damages resulting from your injury. Their insurance company will likely step in to provide compensation.
However, if the driver was uninsured at the time of the accident, they may have to personally bear the financial burden of compensating you, or you may need to rely on your own uninsured motorist coverage. Our lawyer will assist in evaluating the best party to pursue a lawsuit against between these two options.
The Car Owner
If the driver who hit you was operating someone else’s vehicle, there may be grounds to sue the car owner. It can be argued that the owner has a responsibility to entrust their vehicle to competent and properly trained drivers. Therefore, if the driver who hit you was clearly reckless or lacked proper training, the car owner can be held liable to compensate you.
The Driver’s Employer
If you have been injured in a hit and run incident involving an employee who was working at the time, you may also have grounds to file a claim against the driver’s employer. Many motorists are on the road representing their employers, and when they cause harm, their employer shares in the responsibility. Business owners have a duty to maintain high standards of safe driving practices among their employees.
Regrettably, some employees may resort to intoxication in order to stay awake and energized throughout their workday. However, substances like alcohol can impair their judgment, making them more prone to causing accidents and potentially choosing to flee the scene.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accident lawyer serving Missouri City, call (832) 449-8230
Filing a Hit and Run Accident Lawsuit in Missouri City
Like any other personal injury case, filing a lawsuit for a vehicle collision requires adherence to a set of rules. You must provide evidence demonstrating that the accident occurred and caused physical harm, disrupting your normal way of life. While this may seem straightforward, there are legal procedures that necessitate the assistance of a hit and run accident attorney in your area.
The process of collecting, preserving, evaluating, and presenting evidence in a hit and run case can be challenging and time-consuming. Furthermore, all these steps must be completed within a specific timeframe specified by the statute of limitations. Failure to file your lawsuit within the designated time limit may result in the loss of your ability to proceed with your case.
Missouri City Hit And Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Call a Missouri City Hit and Run Accident Attorney Today
If you have sustained injuries in an auto wreck that was not your fault, you deserve to be fully compensated. A Missouri City hit and run accident lawyer from our firm can provide assistance. At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we always prioritize your interests. Contact us today online to schedule your free consultation.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form