A hit and run accident is any motor vehicle accident in which the at-fault driver intentionally leaves the scene without providing his or her contact information. When a negligent or reckless driver makes the decision to flee the scene of an accident, your recovery process can become far more complicated. With these accidents, victims often have difficulty getting compensation for injuries or property damage because the offender has already left the scene.
In addition to civil lawsuits, those who leave the scene of an accident can also be charged with criminal offenses. The Texas Transportation Code outlines the required steps a driver must take after a car accident that results in injury or death, including:
- Stop the vehicle at the scene
- Return to the scene if you did not stop immediately
- Stop your vehicle without obstructing traffic
- Remain at the scene to render aid and/or to exchange vehicle and insurance information
Why Texas Drivers May Leave The Scene of an Accident
Finding a hit and run driver can be challenging, even though surveillance cameras and smartphones are capable of capturing car accidents. It is therefore crucial to call the police immediately after a Houston hit and run accident. Not only can law enforcement officers begin an investigation, a police report is important evidence in your injury claim.
Despite having laws in place to govern driver behavior, many Texas drivers will leave the scene of a car accident because:
- They don’t have auto insurance
- They don’t have a driver’s license
- They have an outstanding warrant for their arrest
- They have a suspended license
- They have a prior record of traffic violations
- They are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Auto Pedestrian Hit and Runs
Traffic accidents between vehicles and pedestrians are so common that one pedestrian is killed every 1.6 hours on our nation’s roads and highways, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian and flees the scene, this is also considered a hit and run accident. As a pedestrian, being hit by a car is terrifying, and the situation can become magnified should a reckless motorist speed away from the scene. Pedestrian hit-and-run victims may think they cannot pursue a claim for injury compensation if the driver fled the scene. By hiring a skilled Houston pedestrian hit-and-run attorney, you stand a better chance of obtaining financial compensation for your injuries.
Contact Our Houston Hit and Run Accident Lawyers
If you have been involved in a hit and run accident, our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the other driver. If the hit and run driver cannot be identified, we will explain how uninsured motorist (UM) coverage works and work with the insurance company to settle your claim. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Texas hit and run accident, we will fight for your rights. Contact our office today to set up a free consultation.
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