According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were over 200,000 people injured in car accidents in the state in 2021. More than 15,000 people involved in car accidents that year were seriously injured. Based on 2021 data, there is at least one reported crash every minute.
Are you one of the thousands of people that have been injured in a hit-and-run car accident in Texas? This guide will discuss everything you should know and do after this occurs. Keep reading to know your rights and learn how to be prepared in case of an accident.
Know the Texas Hit-And-Run Laws
It’s important to know the laws surrounding hit-and-runs in your state, even if you’re the most careful driver and have never been involved in a car accident. According to the Texas Transportation Code, drivers who cause a car accident are required to stop, provide assistance to anyone injured, and exchange information with the other person involved.
A hit-and-run driver involved in a car accident involving serious injury or death will be subject to felony charges. A hit-and-run driver can face jail time and/or fines for less serious injuries caused by an accident. Driving away from the scene with vehicle damage will still result in misdemeanor charges.
Check on Your Passengers
Being involved in an accident can be a scary thing, no matter how minor it is. It’s important to remain calm in this situation so you can help anyone who needs it.
The first thing you have to do after a car accident is to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If everyone in your car is okay, you’ll then have to make sure you’re in a safe place. If the other driver hit your car and drove off leaving you in the middle of a busy intersection it might be best to move over to the shoulder.
Use your hazard lights to slowly drive your car to the shoulder and wait for the police. Remain at the scene of the accident if you and you’re car can’t safely move to the shoulder of the road.
Call Emergency Services
Once you know that everyone’s safe, the next step is to call emergency services. You’ll need to talk to the police and file a report of the hit-and-run.
This report can help you track down the person who caused the accident. You’ll also need this report when filing your insurance claim. This will make it easier to get compensation for any damages.
An ambulance should be called if there are any injuries. You should consider going to the hospital even if you don’t have any visible injuries.
Some injuries don’t appear right away, and a doctor can help you determine whether you’ll need further care. Keeping these records will help in your case against the hit-and-run driver.
Take Notes and Photos
The rush of emotions you feel after an accident can make it difficult to remember important details. It’s important to take as many notes as you can, however.
Jot down anything you can remember while you wait for the police to arrive. The car’s make, model, and color can help law enforcement find the driver responsible for the crash. Partial license plate numbers or the name of the state that issued the plate can help as well.
Take photos of the damage to your car. Paint scrapes on your car or parts that fell off the other driver’s car can become important evidence in your case. Take photos of any visible injuries you sustain.
Talk to any witnesses that saw the accident occur. They might remember vital information that can help law enforcement.
File an Insurance Claim
Once you’ve collected all the evidence and documentation possible, you’ll want to file a car accident claim with your insurance company. The information you provide can help get the compensation you need for medical bills, car repair costs, and lost wages.
Your insurance representative will let you know what coverage your policy offers for a hit-and-run accident. In some cases, you might not get all the compensation you deserve if the hit-and-run driver isn’t caught.
If this is the case, you might want to consider taking legal action.
Get In Contact With an Attorney
You should consider hiring a lawyer after a hit-and-run accident. A personal injury lawyer will help you navigate the complicated process of getting compensation through your insurance provider if you’re having difficulty doing it yourself.
An attorney is also beneficial to have when the hit-and-run driver has been caught. They’ll help ensure you get the justice you deserve and maximize the compensation you get for damages.
Let your lawyers fight for you so you can focus on recovering physically and mentally. The attorneys at Heard can provide any of the legal services you need.
Take These Steps After a Hit-And-Run Car Accident in Houston
It’s important to know what to do in case you’re involved in a hit-and-run car accident in Texas. You should understand the Texas car accident laws so you know what kind of justice you deserve.
Getting the medical treatment you need, collecting the proper information, and filling in the right reports are crucial steps in the process. Working with an attorney can also help you get the compensation you deserve for the damages you’ve incurred after the accident.
Contact the attorneys at Heard if you’ve been in a hit-and-run accident in the Houston area. Request a consultation today and learn how we can help you through this process.
