Hit and Run Accidents in San Antonio

Hit and run accidents, which may also be referred to as leaving the scene of an accident, occurs when someone is accused of not stopping after a car crash that involves property damage, injury or death. In the state of Texas, this offense can be a very serious criminal charge. Where a charge falls on the spectrum between misdemeanor and felony will depend on the severity of the damage or injury that’s caused by the accident.

Steps for to Take After a Hit and Run Accident

The Texas Transportation Code is clear about what steps a driver should take after an accident. This code covers several different types of accidents, including ones that involve injury or death, an occupied vehicle, an unattended vehicle, or fixtures. While each scenario has details that differ slightly, the big takeaway is that drivers always need to stop. If another driver is present, both must show their license upon request. And if another driver isn’t present, the one who crashed into a parked vehicle or other property is responsible for finding the owner.

What to do if You’re a Victim of a Hit and Run Accident

Although the state of Texas takes hit and run accidents very seriously and can charge an individual with a third-degree felony if they leave the scene of an accident that involves serious injury or death, those measures don’t immediately help someone who’s the victim of this offense. If you’re seriously injured in this kind of accident or a loved one is killed by a hit and run driver, you should speak with a San Antonio car wreck attorney. By obtaining a free consultation, you’ll be able to get an expert to review your case and provide trustworthy information about what kind of rights you have moving forward.

While it’s always best to get in touch with a lawyer sooner rather than later, there are two things that victims of a hit and run accident should do even sooner. The first is to call police to the scene of the accident. This will ensure that the accident is properly documented, and also provide police with a chance to find witnesses who may have information about the driver that fled the scene.

The other action that’s important to take as soon as possible is visiting a doctor. A doctor will be able to fully examine you and identify all your injuries. Since internal injuries are quite common with car accidents, it’s important to let a professional see you instead of assuming you know exactly where you were hurt.

Compensation for Bodily Injuries, Pain and Suffering, Lost Wages and Medical Bills

There are a lot of expenses that can arise for victims of hit and run accidents. If you’re in this position, a San Antonio car accident lawyer can fight on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve for bodily injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages and medical bills. For a free consultation, contact our office today.

What to Do After a Hit and Run in San Antonio

The moments after a hit and run are critical. First, stay at the scene and call 911 to report the accident. Do not chase the fleeing driver, as this puts you and others at risk. While waiting for police, write down everything you remember about the other vehicle, including the make, model, color, license plate number or partial plate, and the direction it was traveling. Ask any witnesses for their contact information and check nearby businesses for security cameras that may have captured the incident. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as many injuries do not show symptoms immediately.

How to Recover Compensation After a Hit and Run

Even when the at-fault driver flees, you still have options for recovering compensation. If police locate the driver, you can file a claim against their liability insurance. If the driver is never found, your own uninsured motorist coverage can pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to your policy limits. Texas law does not require uninsured motorist coverage, but it is one of the most valuable protections you can carry on your auto policy.

Texas Hit and Run Laws and Penalties

Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Texas under Transportation Code Section 550.022. If the hit and run results in injury, the fleeing driver faces felony charges with penalties of up to five years in prison and fines up to ten thousand dollars. If someone is killed, the penalties increase to up to twenty years. Beyond criminal penalties, a hit and run driver faces civil liability for all damages they caused, and the fact that they fled can be used as evidence of fault in your injury claim.

Why You Need a Hit and Run Attorney

Hit and run cases require thorough investigation to identify the fleeing driver or maximize your uninsured motorist claim. Our San Antonio car accident lawyers work with accident reconstruction experts, review surveillance footage, coordinate with law enforcement, and handle all insurance negotiations on your behalf. If the other driver is found, we pursue them aggressively for full compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation about your hit and run accident.

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