Every day, car crashes happen across Houston. Fortunately, most of these crashes are minor, but there is a potential for victims to suffer from severe injuries.
Sometimes, hit and run accidents occur, where the drivers responsible for the collision flees the scene. Being involved in a hit and run can be particularly frustrating because the liable driver is responsible for your medical expenses and other damages caused by the crash but cannot be held accountable. There were 2,049 reported hit-and-run fatalities across the country in 2016, the highest figure ever recorded.
When you are injured in a Houston hit and run accident, there are some things you should do to protect your legal rights. A qualified Houston car wreck attorney at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD can help you protect your rights after being injured by a hit-and-run driver.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
When a driver intentionally leaves the scene of an accident, it is known as a hit and run. Under Texas state law, all drivers are required to stop adn render aid whenever they are involved in a collision resulting in injury or death. The Texas Transportation Code mandates that all drivers stop at the scene of a crash or immediately return to the scene to provide injury assistance. The driver is also required to provide his or her name and address, registration number of the vehicle, and insurance information. The driver is also required to notify law enforcement of the crash.
It is a criminal offense when a driver fails to stop at the scene of a crash, and it is punishable with fines and a jail sentence if convicted.
Why do Drivers Leave the Scene of a Crash?
There are many reasons why a driver would flee the scene of a crash. A common reason is that the person is intoxicated or under the influence.
In some cases, drivers may not have auto insurance coverage or a valid driver’s license. The driver may have an outstanding arrest warrant or be an undocumented immigrant in fear of deportation.
A driver may attempt to “hit and run” because he or she does not want to face the potential penalties of the crash. Eventually, the driver is likely to be located due to local surveillance cameras and witnesses from the scene of the accident.
What Do I Do After Being Injured in a Hit and Run?
After being involved in a collision, such as a crash at a red light where the driver flees the scene, you should not take matters into your own hands. Pursuing the driver could be dangerous. Just write down the make, model, color, and other definable characters of the vehicle involved.
If you are able to see the license plate, write it down, or take a quick photo. Contact law enforcement and wait for them to arrive to make an accident report. The police will obtain statements from you and any witnesses at the scene. They may also review the crash site to locate any cameras that may have recorded the accident. When it is safe to do so, you should take photos of the scene as well as any damages to your vehicle.
Visit your physician or the emergency room for immediate medical treatment. The authorities will start looking for the other vehicle and try to locate the at-fault driver.
The driver may owe you compensation for your medical expenses and other damages associated with the crash, such as lost income and pain and suffering. Hit and run crash victims in Houston should not delay.
If the police cannot locate the other driver, your auto insurance policy may be able to help if you have uninsured motorist coverage included with your plan. A qualified car crash attorney in Houston can help you take the necessary steps to recover after being injured in a hit and run.
Houston Car Accident Attorneys
After being injured in a car accident, victims are often overwhelmed and frustrated. Texas crash victims may not know what to do next in order to pursue deserved compensation. West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD has the knowledge and experience to make sure your case is treated fairly and that the liable party is held responsible. When you have been injured in an accident, your focus should be on healing yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally so you can return to your normal life. Contact our offices today at 713-840-7200 to discuss your case with a qualified Houston personal injury lawyer.
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