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Dealing with the consequences of a car accident can be difficult, particularly when the other driver takes off. In Texas, hit and runs are a crime, but they still happen all the time. You may have questions about your potential to recover financially for your damages if you were injured in a hit and run accident in Houston.
Hit and runs may occur when the driver panics or has a reason to avoid dealing with an accident, such as an expired license or drunk driving. If the other driver leaves without dealing with the accident, you should call 911, speak with any witnesses, and seek medical attention. Whether or not the other driver is caught, you can still likely recover for your injuries or the damage to your car.
You should never have to engage with the recovery process after a hit and run without the help of an experienced Houston hit and run accident lawyer. At The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., we can offer you a free initial consultation on your case to determine what steps you can take to get justice. To hear more, schedule your first appointment for free by calling us at (817) 476-1797.
Reasons for Hit and Run Accidents in Houston
The law in the State of Texas requires drivers to stop in case of an accident. However, drivers may not choose to obey this law and leave you stranded after an accident. This may be due to several factors. Below are some of the most common causes for drivers fleeing the scene after an accident:
- No insurance coverage
- No license
- Revoked license
- Outstanding warrants
- Driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Recovering Compensation After a Hit and Run in Houston
If you were injured or your car was damaged in a hit and run, you might reasonably be worried about your ability to get compensated. If the other driver is found and identified, you should have no issue to sue the driver and recover from their insurance provider. If the other driver is not identified or lacks insurance, you should still be able to recover from your own insurer or through a lawsuit against the other driver. If your insurance company gives you a hard time or denies coverage, you should speak to one of our Houston hit and run accident lawyers today.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Houston
Car accidents can happen fast, and it is not always easy to think straight in the immediate aftermath. However, bearing in mind some key steps to take can help put yourself in the best position to recover.
Take Photos
If possible, try to get a picture or video of the other driver’s car as it leaves the scene. If this is not possible, try your best to remember and write down the make, model, and color of the other driver’s car as well as any partial license plate information you can see. You should also take pictures of your vehicle and the surrounding area, but this can wait until later.
Call 911
Report your accident as soon as possible. You should tell the dispatcher as much about the other vehicle as possible, as they will search the surrounding area for the other driver. You should also ask them to send an ambulance to deal with any critical injuries that you or anyone else sustained in the accident.
Talk to Witnesses
Eyewitnesses to the accident might remember even more than you do. They may have seen the accident happen or have a description of the other driver that can help identify who hit you. You may not need them, but if you do, you should get their contact information, just in case.
Seek Medical Attention
Even when you don’t believe you suffered an injury, you should still get medical assistance whenever you are involved in a car accident. Many injuries common to car accidents may not be evident immediately. Without treatment, these issues can become worse and even life-threatening if undetected.
Houston Law on Hit and Run Accidents
According to the state transportation code, Houston drivers who are involved in car accidents are required to take certain measures at the scene of the accident.
The driver must return to or remain at the scene of the accident and provide relevant personal, contact, and insurance information. If the driver causes damage to an unoccupied vehicle, the driver must make reasonable efforts to locate the owner. If unsuccessful, the driver must leave a note including a description of the accident and the driver’s contact information.
Failing to do any of the above may result in charges ranging from misdemeanor to felony. Hit and run suspects are subject to arrest pending a procedural decision from a judge. Below are the relevant penalties for the various charges of hit and run in Houston:
- Class C misdemeanors carry fines up to $500.
- Class B misdemeanors carry up to six months jail time.
- Felony hit and runs carry up to five years in prison and fine up to $5,000.
- Third-degree felonies carry up to ten years in prison.
Even though these penalties are severe, drivers may instinctually flee the scene, leaving you in danger. If you were a hit and run victim, speak to one of our Houston hit and run accident lawyers today.
Injured in a Hit and Run? The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. Can Help
At The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., our experienced Houston hit and run accident lawyers have the experience and resources necessary to help our clients recover for their injuries. To hear more about our services and your case for free, call us at (817) 476-1797.