At the Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston car accident and injury attorneys know that not all Texas traffic collisions end in a straightforward insurance claim for the damages. In many cases, hit-and-run accidents leave Texas residents injured or tragically killed without the at-fault driver being held accountable.
According to AAA, Texas has the eighth-highest number of hit-and-run accidents in the United States, averaging 181 fatal hit-and-runs per year.
If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Texas, it’s essential to know the steps to take to protect your rights and pursue a personal injury claim.
Here, our Harris County auto accident lawyers explain the steps you should take directly after a hit-and-run crash and the avenues to explore for your complete compensation needs.
What Steps Should I Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Texas?
Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Texas can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, following these steps can help protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
- Call the Police
Contact the police immediately to report the hit-and-run. Provide them with as much information as possible about the other vehicle, such as the make, model, color, and any part of the license plate number you remember. Request a police report. This will be critical evidence when pursuing a personal injury claim. Make sure to get a copy for your records.
- Document the Scene
If it’s safe, take photos of the scene, your vehicle’s damage, and other relevant details. Photos can serve as valuable evidence. Ask for their contact information if there were any witnesses to the accident. Their statements can help support your claim.
- Seek Medical Care Immediately
Seeking medical care immediately after a hit-and-run crash is crucial because it ensures that any injuries, even those not immediately apparent, are correctly diagnosed and treated. Still, it also creates a critical medical record supporting your insurance claim or any potential legal action.
Additionally, having a documented medical evaluation can be essential when proving the extent of your injuries to your insurance company or in court, helping to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Seek Legal Advice
Given the complexities of hit-and-run cases, consulting with our Texas personal injury attorneys is advisable. We can help you understand your legal options, deal with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
We will help you gather and organize evidence to support your claim, including medical records, witness statements, and surveillance footage, before pursuing your insurance coverage for the damages you suffered in the hit-and-run crash.
Can I Pursue My Personal Insurance Coverage for Damages from a Hit and Run Accident with Injuries in Texas?
You can pursue insurance coverage for damages from a hit-and-run accident with injuries in Texas.
Here’s how it typically works:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
In Texas, if you have Uninsured Motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, you can file a claim under this coverage for damages and injuries resulting from a hit-and-run accident. Hit-and-run drivers are treated similarly to uninsured drivers since their identity is unknown.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Texas also offers Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which can help cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault. This can be particularly useful in a hit-and-run scenario where the at-fault driver is not identified.
- Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage
If you have MedPay coverage, it can also help cover your medical expenses resulting from the accident, regardless of fault.
Texas law does not require coverage for uninsured motorists (UM) or underinsured motorists (UIM). However, insurance companies are required to offer it when you purchase car insurance, and Texas will automatically add $30,000 of UM/UIM coverage to your policy unless you decline in writing.
If your insurance company claims you don’t have UM/UIM coverage, they must have a copy of your signed written rejection. If they can’t find it, you have UM/UIM coverage at the minimum limits, even if you didn’t pay for it.
Pursuing a claim through your auto insurance policy after a hit-and-run crash can be just as challenging as proving liability in an accident where the other driver stays because, without the at-fault party, insurers may scrutinize your claim more closely, questioning the details and the extent of your injuries.
The lack of a clear liable party often leads to disputes over the coverage applicability, especially when filing under Uninsured Motorist or other related provisions.
Our Houston personal injury lawyers can help you navigate these complexities and protect your rights throughout the process, making it easier to overcome the hurdles posed by a hit-and-run situation.
Contact Our Lawyer at Hollingsworth Law Firm Today
Contact our dedicated Houston auto accident attorneys at the Hollingsworth Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. Call 713-637-4560 or contact us online.
Our skilled bilingual personal injury lawyers and support staff represent clients throughout Texas on a contingency basis, so you never pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
If you are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, so are we. Let us take the lead.
