While recovering from any car accident in Laredo is a difficult process, being the victim of a hit-and-run is especially traumatic. If the at-fault driver flees the scene, you may not know who to hold responsible for your injuries, medical costs and property repairs. In this situation, it can benefit you to hire a skilled car accident attorney in Laredo.
How Can a Laredo Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Help After an Accident?
A Laredo drunk driving accident attorney can play a crucial role in helping you recover from a hit-and-run crash physically, emotionally, and financially. Your Laredo hit and run accident lawyer can conduct a comprehensive investigation and work with law enforcement in an effort to identify the driver who hit you.
Even if the hit-and-run driver remains anonymous, however, your lawyer can explore all of your legal options for recovering financial compensation. This may include a claim with your own insurance company or against a third party.
Your Laredo aggressive accident attorney can handle an insurance claim on your behalf to negotiate for full compensation for your past and future losses. If necessary, your lawyer can file a lawsuit to achieve the best possible results for your case. In the meantime, you will be connected to top doctors in Laredo to ensure your health and well-being.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident is a motor vehicle collision where one of the drivers leaves the scene without stopping to exchange contact information or render aid to those injured. In Texas, this is a criminal offense that can have serious legal consequences. It is a felony to flee the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or death.
Under Texas Transportation Code § 550.021, all drivers have a responsibility to immediately stop their vehicles at the scene of a collision or return to the scene if they don’t stop at the scene. They are required to determine whether someone involved requires aid, as well as give information such as their name, address and insurance information.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you get involved in a car accident and the other driver flees the scene without stopping or providing information, it is important to know what to do after the accident. Call 911 to report the crash to the police. Even if the collision appears minor, the police can investigate and may find evidence that allows them to identify the hit-and-run driver.
If you’ve been injured, get medical care by calling an ambulance or going to the nearest hospital. Write the details of the crash down while they are still fresh in your mind. Record everything you can remember about the other driver, including the make or color of the vehicle, a description of the driver, and partial license plate numbers.
Look for witnesses who may have more information about the hit-and-run driver. Take photographs and videos at the scene before you leave, and check for nearby surveillance cameras. Then, call your car insurance company to report the hit-and-run accident and begin the claims process. We don’t recommend talking to the other parties’ insurance without consulting our accident lawyer.
Can I Still Secure Compensation if the At-Fault Driver Flees?
Yes, it is still possible to receive financial compensation for your losses if the at-fault driver flees the scene. Start by contacting your own car insurance company, which may cover your losses through uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. You may also have medical payment or collision coverage available to help pay for damages.
It may be possible to bring a claim against a third party, as well. If a roadway defect contributed to the crash, for example, you may have grounds to take legal action against the government for poor road maintenance. A motor vehicle part defect could also give you the right to file a product liability claim. A personal injury lawyer in Laredo can help you explore all of your legal options.