In the state of Texas, hit-and-run accidents are considered serious offenses. This occurs when drivers leave the scene of an accident without taking time to identify themselves to the other parties involved or the police. This also involves not helping individuals who may have been injured or even killed because of the accident.
Suppose you happen to be a victim of a Corpus Christi hit-and-run accident. In that case, you need to take time to notice and remember as much as you can about the situation to help increase the likelihood you will find the at-fault driver and simplify the insurance claim process.
It is also important to contact personal injury attorneys near me to receive assistance with your situation.
Steps to Take After a Texas Hit-and-Run Accident
After being involved in an accident where the at-fault party doesn’t stop, it is important to get to safety first. Be sure to check on everyone in your car and in any other cars that may have been hit or involved. If possible, get your vehicle off the road and out of traffic to prevent further issues and contact the police if someone has been injured.
If you are sure everyone is safe and there are no serious accidents, you need to begin gathering information about what happened, including the vehicle and driver that hit you. The more information you can gather, the more the police will have to use to try and find the at-fault driver.
What to Record After a Hit-and-Run Accident
It is a good idea to write down anything you can remember about the accident, if possible, while it is still fresh and on your mind. Some of the information you should record after this type of accident includes:
- The location and specific circumstances of the accident
- Description or make and model of the at-fault vehicle
- License plate number
- Driver description
- Any identifying marks or details on the vehicle
It may not be possible to record all this information, but if you remember anything, write it down before you forget.
Get in Touch with the Police
As mentioned above, it is also necessary to contact the local law enforcement if they are not at the accident. These individuals are trained for these types of situations and can collect evidence related to the hit-and-run accident you were involved in to help determine who did it.
While on the scene, the police will take time to interview the witnesses and gather contact information. If there are any homes or businesses close to where the accident occurred, the police will see if there is any security footage of what happened. This is an effective way to find who is at-fault and ensure they are held responsible for their actions.
Even if you were not in the vehicle when it was hit, but you discover this happened while you were parked, it is best to take the same steps mentioned above.
Recovering Compensation After a Corpus Christi Hit-and-Run Accident
If you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident in Texas, you may be facing an overwhelming situation. Not only do you have to deal with potential injuries and damage to your vehicle, but you also have the additional burden of making a claim alone, without any input or cooperation from the at-fault driver.
This usually results in the question – who is going to pay for everything that happened?
Unfortunately, there are many Corpus Christi hit-and-run accidents where the driver who is to blame is never identified. Because of this, it will be up to you to cover the costs. This is why having Underinsured Motorist or Uninsured Motorist coverage is highly recommended. In some situations, even with this coverage, it may not be enough to cover all related costs.
In this situation, finding and hiring personal injury attorneys near me is one of the smartest moves you can make.
It is also important to note that the police will use their report, witness testimony, and the information you provide to attempt to find the at-fault driver. If they successfully find the individual, the attorney you have hired can start the claims process with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In some cases, you can file a lawsuit directly against the driver to recover damages from the accident that occurred.
If it is found that the hit-and-run driver was distracted or intoxicated while behind the wheel, it may be possible to sue them and receive punitive damages. This is on top of the compensation you get for the damage to your vehicle and your injuries.
You Aren’t Alone: Find and Hire Personal Injury Attorneys Near Me
There’s no question that hit-and-run accidents can be difficult and overwhelming. If you need help or have questions about your case, reach out to the legal team at The Burkett Law Firm by calling 361-882-8822.