Our League City, TX car accident attorneys advises you on the steps you need to take in the event of a hit and run accident.
Motor vehicle accidents can involve other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Injuries suffered in a crash or collision can impact your health and financial security, leaving you with heavy medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. When the other driver is responsible for a car accident, they can be held accountable through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Unfortunately, some drivers leave the scene to avoid responsibility. The following outlines some of the steps you need to take to protect yourself in the event a hit and run accident occurs.
When Hit and Run Accidents Happen
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), close to 800,000 hit and run accidents happen each year throughout the United States and Texas has one of the highest hit and run rates in the country. These accidents can leave other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists suffering serious injuries.
Hit and run accidents often occur as a result of reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, running red lights, driving distracted, or being under the influence. In addition to being at fault for a crash and hoping to avoid taking the blame, other factors that can make a driver more likely to leave the scene include:
- Driving without a valid license, insurance, or registration;
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Being engaged in other types of illegal activities;
- Avoiding an arrest warrant;
- Problems with immigration status.
If you are the victim of a hit and run, by no means should you attempt to apprehend the driver on your own. Doing so could put you at an even greater risk. Instead, make a mental note of the vehicle description and notify law enforcement immediately.
Protecting Yourself Against Hit and Run Drivers
Under the Texas Transportation Code, drivers have a legal duty to stop at the scene of accidents involving property damages or injuries. Failure to do so could result in criminal charges, in addition to any civil liability they face as a result of the crash. In addition to notifying police immediately and making note of the vehicle description, steps you can take to help protect yourself in a claim include:
- Make a note of exactly where and when the accident occurred.
- Look to see if any traffic signals or stores are nearby, which may have cameras that recorded the accident.
- Get the names of any witnesses at the scene who can provide valuable information about the hit and run vehicle and driver.
- Take photos of your damages and any injuries sustained, which can help you when filing a claim.
- Notify your insurer and check in frequently with the police officer assigned to your case.
Contact Our League City, TX Hit and Run Accident Attorney
At Scott M. Brown & Associates, we can conduct our own investigations to help you identify a hit and run driver so you can get the compensation you are entitled to in a claim. To request a consultation, contact our League City, TX car accident attorneys today.
