Houston Hit and Run Accident Lawyers

The impulse to flee the scene of a car accident is one of the most reckless and irresponsible decisions any driver can make. Whether driving under the influence, not having a valid license or car insurance, or driving a stolen vehicle, there are a number of reasons why a motorist might speed away from an accident, but they all mean one thing: breaking the law and putting innocent lives in danger.

For the driver and passengers left behind, being involved in a hit and run accident can leave victims feeling confused, angry, and frustrated as they grapple with the reality that they are not only involved in an accident but that they may be unable to receive financial assistance from the responsible driver’s insurance company to help pay for damages to the vehicle and themselves.

Fortunately, there is still hope. Victims of hit and run accidents may be able to take legal action and recover financial compensation. The Houston hit and run accident lawyers with Attorney Tom have dedicated their lives to helping car accident victims and want to do their part to hold these negligent drivers responsible.

For most drivers, the idea of leaving the scene of an accident where people may be injured and in need of medical assistance never crosses their minds. For others, the impulse to flee to avoid facing repercussions is strong and overtakes their conscience.

Unfortunately, hit and run accident deaths in the United States have hit an all-time high. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported that 2049 people died in hit and run crashes in 2016, a 62 percent increase from 2009.

And while some of these deaths involved pedestrians, the overall rising trend of hit and run accident deaths with multiple vehicles is troubling. When drivers leave the scene of a car crash without exchanging personal information with the other driver, he or she is breaking the law, while simultaneously making the discovery process incredibly difficult for the driver left behind.

Handling these types of cases on your own without an experienced and aggressive car accident attorney usually results in months of hard work with nothing to show for it. You need a team of legal experts with the resources, skills, and time to aggressively attack your case, chase down every lead and eventually hold the negligent driver responsible.

Attorney Tom is ready to handle your case and do everything we can to make sure the driver responsible for your accident doesn’t get away with it. We go to work every day to help the citizens of our community and we promise to dedicate all of our resources to properly investigate your case, follow every lead, and get you the compensation you deserve.

To learn more about how our Houston hit and run accident lawyers can get started on your case, contact us today by calling (713) 244-6363 for a free consultation.

Why I Need a Hit and Run Accident Attorney

Even with a decent description of the vehicle and a witness statement, there’s only so much most people can do with a hit and run accident investigation without the help of a legal professional.

A skilled and experienced hit and run accident attorney can take your investigation to the next level, dedicating the resources and time it takes to collect evidence, determine the cause of the accident, and in some cases, work with police and investigators to find the guilty driver who fled the scene.

If the driver is found, they will face criminal charges, but an aggressive car accident attorney will also help you file civil charges to seek reimbursement for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Whether the guilty driver is found or not, you need a car accident lawyer by your side to handle the complexities of the case so you can focus on your recovery. Whether it’s filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company or your own, a lawyer will ensure that you get a full and fair settlement, even if it means taking your case to trial.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Hit and Run Accident

A hit and run accident is defined as a driver leaving the scene of an accident without checking on the people involved or providing contact information. This can happen when a driver flees the scene of an accident with a motorist, bicyclist, or pedestrian, or when hitting an unoccupied, parked car without waiting for the owner to return or leaving contact information somewhere on the vehicle (usually the windshield).

Victims of hit and run accidents should know how to respond in order to increase the chances at finding the individual and receiving financial compensation.

It’s natural to feel angry immediately after a hit and run accident, but it’s imperative that you stay calm and never try and follow the driver. They just committed a crime and could be dangerous. Following them could cause them to panic, putting your safety in even more jeopardy. Additionally, if you leave the scene of the accident, you will not be able to gather important evidence and witness statements.

After calling 911, victims should write down as much information about the vehicle as possible. This includes the make, model, and color of the car, as well as the vehicle’s license plate number if you were able to get it before the vehicle sped away.

Making note of the exact time and location, as well as traffic conditions and any other details surrounding the scene can also help when you are reporting the accident to the police.

You should also check for any witnesses who were at the scene and ask for their contact information so your lawyer can follow up. If you aren’t seriously injured, try and get statements from them at the scene where their memories will be freshest.

Finally, take photographs of the accident scene and the surrounding area. The photos may not mean much to you, but to the police and an experienced car accident attorney, they can help piece together the story of your accident, and potentially provide leads for finding the responsible driver.

After leaving the scene of the accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you have any injuries. Some car accident injuries may not be evident right away, so it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional.

Does Car Insurance Cover Hit and Run Accidents?

Although all Texans are required by law to carry liability auto insurance, not all plans are created equal and cover the same types of accidents. In an effort to save money or get by with just the bare essentials, many auto insurance plans offer fairly limited coverage.

Whether you’re hit by a driver without insurance or whose insurance that doesn’t cover the damage to you or your vehicle, or you were hit by a driver that fled the scene of the accident, you may be stuck with tens of thousands of dollars in medical and car repair bills.

One way to prepare for the unexpected is through uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). Under Texas law, you should have this type of coverage unless you reject it in writing. This type of insurance can protect you in the event of hit and run accidents where the other driver isn’t found.

After filing a claim with your insurance company following a hit and run accident, an insurance adjuster will handle your claim just like any liability claim, complete with negotiating with the adjuster about the extent of your injuries and damages, and the amount of compensation you think you deserve.

However, even if you have UM/UIM car insurance, it’s important to consult with a car accident attorney before negotiating a settlement with your insurance company to ensure you receive the full amount you deserve. You may think your insurance company has your best interests at heart, but that is unfortunately not always the case. Some insurance companies deny claims or offer customers significantly less than they deserve for the damages they’ve suffered.

Contact a Houston Hit and Run Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries or you lost a loved one in a hit and run car accident in the Houston area, Attorney Tom wants to help you get the financial compensation you need to pay for medical bills and other expenses so you can move on with your life.

These types of crashes can cause long-term physical and emotional pain, but they shouldn’t also damage you financially. If the driver responsible for your accident left the scene and still hasn’t been found, don’t worry.

You are still eligible for financial compensation through your car insurance company and our team of attorneys are committed to making sure you get every dollar you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at (713) 244-6363 and let us help you reclaim your dignity and work to put this terrible incident behind you.