A hit-and-run accident can be a terrifying experience, leaving victims not only with physical and emotional pain but also with the added stress of the unknown. If you've been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Wichita Falls or Dallas, it’s essential to understand your rights and how to protect yourself moving forward.
What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run is when a driver causes an accident and then immediately flees the scene. In Texas, leaving the scene of an accident is not only unethical but also illegal. The law requires all drivers involved in accidents to stop, provide information, and offer help to those who are injured.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run
- Ensure Safety: The first thing to do is get to safety. Check yourself and any others for injuries and if necessary, call an ambulance for assistance.
- Contact Police: Call 911 immediately to report the accident. Police will come to the scene and create an accident report, which will be critical in your pursuit of any insurance or legal claim.
- Collect Evidence: Take note of any details regarding the accident. Take photos of the scene and note if there are any surveillance cameras surrounding the area. This may help in identifying the at-fault driver. Additionally, talk to any witnesses who may have seen the accident. Be sure to collect their information.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don't think you’ve been seriously injured, seeing a doctor is crucial. Injuries from car accidents can often surface hours or even days later.
Understanding Your Rights After a Hit-and-Run Accident
In Texas, the law protects victims of hit-and-run accidents, but recovering compensation can be challenging. Your rights largely depend on the circumstances of the accident, but here are some important points to consider:
- Insurance Coverage: In hit and run accidents, you may be forced to utilize your own auto insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection coverage can help cover medical expenses and damages caused by a hit-and-run. If the driver is later identified, their insurance may cover your losses.
- Health Insurance: Victims of hit-and-run accidents may be forced to utilize their own health insurance coverage to cover the costs of their medical bills associated with the accident.
- Legal Recourse: While you may feel helpless in a hit-and-run case, having an experienced car accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference. A lawyer can help you pursue compensation from your own insurance, as well as assist in tracking down the responsible driver.
Contact a Wichita Falls and Dallas Car Accident Lawyer
If you or anyone you know has been in a car accident in Wichita Falls or Dallas, contact our car accident lawyer either by calling one of the numbers listed below or filling out our contact form. For Wichita Falls car accidents, contact us at 940-569-4000. For Dallas car accidents, contact us 945-295-0014. We will give you a free evaluation of your case and offer you helpful information on how to proceed.