Houston Hit and Run Lawyer

According to Texan law, drivers must stay at the scene after an accident involving motor vehicles on the Houston roads. Drivers should exchange information and ensure that the appropriate medical care is arranged for injured individuals.

However, during the chaotic and stressful aftermath of a car accident, some people make poor decisions and leave the scene without exchanging details. Others do so in a calculated way to avoid the consequences of their actions. Sometimes, the driver has no car insurance or driver’s license or there is an outstanding warrant for their arrest.

This can lead to problems for victims when it comes to personal injury claims as well as potential criminal proceedings against the driver who left.

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, it’s not fair to be left having to pay for medical expenses, damaged property, and the pain and suffering you endure as a result of a negligent driver’s actions.

At the DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC, we can help you claim your rightful compensation and seek some measure of justice for your injuries.

What is a hit-and-run accident in Texas?

In Texas, a hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver causes a collision and leaves the scene without providing contact details or offering help to injured individuals. 

Under Texan law, this act is illegal regardless of whether the accident involves another vehicle, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or property damage. 

A driver’s failure to stay at the scene complicates matters for victims, especially when it comes to filing personal injury claims.

If you’re a victim, DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC, can help you pursue compensation and hold the negligent party accountable due to our Houston hit and run lawyer.

What should you do after a hit-and-run accident in Texas?

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident is stressful, but taking the right steps is crucial to protecting your rights and securing your recovery. Here’s what to do:

1. Call 911 and Report the Incident

The first and most important step is to notify law enforcement. Report the accident and provide as much detail as possible. If you can remember the license plate number, the make or model of the car, or any other identifying features of the vehicle, share this with the police.

2. Don’t Chase the Driver

While it may be tempting to follow the driver, this can be dangerous. The fleeing driver might have reasons for leaving the scene that could put you at further risk. Instead, leave the situation to law enforcement, who are trained to handle it.

3. Gather Witness Information

If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information. Witness statements can be crucial in identifying the driver and supporting your claim. Having third-party accounts can strengthen your case when seeking compensation.

4. Document the Scene

Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, including your vehicle’s damage, the surroundings, and any injuries you’ve sustained. These images can serve as evidence when filing your claim.

5. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t feel severely injured, seek medical attention immediately. Injuries from car accidents can manifest later, and having medical documentation is vital for your claim.

6. Contact a Houston Hit and Run Lawyer

After receiving medical care, your next step should be contacting an experienced Houston hit and run attorney. Ryan DeHoyos at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC, can guide you through the legal process and help you recover compensation.

What is the statute of limitations for a hit-and-run accident in Texas?

Under Texas law, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver that caused accident injuries. It is important to identify the driver as soon as possible, or you may have to waive the right to a lawsuit.

Speaking to Ryan DeHoyos as soon as possible after your hit-and-run accident will ensure that you have the maximum time available to track down the driver, consider your legal options, and file the necessary claim(s).

We will start by listening to your version of events and examine the accident report, which is usually the key piece of evidence when seeking compensation for damages.

Delaying the investigation process can mean that evidence is lost or spoiled and witness testimony may become less reliable.

Common Types of Hit and Run Accidents in Texas

Hit-and-run accidents come in many forms. Still, these are the most common types in Houston:

Rear-End Collisions.

These accidents occur when a vehicle hits another from behind and then flees the scene. Rear-end collisions can cause significant damage and injuries, especially if the hit vehicle was stopped at a light or stop sign.

Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions

T-bone accidents happen when a driver crashes into the side of another vehicle, often at intersections. In these cases, injuries can be severe due to the point of impact and the lack of side protection for occupants.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are highly vulnerable to hit-and-run accidents. Drivers who flee the scene after hitting a pedestrian may face serious criminal charges, but identifying them is often difficult without witnesses or surveillance footage.

Bicycle Accidents

Bicyclists usually suffer catastrophic injuries in hit-and-run accidents due to the lack of protection. These cases require detailed investigations to identify the responsible driver and secure compensation for the victim.

Parked Vehicle Collisions:

Drivers sometimes hit parked cars and leave without leaving any contact information. While these accidents may not involve bodily injury, the damage can be extensive, leaving the owner with costly repairs.

What kind of damages can I get for a hit and run?

Generally speaking, in motor vehicle accidents in Texas, you file a claim against the at-fault party, negotiate with the insurance company of the defendant and agree on a settlement out of court.

Sometimes, litigation (or the threat of litigation) is required to recover the full amount of compensation due. This usually includes the following:

1. Medical Expenses

Victims are entitled to compensation for medical costs, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, and ongoing care such as physical therapy. Even future medical expenses can be included in a settlement or verdict.

2. Property Damage:

The costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle or any other damaged property can be claimed. The hit-and-run driver is liable for these damages once they’re identified.

3. Lost Wages:

If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for both past and future lost wages. This includes any time off work needed for recovery or medical appointments.

4. Pain and Suffering:

Pain and suffering cover the emotional and physical distress caused by the accident. This is considered non-economic damage, as it doesn’t have a set monetary value, but it is still compensable.

5. Loss of Quality of Life

In severe cases, a hit-and-run accident may significantly impact your ability to enjoy life. This loss can be compensated if it’s the inability to perform daily activities, engage in hobbies, or participate in family events.

With hit-and-run accident injuries, the driver fled the scene. There is nobody to file a lawsuit against until that driver can be identified.

Once they have been identified, further complications may arise. For instance, what do you do if the driver has no third-party insurance?

That’s against the law but criminal proceedings against the driver do not help you recover your losses from the accident. It can be challenging for hit-and-run victims to receive what they are due and, in the meantime, medical bills need to be paid and vehicles need to be repaired.

Your personal injury lawyer can help. If the driver who hit you is identified, Ryan DeHoyos can help you file a lawsuit — if that is considered the best course of action.

However, if the driver has no insurance or is under-insured, as is often the case in hit-and-run accidents, a lawsuit may not be the right move (see the following section). There may be other options for claiming compensation through your insurance policies.

Texas Hit and Run Laws

Leaving the scene of an accident is a severe offense in Texas. The severity of the penalties depends on the outcome of the accident:

No injuries: 

Involving property damage only and failing to stop and exchange information is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500 if the damage to all fixtures and landscaping is less than $200. The fine increases to a maximum of $2,000 if the damage is $200 or more.

Injuries: 

If the accident results in injury, it becomes a felony offense.

Third-degree felony 

This applies if the accident results in serious bodily injury. The penalty can range from 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

County jail felony: 

This applies if the accident results in non-serious injuries. The penalty can include up to a year in a county jail or up to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Death: 

If the hit-and-run accident results in a fatality, it’s considered a second-degree felony. This is punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Finding a Houston Hit-and-Run Lawyer Can Help

While the above information provides a general overview of Texas hit-and-run laws, navigating the legal process after such an accident can be complex. A Houston hit-and-run lawyer at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Working with an experienced lawyer increases your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

How to claim compensation from uninsured or under-insured motorists?

If the driver is uninsured or under-insured, you will need to weigh up the likelihood of being able to recover losses from the driver directly rather than the insurance company.

Sometimes, if the driver has no insurance, he or she also has no means to cover your losses from personal assets.

However, your lawyer can help you check your various auto insurance policies. If you have uninsured motorists (UM) or underinsured motorists (UIM) coverage, Ryan DeHoyos can help claim the maximum compensation for your damages through these channels.

Most drivers in Texas should — and do — have this type of insurance. It was created precisely for this type of scenario where your insurer can cover you to the limits of your policy in the event of an accident with an uninsured or under-insured driver.

What if you’re a cyclist or pedestrian in a hit-and-run accident?

Hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are often more serious due to the lack of protection for these road users.

While efforts have been made to increase awareness amongst drivers, accidents and serious injuries are all too common still.

If you are a cyclist, motorcyclist or pedestrian injured in a hit-and-run accident, a family member may need to contact the DeHoyos Accident Attorneys on your behalf.

Your best chance of claiming the maximum possible compensation for any hit-and-run accident in the Houston area is with the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer like Ryan DeHoyos. Contact us today for a free consultation to evaluate your case.

What Are Some Common Reasons a Driver Flees the Scene of the Crash?

Here are some common reasons why individuals may choose to leave the scene:

Fear of Legal Consequences: 

Drivers who are intoxicated, unlicensed, or have outstanding warrants may fear arrest and legal repercussions.

Lack of Insurance: 

If the driver is uninsured, they may panic about the potential financial consequences of staying at the scene.

Panic and Shock: 

The immediate aftermath of an accident can be chaotic, and drivers may make impulsive decisions in moments of fear or confusion.

Attempt to Avoid Responsibility: 

Some drivers may flee the scene to avoid taking responsibility for the accident and the potential damages.

Previous Legal Issues: 

Individuals with a history of legal problems or involvement in accidents may be more likely to flee to avoid further legal trouble.

Houston Hit and Run Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if I am involved in a hit-and-run accident?

Seek medical attention: If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately.

Report the accident: Contact the police and provide as much detail as possible about the incident.

Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle damage, and any injuries.

Contact a lawyer: A Houston hit-and-run lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and recover compensation for your damages.

2. Can I still file a claim if I am partially at fault for the accident?

In Texas, the comparative negligence law applies, which means your compensation may be reduced if you are partially at fault. However, you can still file a claim and potentially recover some damages.

3. What if the hit-and-run driver is identified?

Once the driver is identified, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them to seek compensation for your damages.

How The Hit and Run Lawyers at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys in Houston, Texas, Can Help You

DeHoyos Accident Attorneys is dedicated to helping victims of hit-and-run accidents in Houston. Our experienced Houston hit and run lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident to identify the at-fault driver.
• Build a strong case to prove liability.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
• Represent you in court if necessary.

By working with DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, you can focus on recovering from your injuries. At the same time, we handle the legal complexities of your case.

Speak with a Houston Hit and Run Lawyer in Texas Today

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC, we understand the stress and uncertainty victims face after a hit-and-run accident. We are dedicated to helping you through every step of the legal process, from investigating the accident to filing a claim and pursuing compensation. 

Ryan DeHoyos has years of experience handling complex personal injury cases in Houston and is ready to fight for your rights.If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run, contact DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC for a free consultation today.