Do I Need a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Fort Worth?

Getting hurt in a crash caused by a driver who then illegally fled the scene of the wreck can have you seeing red both emotionally and in your bank account, especially if you end up suffering injuries with long-lasting and debilitating consequences. While you have the right to demand civil restitution from anyone who harms you in this way, getting the compensation you deserve—and in some cases, even finding the right person to demand compensation from—can be a lot harder than you might expect.

With that in mind, the short answer to the question of whether you need a lawyer after a hit-and-run accident in Fort Worth is, “Yes, you very likely do.” The longer answer is, “Yes, if you want a fair shot at getting the most money possible from your lawsuit or settlement demand.” If you have further questions about the best course of action in your situation, a qualified car wreck attorney could answer them during a confidential consultation.

Will an Attorney Help Track Down a Hit-and-Run Driver?

While it can certainly be tempting to chase after someone who commits a hit-and-run, actually doing so is never a good idea for anyone. The better course of action is to comply with state law by staying at the scene of the wreck, helping anyone else involved who needs it, and contacting law enforcement immediately so they can create an accident report.

It can also be helpful to formally file a separate police report after leaving the scene and getting necessary medical care. A seasoned auto accident lawyer could help accomplish all that, as well as collect and preserve important evidence from the crash scene. However, it is not the job of an injured person or their legal representative to track down the person responsible for a hit-and-run crash in Fort Worth—that is the job of the police, who have many more resources at their disposal for identifying and finding people who break the law in this way.

What Role Will a Lawyer Play in a Hit-and-Run Car Crash Claim?

In addition to helping with evidence collection, a lawyer will also play a key role after a hit-and-run accident in Fort Worth in incorporating that evidence into a comprehensive civil claim that definitively proves the hit-and-run driver was at fault for the wreck. If the police are able to track down the driver later on, having a case already prepared against them will streamline the litigation process and give an injured person a better chance of getting the compensation they need quickly.

Legal counsel can also help identify, estimate the long-term value of, and proactively demand compensation for every form of harm a hit-and-run crash will result in. This can include things like expected future medical bills, lost future working capacity, various forms of physical and psychological suffering, and more.

Can a Fort Worth Attorney Help During Insurance Negotiations After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Even if police cannot find the person who committed a hit-and-run in Fort Worth, an experienced car accident lawyer can still be a vital source of support for a person injured in that wreck as they seek restitution through their insurance coverage. In particular, legal counsel can help make the most of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can be an irreplaceable lifeline if they cannot hold the person to blame for the accident.

Call today to discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable legal professional.