Leaving the scene of an accident is unlawful in Irving, and yet it happens more than most people realize. When you are the victim in a situation like this, know your rights to seek compensation for damages you did not cause.
At The Texas Law Dog, our hit and run accident lawyer in Irving is ready to fight for you. Our founder, Matthew E. Aulsbrook, is a lifelong native of Texas. Contact our Irving car accident lawyer to discuss your case today.
What You Do After a Hit and Run Accident Matters
Ultimately, the value of your claim is the maximum amount of damages you can prove up to the value of your policy. For that reason, it is beneficial to seek further damages against the person who struck you.
As noted, the police will look for this person, but what you do after the accident can help in that process. Consider the following steps when it is safe to do so:
- Stop, move to safety if you are at continued risk, and call 911. This act allows the police to reach you quickly.
- Take photos or a video of the driver, if time permits. It may be very difficult to react fast enough to do so, but at least watch the vehicle drive off.
- Immediately write down what you remember, including the type of vehicle, color, any features you can see of the driver, and the license plate, if possible. The sooner you record yourself describing the car or write it down, the better.
- Wait for medical care and then follow the advice provided. This may mean going to the emergency room even if you feel okay. Underlying and hidden medical losses are commonly overlooked.
- Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and any structures. Take a video of the surrounding area, showing what is nearby and the layout of the situation.
- Ask any witnesses to provide their contact information and details of what they saw. Ask them if you can record their statement about the vehicle that fled the scene.
Once you take these steps and get medical care, make sure the police have the information you have about the at-fault driver. Avoid doing any investigative work yourself. Instead, contact an Irving personal injury lawyer from The Texas Law Dog.
What the Law Says About Hit and Run Accidents
Under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550. Collisions And Collision Reports, drivers must stop at the scene of any crash and have a duty to give information and render aid when possible. If there are injuries or the damage is significant, you must remain at the scene until the police arrive. A person who leaves the scene could be charged with a felony in situations where serious injury or death occurs.
Victims of hit and run accidents have the right to seek compensation from those responsible, and law enforcement will work to find the person who fled. The process will involve a thorough investigation of witnesses and footage from the area. Many times, they see the driver, which then allows you to seek compensation against that driver’s liability insurance.
In the meantime, drivers with uninsured motorist coverage can seek a claim from their insurance company for those losses. This policy is one you purchase to cover yourself in situations where the other driver flees. The process may seem simple, but limitations and frustrations often mar it.
Irving Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Seek Compensation for All of Your Losses After a Hit and Run Accident
With the guidance of a lawyer, you will know what your case is worth. Our attorney will investigate every aspect of your case, determine what your specific physical, emotional, and mental health needs are, and then maximize your claim. Some of the most common damages you may seek include:
- Medical bills from the accident, including any immediate and ongoing medical care and treatment you need
- Lost wages, including bonuses or benefits you missed because of your inability to work
- Loss of earning capacity if you cannot go back to the same job
- Out-of-pocket costs and expenses related to your injuries and recovery
- Property damage to repair or replace your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma, including the development of PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
The list is extensive, and you may have the right to seek a large claim against the insurance company for each area. The objective of our legal team is to investigate the losses you have incurred thoroughly. These are funds you are owed because someone else caused the accident. Do not settle for too little.
Punitive Damages in a Hit and Run Accident
You may be awarded punitive damages in a hit and run accident if the driver engaged in egregious actions and recklessness. Suppose the driver left the scene of the accident because they were intoxicated, for example.
In that case, the judge may decide to award punitive damages to you as a form of punishment against that driver. We expect to outline all possible scenarios. Talk to our Irving hit and run accident attorneys today.
How Our Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Call our lawyer immediately for help. Let us start working to find out who did this to you and what your losses are. We will:
- Pursue any leads to determine who is at fault
- Capture any details from area cameras that may be available
- Work with the police to ensure you know what your rights are
- Build a strong claim that documents all of the losses you have
- Document all of the implications for your life
Expect our legal team to work diligently to build a strong claim for you. We will hold the insurance company to the level of compensation they owe you. An Irving wrongful death lawyer is here to represent your family following the loss of a loved one in a hit and run accident.
Set Up a Free Consultation with a Hit and Run Accident Attorney in Irving Now
The Texas Law Dog is your ally and advocate in this case. Schedule a free consultation with our hit and run accident lawyer in Irving now to discuss your rights.
Let us go to work building your case and maximizing your recovery potential. There is never any charge to you until we win your case.
