It seems unfathomable that someone would cause an accident and then flee the scene, but it happens more than you might think. In fact, a recent study found that Texas is tenth in the nation for this kind of accident, with 25 percent more hit and run incidents than the U.S. average. And if you assume these accidents are fender benders, with the guilty party leaving to escape increased insurance, consider this: fatalities occur in one out of every 12 hit and run accidents in Texas. Knowing what to do if you’re in this kind of accident is crucial, especially here, where these accidents are so common.
The Trauma of a Hit and Run Truck Accident in Texas
The statistics are horrifying, but they don’t even tell the whole story. First, even though one in 12 hit and run crashes end in fatality, leaving a gaping hole in a grieving family, that doesn’t mean that the other 11 in 12 aren’t traumatic. Injury, loss of property, lost wages- the impact of a car accident is always significant, but it’s even worse when the responsible party won’t take responsibility. It seems improbable that a large commercial truck could run from the scene of an accident but, astonishingly, this happens, with truck drivers plowing through cars or running people off the road, then continuing down the highway without stopping. Any accident with an 18-wheeler is serious, because of the sheer size of these vehicles, but when the driver doesn’t stop, it’s devastating.
Why Would a Driver Hit and Run?
There are several different reasons a driver might leave the scene of an accident. Sometimes, the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Other times, the driver is distracted, clips another vehicle, and doesn’t realize an accident has occurred. Other drivers flee the scene because they’re uninsured or simply don’t want to get into trouble or see an increase in insurance costs. If a hit and run driver is caught, he or she will face serious consequences. Criminal charges will apply, driver’s license sanctions will kick in, and the driver may face a civil suit seeking recompense for the injured parties.
What to Do After a Hit and Run
In the aftermath of a hit and run accident, you may feel disoriented and overwhelmed, but there are some very specific steps to take, to ensure the best possible outcome from your hit and run.
- First, make sure everyone’s safe. Move your vehicle, if possible, into a safe spot.
- Call 911. Reporting the accident promptly, giving detailed information, is important for their investigation.
- Gather as much evidence as you can. Take pictures, write down details while they’re fresh in your mind, and get contact information from any witnesses that may have seen what happened.
- Seek medical attention. You might not think you are injured, but some auto accident injuries don’t manifest immediately. Get checked out, so that you will have documentation that you saw a doctor.
- Call a reputable attorney. This is the best thing you can do to protect yourself in the wake of a hit and run.
The Case for Representation: Why After a Car Accident Hit and Run, a Lawyer Should Be Among Your First Calls
If you have an experienced lawyer on your team, it’s easier to navigate the unfamiliar landscape of a hit and run. A lawyer can thoroughly investigate the incident and help you build a strong case, as well as negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. Even if the driver is not caught, you need a car and truck accident attorney to help you understand your rights and how you can be compensated. The good news, however, is that the authorities in Texas are very proactive in finding drivers who leave the scene of an accident. Nationally, about 50 percent of hit and run drivers are caught, often because of details presented to law enforcement agencies by the victims of the hit and run. In a case involving a commercial vehicle, there are more avenues for investigation than with a personal vehicle. Commercial vehicles have electronic logging devices, fleet GPS, event data recorders, vehicle maintenance records, and evidence trails both paper and digital make it more likely that a professional driver will be caught.
Do You Need a Car or Truck Accident Attorney?
Houston has the advantage of a police department with a hit and run investigation unit, so it’s more likely that the offending driver will be found and held accountable. This does not mean, however, that you don’t need an attorney. A reputable, tenacious, well-connected law firm will collaborate with law enforcement, sharing information that can be beneficial to tracking down the driver. What’s more, an accident attorney knows how to get the maximum amount of uninsured motorist compensation, collision coverage, and other sources of funding, if the driver is not found. Insurance companies want to pay the lowest possible amount, so having an experienced attorney on your side to negotiate is extremely beneficial.
If You Need Texas Hit and Run Legal Advice, Call Nava Law Group P.C.
Whether you have been in a hit and run accident or need another type of legal assistance, trust the experienced professionals at Nava Law Group, P.C., to help you meet your immediate needs and reach your long term goals. Passionate about our clients, we give 100 percent commitment, using our experience and legal skills to get the results injured victims need. With more than 150 years of combined experience, we have established our firm as a pillar of the community, earning a solid reputation in the community, in the courts, and among our peers. We offer aggressive advocacy and top-notch legal representation and strive to always take the best approach for a favorable resolution on our client’s behalf. We’re a different type of law firm, and if you are interested in learning more about how we can assist you, contact Nava Law Group, P.C. today.
