When an accident happens, and the at-fault driver leaves the scene without stopping, it’s known as a hit-and-run. In the state of Texas, all drivers involved in the collision are required to stop, render aid to others on the scene, and provide information (such as their contact details and insurance info).
If a driver doesn’t stick around, then it makes hit-and-run accident compensation more complex compared to a standard crash. Not only is the fleeing driver facing civil injury claims, but they will also likely have criminal charges for leaving the scene.
Why Hit-and-Run Claims Are Harder Than Other Accidents
It’s difficult for victims to receive compensation for these types of cases because the at-fault driver left and often goes unidentified. As you are dealing with the insurance company, the adjusters will handle these types of claims with a lot more scrutiny, especially since it’s more difficult to prove liability.
Since there is no statement from the opposing driver, it’s more important than ever to have solid evidence for your hit-and-run accident insurance claim. The way your claim is built will have an undeniable impact on the amount of compensation that you can receive for your injuries.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run in Texas
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, there are a few things that you should do right away. Follow these steps to ensure an optimal outcome for your claim:
- Call 911 from the scene of the accident. Even if minor damage occurred, you should still insist that a police report is filed.
- Gather as much information as possible, such as photos and videos of the fleeing vehicle, if you have the opportunity.
- Look for other sources of evidence, such as witnesses in the area, nearby security cameras, or businesses that have surveillance systems that might have caught the accident in their footage.
- Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you should always seek medical care as soon as possible. These injuries need to be documented to support your Texas hit-and-run settlement.
Can You Recover Compensation If the Driver Is Never Found?
Even if the driver at fault is never identified, there are still legal options that you might consider to receive hit-and-run accident compensation. These types of accidents are often treated as an uninsured motorist claim. So, if you have uninsured motorist coverage through your own policy, then it’s possible that you can receive compensation for the accident.
This type of insurance coverage is the most common method to pursue for a hit-and-run injury claim in Texas. Our legal team can help you explore your options to determine if you have a claim that is worth pursuing.
Insurance Coverage That Applies After a Texas Hit-and-Run
Our legal team takes an aggressive approach to maximize available compensation for each of our clients. We’ll calculate all relevant forms of insurance coverage that might apply to your accident, including:
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: This insurance coverage can pay for medical bills, as well as pain and suffering.
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage: When vehicle repairs are needed, then the property damage coverage can help.
- Collision Coverage: Regardless of your fault in the accident, collision coverage can sometimes be calculated into your compensation.
- Personal Injury Protection: If your insurance policy covers personal injury, then you might be able to get quick coverage for both medical bills and lost wages.
What Compensation Is Available After a Hit-and-Run
The amount of your hit-and-run accident compensation depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the accident and the types of injuries that you have. This accident settlement might include coverage for:
- Current medical expenses
- Costs for future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages, if the accident resulted in fatality
How Insurance Companies Handle Hit-and-Run Claims
The unfortunate reality is that insurance companies can be more difficult to work with for a hit-and-run accident. The insurers will often delay compensation and question the claim in an attempt to avoid payment. These adjusters are trained to argue various issues, such as a lack of proof or causation.
Since a hit-and-run accident is treated like an uninsured motorist claim, it will be negotiated like a liability claim… which means there isn’t a guaranteed payout. For this reason, it makes sense to have legal representation since our experienced team of attorneys can increase the likelihood that you will receive Texas hit-and-run compensation.
Evidence That Strengthens a Hit-and-Run Claim
Our legal team brings years of experience, and we know the best strategies to build a solid case. The quality of your evidence will have an undeniable impact on the overall outcome. We are thorough about collecting the best types of evidence, including:
- Police reports
- All types of crash documentation
- Medical records to prove injury timelines
- Witness statements
- Surveillance footage
- Footage from dashcams and traffic cameras
- Vehicle data
The stronger the evidence, the better chances you have of receiving compensation. So, our team is diligent about helping you collect the evidence that is needed based on your unique circumstances.
FAQs
Will my insurance rates increase after a hit-and-run claim?
You won’t necessarily have increased insurance rates, especially if we can prove that you were not at fault for the accident. But the insurance rates depend on your policy.
Can I recover compensation without uninsured motorist coverage?
Without uninsured motorist coverage, it’s harder to recover compensation. But other types of insurance coverage might apply, such as collision and/or PIP coverage.
Conclusion: You Still Have Options After a Texas Hit-and-Run
Don’t assume that a fleeing driver means that you won’t be able to receive hit-and-run accident compensation. With the right legal strategy and a proactive approach, it’s possible to get the settlement that you deserve. In many cases, insurance coverage can fill in the gap, but the evidence, timing, and strategy matter in the outcome of your case.
You deserve to understand your options, which is why it makes sense to choose a legal team that has extensive experience working with Texas hit-and-run compensation. For more information, reach out to our team at Green Law Firm. Contact us to book a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced accident attorney: (956) 542-7000.
