Handling Hit and Run Accidents: Legal Strategies from Car Accident Attorneys

In Texas, a hit-and-run is a serious offense. No one wants to be involved in a hit-and-run, but if you are, there are steps you can take to get the best possible outcome. Here are some actions recommended by a car accident injury lawyer in San Antonio.

Handling Hit and Run Accidents: Legal Strategies from Car Accident Attorneys

It is an offense in Texas to fail to stop at the scene of an accident; that much is straightforward. However, handling hit-and-run accidents can be challenging. Nevertheless, there are a number of legal strategies that you can employ to help you navigate the aftermath of an accident and seek compensation for your damages.

What To Do When You’ve Been Hit

Don’t Panic

Being involved in an accident can cause emotions to run high, but it is important to stay calm. In hit-and-run cases, it is advisable to gather as much evidence as possible immediately after the accident.

Assess the Situation

Of course, safety is paramount, so you should begin by ascertaining whether there are any injuries to yourself or others in your vehicle. If there are injuries, you should call for an ambulance. You should also report the hit-and-run accident to the police as soon as possible; in fact, you are required by law to do so. This creates an official record of the incident and increases the chances of identifying the responsible party.

Gather Evidence

You can begin to gather evidence before the police arrive by taking photographs of the scene from a number of different angles, including multiple photos of the damage to your vehicle. When the police arrive, they will want to take a witness statement from you, any passengers in your vehicle, and any passers-by who witnessed the hit-and-run.

If anyone sees the accident and stops to help you, it can be very helpful to see if they will give you their name and address. This will mean that both the police and your insurers have a way to contact them to ask for a statement if they have to leave. Depending on the area, you may be able to get hold of surveillance footage from nearby cameras, or from the dashcams of passing vehicles. You can find out more about what to do in the aftermath of a hit-and-run from a specialist lawyer.

What Can a Car Accident Injury Lawyer in San Antonio Do To Help?

Legal Investigation

Car accident attorneys can conduct their own investigation into the hit-and-run accident to identify potential leads and gather additional evidence. This may involve working with accident reconstruction experts or hiring private investigators.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

If the hit-and-run driver cannot be identified or is uninsured, the victim’s uninsured motorist coverage may come into play. This coverage is designed to compensate victims of accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Car accident attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the victim to ensure they receive fair compensation for their damages. This may involve negotiating settlements or, if necessary, pursuing litigation.

Filing a Lawsuit

If the hit-and-run driver is identified or if other parties, such as a bar or restaurant that over-served alcohol, are found to be liable, victims may pursue a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for their damages. These damages may be more significant if the offending driver is found to have been driving whilst impaired.

With the help of experienced car accident attorneys, victims can pursue the compensation they deserve and begin to move forward with their lives.