Houston Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer | Fighting for Victims Left Behind
If you were hurt in a hit-and-run accident, Texas Lawyers 365 is ready to help you take action. When the other driver leaves the scene, you may be left with medical expenses, vehicle damage, and no clear path forward.
Our experienced Houston hit-and-run accident lawyers work to hold drivers accountable, file claims with your insurance company, and fight for full compensation. We focus on protecting your rights and helping you recover after a crash caused by someone who refused to stop and take responsibility.
What is a Hit-and-Run Accident in Texas?
A hit-and-run accident happens when a driver leaves the scene without stopping to give information or help. Texas law treats these offenses seriously, especially if someone is injured or killed.
Legal Definition Under Texas Law
Texas Transportation Code § 550.021 states that a driver involved in an accident must stop at the scene. The driver must return to the scene if they do not stop right away. The law requires drivers to provide their name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance information. They must also show their driver’s license if asked and give help to any person injured in the accident.
Leaving the scene of a crash that causes injury or death is a felony in Texas. If the crash only causes property damage, the offense is still a misdemeanor.
Types of Hit-and-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run accident can involve a moving or parked vehicle. It may result in property damage, bodily injury, or death. In some cases, the hit-and-run driver flees on foot. Other times, they leave before the police arrive or fail to report the crash entirely.
These accidents often occur at night, in high-traffic areas, or when the driver lacks a valid license or insurance policy.
Duties of the Driver After an Accident
Texas law requires all drivers involved in a crash to stop and help. This includes calling 911 and staying at the scene until law enforcement arrives. Failing to do so violates state law and can lead to serious penalties, including jail time and fines.
Drivers must also try to help any injured person. This can mean calling emergency services or taking reasonable action to get them medical attention.
Why Drivers Flee the Scene
A driver may leave the scene to avoid being arrested or held responsible. Common reasons include drunk driving, no insurance, a suspended driver’s license, or outstanding warrants. In many cases, hit-and-run drivers hope to avoid legal or financial consequences by running from the crash.
However, fleeing the scene often results in harsher penalties than staying and cooperating with authorities.
Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Houston
Many hit-and-run accidents happen because drivers panic or want to avoid legal or financial trouble. The following are the most common reasons these crashes occur in Houston.
Driving Under the Influence
Drunk or drugged drivers often leave the scene to avoid arrest. A hit-and-run accident involving alcohol or drugs can result in felony charges. These drivers may already have a suspended license or a previous DUI conviction, making them more likely to flee.
No Valid License or Insurance
Some drivers involved in hit-and-run accidents do not have a valid driver’s license or carry the required car insurance. They fear the legal consequences of being caught without proper documentation, especially if the accident caused bodily injury or property damage.
Fear of Jail Time or Outstanding Warrants
Drivers with active warrants or a criminal record may flee to avoid going to jail. They see the hit-and-run as a way to escape immediate arrest, even if it means more severe punishment later.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists
An uninsured or underinsured motorist may leave the accident scene to avoid paying out-of-pocket for medical bills, lost income, or damage to another person’s vehicle. These drivers often cannot afford the financial burden of a personal injury lawsuit.
Distracted or Inexperienced Drivers
Distracted drivers, including those texting or not paying attention, may not even realize they caused an accident. Inexperienced drivers may panic and leave without thinking about the legal consequences. Both situations can lead to a hit-and-run accident, especially in high-traffic areas of Houston.
Fear of Immigration Issues
Undocumented drivers may fear deportation if they are involved in a car accident. This fear can lead them to leave the scene, even if someone is seriously hurt. Running from the accident scene puts others at risk and increases the chances of criminal charges.
Attempt to Avoid Financial Liability
Some drivers flee to avoid paying for damages, medical expenses, or higher insurance premiums. They hope they will not be found if they leave quickly. However, leaving the scene often results in worse outcomes, including felony charges and civil liability.
What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Taking the right steps after a hit-and-run accident can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to seek compensation.
Stay Safe and Call 911
Move to a safe location if you can. Call 911 to report the accident. Request medical attention if you or anyone else has injuries. A police report will create an official record that can support your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Gather Information at the Scene
If possible, write down details about the hit-and-run driver and vehicle. Note the color, make, model, and license plate number. Take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, property damage, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries do not show symptoms right away. Medical records help prove your injuries and support your claim for medical expenses and physical therapy.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Notify your car insurance company about the hit-and-run accident. Give them the police report number and any evidence you collected. Ask if your policy includes uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which may help cover medical bills and property damage.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
An experienced Houston hit-and-run accident lawyer can review your case and explain your legal options. A lawyer can help locate the hit-and-run driver, work with the insurance company, and fight for compensation on your behalf. Most offer a free case consultation and do not charge fees unless they win.
Keep Records and Follow Up
Keep copies of your medical bills, accident report, insurance documents, and any communication with the insurance company. Stay in contact with your lawyer and follow all recommended medical treatment. This helps protect your claim and supports your case for a financial award.
Legal Options for Victims of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Victims of hit-and-run accidents in Texas have several legal paths to recover damages for injuries, property damage, and lost income.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If the hit-and-run driver is identified, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. You may seek compensation for medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In cases involving gross negligence, you may also be entitled to punitive damages.
Use Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the driver is not found, your own car insurance policy may offer protection. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can pay for bodily injury and property damage. This includes costs for medical treatment, vehicle repairs, and other losses. Texas insurers must offer this coverage, but it is optional and must be selected when the policy is purchased.
Seek Compensation Through Crime Victim Programs
Texas offers crime victim compensation for people injured in criminal acts. A hit-and-run accident qualifies if the driver left without rendering aid. The program may help pay for medical expenses, lost income, and funeral costs in fatal accident cases.
Pursue a Civil Claim for Property Damage
Even if you were not injured, you can file a civil claim for damage to your vehicle or other property. A car accident attorney can help estimate repair costs and build a claim using police reports and evidence from the accident scene.
Get Help from a Car Accident Attorney
A skilled car accident lawyer can investigate the crash, find the hit-and-run driver, and file claims on your behalf. The attorney works with the insurance company to pursue the best possible outcome for your case. Most offer a free consultation and only get paid if you recover compensation.
How a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A car accident lawyer can protect your rights and guide you through the legal process after a hit-and-run accident.
Investigating the Hit-and-Run Accident
An experienced Houston car accident attorney will review the details of the crash. This includes gathering police reports, camera footage, and witness statements. The goal is to identify the hit-and-run driver and build a strong case using available evidence.
Handling Insurance Company Communication
Dealing with an insurance company after a hit-and-run accident can be difficult. A lawyer will speak with the insurance company on your behalf. They can file claims, respond to requests, and push for fair compensation under your insurance policy.
Calculating Your Damages
Your lawyer will review medical bills, lost income, property damage, and long-term care needs. This helps establish the value of your claim. Accurate estimates help you pursue the full compensation you are owed under Texas law.
Filing Legal Claims Within Deadlines
Texas has a two-year time limit for personal injury claims. A car accident lawyer will make sure all documents are filed on time. Missing a deadline can cost you your right to seek payment.
Representing You in Court if Needed
If the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can take the case to court. They will present evidence, question witnesses, and argue for your best interests. Many cases settle before trial, but legal support is critical if court becomes necessary.
Providing a Free Consultation
Most Houston car accident lawyers offer a free consultation. You can speak with a lawyer at no cost to review your case. If they take your case, they typically work on a contingency fee, meaning they only get paid if you recover compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Hit-and-Run Accidents
Victims of hit-and-run accidents in Houston often have urgent questions about their rights, insurance claims, and legal options.
What should I do if I was injured in a hit-and-run accident in Houston?
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, call 911 immediately to report the crash and request medical attention. Try to document the accident scene, including the other vehicle’s license plate number and any witness information. Seek medical treatment right away and notify your insurance company. Then contact a Houston car accident lawyer to help you pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and property damage.
Can I file a personal injury lawsuit if the hit-and-run driver is not found?
Yes, you can still file a personal injury claim even if the hit-and-run driver is never identified. Your uninsured motorist coverage may cover your medical bills, bodily injury, and property damage. A hit-and-run accident attorney can help you file a claim with your insurance company and protect your right to compensation under Texas law.
How long do I have to file a hit-and-run accident claim in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a hit-and-run accident claim is two years from the date of the accident. This deadline applies to personal injury lawsuits involving bodily injury or death. A Houston car accident lawyer can help ensure your claim is filed on time and meets all legal requirements.
What damages can I recover after a hit-and-run accident?
After a Houston hit-and-run accident, you may recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, and future medical treatment. If the driver is found and acted recklessly, you may also seek punitive damages. A car accident attorney can help calculate your losses and build a strong claim.
Will my car insurance cover a hit-and-run accident?
Your car insurance may cover a hit-and-run accident if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This type of policy can help pay for medical bills, physical therapy, property damage, and other costs when the other driver is not identified or does not have enough coverage. Speak with a Houston car accident attorney to understand your policy and file a strong claim.
Contact an Experienced Houston Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Today!
Don’t wait after a hit-and-run accident: your recovery and rights matter now. Our team at Texas Lawyers 365 will review your case for free and guide you through every step of the legal process. We know how to work with insurance companies, track down hit-and-run drivers, and pursue maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and vehicle repair.
Contact us at 800-800-8000 for a free case consultation today!
