What Should I Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Texas?

Posted On September 22, 2020 In Local Car Accidents

Getting involved in an auto accident can be an incredibly terrifying experience for victims. This is particularly true for those who are struck by hit-and-run drivers. Hit-and-run incidents can lead to significant confusion following the collision, criminal charges and victims in these situations need to know what to do. There are various steps that hit-and-run car accident victims in Texas can take to help ensure their well-being while also protecting their rights.

What to Do After a Hit-and -run in Texas?

The most important thing that any driver can do in the aftermath of being struck by a hit-and-run driver is to stop their vehicle in a safe space and assess their injuries and the injuries of their passengers. Under no circumstances should you leave the scene of an accident, even if the other driver has left. Texas state law requires drivers to stop at the accident scene, render aid, provide their personal information, and produce their driver’s license if requested for any incident that involves injuries or death. If you have been in a car accident caused by a hit-and-run driver, you should:

• Not attempt to pursue a fleeing driver. This will create an unnecessarily safe situation for you and others on the roadway.
• Contact law enforcement immediately. Let the police come to the scene, conduct an initial investigation, and begin the process of locating the hit-and-run driver. Try to remember as much information about the other driver and their vehicle as possible so you can relay this data to the police.
• Seek medical assistance. In order to ensure your well-being and establish a link between any personal bodily injuries in the crash, you need to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Regardless of how minor or if a serious injury exists, let a doctor perform an evaluation.
• Gather as much evidence as possible. If you are able to safely do so at the scene of the crash, use a cell phone or other type of camera to take photographs of any vehicle damages, injuries, debris, skid marks, traffic conditions, and more.
• Report the incident to your insurer. You will typically be required to report any vehicle accident to your auto insurance carrier as soon as possible after the incident occurs. You do not need to go into significant detail when you make your initial report, but you should inquire with your insurance company about whether or not you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. If you do, this coverage could be used to help cover your expenses in the event the hit-and-run driver is not located.

According to data available from the Texas Department of Transportation, there were more than 256,000 total vehicle collision injuries reported during the latest year across the state. While we do not have exact data stating how many of these were hit-and-run incidents, we do know that it is not uncommon for drivers to flee the scene of an accident. This is particularly true if the offending driver does not have car insurance, was intoxicated at the time the car crash occurred, or has a warrant out for their arrest for another reason.