San Antonio Hit & Run Accident Attorney
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Hit & Run Accident Attorney In San Antonio, TX
A hit and run car accident can be devastating, both physically and financially. A hit and run occurs when one party leaves the scene of an accident without exchanging driver information. When a negligent or reckless driver chooses to flee the scene of a car or truck accident, your road to recovery becomes much more complicated.
If you’ve been in a hit-and-run accident, seek legal counsel from an experienced San Antonio hit and run accident attorney who will fight for your rights. Without adequate representation, you may be left with extensive injuries and no way to receive compensation. If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run, you know how maddening it feels to be abandoned after an accident. You have options and we can help. Call the Law Offices of J. Robert Davis, P.C., today for a free consultation about your legal next steps.
What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Texas?
After any car accident, all drivers must stop and plan whether anyone involved needs emergency medical attention. Drivers are required to exchange names, addresses, registration numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information with the other party or parties. If the other driver leaves the scene:
Call 911
Immediately following your accident, you should contact the police. Usually, upon receiving word of the accident, they will begin to search for the other driver in question.
Take Photos
Collect as much information from the scene of your car crash as you can by taking pictures with your cell phone. If possible, take a photo of the other car before it leaves. Also, be sure to photograph your own car and get shots of things like road signs, lane markings, debris, skid, or tire marks that could be useful later on.
Get Witness Information
If you have any witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their names and numbers. They will act as important character references later on down the line if needed, and may also have information that helps locate the other driver.
Get Medical Attention
Always see a doctor after being in a car accident, even if you feel fine. They can check for injuries and begin treatment immediately. It’s also crucial to document your injuries as soon as possible after the accident, which will be helpful when filing a hit-and-run claim down the road.
Notify Your Insurance Company
If you are in an accident, always notify your own insurance company first. If the other driver is caught and their insurance company contacts you, do not speak with them about the accident unless you have a lawyer present. You can graciously refer them to your San Antonio hit and run accident attorney instead.
Common Reasons Why Hit & Run Drivers Don’t Stop
Believe it or not, more than one hit and run car accident happens each minute in the United States. Also, 20% of all pedestrian deaths in the past 10 years were caused by hit and runs. You might be wondering why somebody would drive away after a car accident. Some common reasons include:
- Lack of insurance – uninsured or underinsured drivers
- Suspended driver’s license or no license
- Driver has too many tickets
- Driver might not have permission to be using the vehicle they are driving
- Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- On probation for other criminal conduct, including having a warrant out for their arrest
- Driving a company car and does not want to suffer consequences at work
If you’re the victim of a hit and run driver, our San Antonio hit and run accident lawyer can help you seek legal recourse. In many cases, drivers involved in hit and runs are ordered by the court to pay punitive damages – an additional punishment for their disregard for others. Even if the at-fault driver cannot be found, we may still be able to help you recover financially through your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage or an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy.
Penalties For Hit & Run Accidents In Texas
The following are the different consequences of hit-and-run accidents in Texas, which are determined by the amount of damage and injury resulting from the accident:
- A 3rd-degree felony hit-and-run is decided when the accident results in wrongful death or serious injury of the other party.
- When a hit-and-run results in the injury of another person, it is considered a state jail felony. The injuries caused by these types of accidents are usually not severe enough to be life-threatening.
- A Class B Misdemeanor is given when a hit-and-run results in damages to property that exceed $200. This class of hit-and-run often does not result in injury.
- A Class C Misdemeanor is issued when a hit-and-run only results in property damage under $200 and there are no injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Leave The Scene Of My Car Accident?
If you are the victim of a hit-and run accident in Texas, it is important to take quick action. Call the police and speak with an experienced San Antonio hit and run accident attorney who can help you understand your legal options. In Texas, drivers are required by law to remain at the scene of an accident. Leaving the scene can result in criminal charges being filed against the driver. While authorities may file a criminal case, victims may also need to pursue a civil lawsuit if they suffered serious injuries as a result of the accident.
The Law Offices of J. Robert Davis, P.C. has many years of experience fighting for car accident victims and their families. We can help you if a hit and run driver disrupts your life significantly. Our Texas car accident lawyer will be ready to discuss your personal injury case when you call us or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
What is Considered a Hit-and-Run Accident in Texas?
According to the Texas Transportation Code $550.023, a driver involved in an accident that resulted in severe injury or death of another person, or damage to a vehicle must do the following:
- If you’re in a car accident, be sure to get the name and address of the other driver, their registration number, and insurance company information.
- Show their driver’s license if requested
- Provide reasonable assistance to any person injured in the accident, including making arrangements to get them medical assistance
Is A Hit-And-Run Accident Considered A Misdemeanor In Texas?
If you are the driver in a hit-and-run accident that resulted only in property damage, including hitting an unoccupied vehicle, you may be charged with a misdemeanor. A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of up to $5000 if the property damage is less than $200. If the property damage exceeds $200, it becomes a Class B misdemeanor which Is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail.
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident that results in the death of another person, you could be charged with a second-degree felony which is punishable by up to $10,000 and/or 20 years in prison according to Texas law. A driver who hits and then leaves the scene of an accident where someone was seriously injured could possibly avoid being charged with a third-degree felony if they can argue that what happened wasn’t classified as serious bodily injury. Leaving the scene of an accident, even if there are only minor injuries, is still a criminal offense in Texas. The transportation laws provide that any hit-and-run accident can be punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
Contact Our San Antonio Hit & Run Accident Attorney
At the Law Offices of J. Robert Davis, P.C., our dedicated San Antonio hit and run accident attorney will help you seek justice if you or a loved one were severely injured or killed in a hit-and–run accident. The driver should be held accountable for their actions, and you should not have to shoulder the burden of damages such as medical bills. We promise to do everything within the law to get you retribution for your injuries and any other losses related to the accident. Contact our office today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.