Hit and run accidents can be terrifying. You can be experiencing shock after an unexpected collision, followed by confusion as the party responsible for the accident flees the scene. At George Salinas Injury Lawyers, we protect the rights of the injured. We want to help ensure the at-fault driver is held accountable for their negligence. Just because the at-fault driver fled the scene does not mean you can’t recover compensation after a hit-and-run accident. An experienced San Antonio hit and run accident lawyer can walk you through the process of seeking justice and compensation.
How to Protect Your Rights Following a Hit and Run Accident
To maximize the likelihood of recovering compensation following a hit-and-run accident, you must take certain steps to protect your legal rights. Here are some actions you can take after the accident:
- Write down everything you remember as soon as possible while your memory is fresh, including a description of the driver and the vehicle, the direction you and the other driver were traveling, and any portion of their license plate number.
- Call the police and report that the other driver fled the scene. The police can then begin an investigation, interview witnesses, obtain traffic camera footage, and take other steps to identify the driver.
- Ask witnesses for their contact information. If the driver can’t be found, you may need their statements for an insurance claim to show the collision happened and under what circumstances.
- Take pictures of your vehicle, your injuries, the accident scene, and nearby traffic lights and street signs.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Not all injuries are readily apparent, and a proper diagnosis can help reveal any hidden injuries you may have suffered.
- Contact an experienced San Antonio accident attorney.
Legal Options for Collecting Compensation After a Hit and Run Accident
You may have several options for recovering compensation after a hit and run accident. If the police or your San Antonio personal injury attorney can locate the at-fault driver, you can file a claim with their liability insurance provider just as you would have if they did the right thing and stayed at the scene.
If you are unable to locate the at-fault driver, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance provider under your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Texas does not require drivers to carry UM coverage, but insurance companies must offer it when you purchase auto insurance. Whether you have coverage will depend on your particular auto insurance policy.
Even when you are dealing with your own insurance company, it’s critical you keep in mind that the insurance company’s interests are not aligned with yours. They want to minimize the amount they pay on claims to protect their profit margin – even when their own customers are the ones making claims. An experienced San Antonio car accident attorney can handle your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.