Nobody starts their day expecting to be involved in a car accident, yet according to recent data, in one recent year a reportable crash occurred every 59 seconds on Texas roadways. In San Antonio, more than 120 crashes take place every day.
Under Texas law, when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without giving their personal contact and insurance carrier information, it is considered a hit and run. Victims of hit and runs may wonder how—or even if—they can recover their damages for medical expenses, property loss, and more.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident Is a Hit And Run
Hit and run is the common term used for what the law officially defines as the “failure to stop and give information or aid.” Committing a hit and run is a crime, and innocent victims deserve compensation for their injuries.
How to Identify a Hit and Run Driver
Law enforcement and your personal injury attorney may be able to use technology and other strategies to aid their investigations and search for the driver who has left the scene of an accident, including:
- Obtaining video from surveillance cameras located on highways and at local businesses
- Reviewing any available dash cam video
- Taking witness statements
- Inspecting the vehicle damage and evidence left at the scene
In cooperation with law enforcement, social media platforms and local news stations may also publish or broadcast the details of the accident to encourage any members of the public who may have information about the driver to come forward.
Hit and Run Injury Costs
Any accident may cause injuries, and both economic and non-economic damages. Victims of hit and run accidents often suffer serious physical injuries, such as fractures, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. The cost of such injuries are not limited to emergency medical care, but may also include expenses such as surgery, rehabilitation, medication, rehabilitation, and even long-term care. The at-fault driver’s insurance carrier would normally cover these expenses; however, when there is limited likelihood to identify a driver who fled the scene, victims must pursue alternative options for recovery.
Take the Appropriate Course of Action
Options for the recovery of damages may depend on the provisions of the victim’s insurance policy. Although liability insurance is mandatory for Texas drivers, it does not cover a victim’s own injuries or property loss. Therefore, if uninsured or underinsured coverage is available, that may cover the damages that would rightly have been the responsibility of the driver who caused the accident. This benefit applies to hit and run accidents where there was contact between the victim’s car and the at-fault driver’s car, as well as accidents where the victim was a pedestrian.
When You Have More Questions Than Answers
Dealing with insurance companies and adjusters is both time-consuming and complicated. If you have been in a hit and run accident and suffered damages, speak to an experienced accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact The Law Offices of George Salinas in San Antonio at (210) 225-0909 or online to schedule a free consultation and learn if we may be able to help you.