If you were harmed in a hit-and-run crash in San Antonio, Texas, you should immediately report the accident to law enforcement. Here’s why:
Texas Law Requires Accidents to Be Reported
Texas law requires people involved in a car accident to report any accident that results in an injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. After calling to report the accident to law enforcement, file a report with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) within ten days of the crash. Keep the report for your records.
Police May Be Able to Identify the At-Fault Driver
Hit and runs are considered a crime in Texas. If you call the police to report the incident, they can conduct an investigation to try to identify the at-fault driver. Without identifying the driver, you may only be able to file an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurer. If police can identify the at-fault driver, you may be able to file a claim with their liability insurance provider or have other paths for legal compensation.
When you report the accident to the police, provide them with all of the information you have, including:
- The direction each driver was traveling at the time of the collision
- What the other driver looked like
- A description of the vehicle, including its make, model, and color
- Any portion of the driver’s license plate that you remember
- The names and contact information for any witnesses who stopped at the accident
You Document the Accident
Reporting the accident and filing a police report ensures that there is official documentation that the accident occurred. Without a police report, the insurance company may claim that no crash occurred or that you were responsible for your vehicle’s damage to try to get out of paying compensation for your San Antonio accident claim.
Additionally, the police report will document the date and time of the accident, which can be crucial if the suspected driver claims to have been somewhere else at the time of the collision. Having a police report helps to have an objective and official document that you can provide to the insurance company.
The Insurance Company Will Want It
The insurance company will request a copy of the accident report. If you don’t report the accident to the police, the insurance company might not even consider your claim.
You Preserve Your Rights
By filing a police report, you protect your rights. You can note that the accident was caused by a hit-and-run driver, which may open the potential to claim punitive damages if the fleeing driver is caught. You can file a claim with your insurance company.
You should also keep the statute of limitations in mind. You generally have two years after an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas.
Reach Out to Us for Legal Assistance
If you were harmed in an accident caused by a hit-and-run driver, you have legal options. After reporting the accident, contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers to schedule a free and confidential consultation.