When you’re involved in a car accident, it may take a few moments to regain your bearings after the collision. However, when you’re able to take in your surroundings, you may be shocked to find that the driver responsible for the accident is halfway down the road. As such, pursuing justice for the damage to your vehicle and any injuries you’ve sustained may seem impossible. The following blog explores what you can do to seek justice and how a dedicated Houston auto accident lawyer can assist you if you are the victim of a hit-and-run.
What Is a Hit-and-Run?
When a car is involved in a collision, whether with another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, the parties involved in the accident should pull over and exchange information until the police arrive to file a report. However, when the party responsible for the collision flees the scene of the accident, it constitutes a hit-and-run.
Drivers may flee the scene because they are intoxicated, have a suspended or revoked license, or do not want to face liability for their negligence.
In Texas, a hit-and-run in an accident that involves injury can constitute a felony charge, with one to ten years in prison, depending on the severity of the damages involved. If there is no injury, but the vehicle is occupied, it warrants a misdemeanor charge, depending on the value of the damage to the car.
What Should I Do if I’m Hit and the Driver Flees?
If the driver responsible for your collision flees the accident scene, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to protect yourself. When you see the driver leave, your first instinct may be to follow after them to ensure they are brought to justice. However, you should remain at the scene of the accident and call the police. The other driver may be erratic, which can put you and others on the road at risk.
When the police arrive, you’ll want to provide as much information as possible. This includes the other vehicle’s make, model, and year, as well as the color, any distinguishing features, and license plate information. The police will investigate the accident and be on the lookout for vehicles that have damage consistent with the collision that occurred.
How Can a Texas Lawyer Assist Me?
Though you may worry that you will never receive justice for the accident you’ve endured, working with an attorney can help improve your chances. Not only will they be able to investigate the accident, but they may also be able to obtain security footage from local homes and businesses that may have captured footage of the accident. This can help locate the negligent driver. If the driver is located, your attorney will fight for justice on your behalf.
At the Gonzalez Law Group, we understand how devastating it can be to suffer an injury and feel like you will never receive justice. Our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to bring the offender to justice and help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to learn how we will fight for you.
