Texas, like other states, has strict laws incriminating hit and runs. An individual is acting out of gross negligence when they fail to check on other victims of the accident, and if a hit and run caused severe injuries or the loss of a loved one, you can depend on a compassionate and aggressive Houston hit and run lawyer here at The Gonzalez Law Group. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you through each step of the process ahead.
Houston Hit and Run Accident Lawyer | Here to Help You
Hit and runs are a serious problem during an accident that has resulted in severe injuries. If the driver who causes the accident walks or runs away from the scene of the crime while the other party is suffering severe physical injuries or potentially dying, the offending driver can be punished not only through criminal prosecution, but through a personal injury or wrongful death suit as well. The Houston personal injury attorneys here at The Gonzalez Law Group know Texas laws well and can help you pursue the damages to which you are entitled.
Texas Hit and Run Laws
The seconds it takes to check on other individuals during an accident and potentially call for emergency services can save lives. Hit and run offenses are strongly condemned under Texas regulations. Tex. Transp. Code §550.023 is as follows:
The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the injury or death of a person or damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by a person shall:
- Give the operator’s name and address, the registration number of the vehicle the operator was driving, and the name of the operator’s motor vehicle liability insurer to any person injured or the operator or occupant of or person attending a vehicle involved in the collision;
- If requested and available, show the operator’s driver’s license to a person described by Subdivision (1); and
- Provide any person injured in the accident reasonable assistance, including transporting or making arrangements for transporting the person to a physician or hospital for medical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary, or if the injured person requests the transportation.
Tex. Transp. Code §550.026 also calls for immediate reporting (while in regard to one’s own safety) of an accident that causes injury or death of a person to the closest local police department.
In 2019, the state increased hit and run penalties comparable to that of a DWI. Punishment for a hit and run involving an injury includes up to 5 years of jail time & a $5,000 fine, while punishment for a hit and run involving a severe injury or fatality includes up to 20 years of jail time and a $5,000 fine (both felonies).
Pursuing Liability for a Hit and Run Injury
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is essential to file a police report when possible. Though other factors may have led to the vehicle accident (e.g., driver distraction, intoxication, drowsiness), the course of action taken by the at-fault party may have contributed greatly to the worsening injuries or conditions of the victim. An individual may not have lost as much blood if the other party called for help right away. Because a hit and run is commonly regarded as reckless or gross behavior, punitive damages may be recovered on the victim’s behalf. Other damages following liability in a personal injury or wrongful death case can include:
- Hospital/Medical bills costs
- Funeral/Burial Expenses
- Loss of Income
- Pain and Suffering
Contact Us Today!
Hit and run accidents reduce the chances of individuals’ fighting chance at life. You should not have to face the consequences of an accident that was not your fault, and in which you suffered deepened injuries because of the other driver’s added reckless behavior. Our attorneys at The Gonzalez Law Group know the Texas criminal and civil laws condemning hit and runs. We will fight aggressively to assure you receive the most favorable settlement. Call (832) 530-4070 for a confidential consultation. At The Gonzalez Law Group, we work with clients in the counties of Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, Montgomery, Liberty, and Chambers. Contact us today.
