Arcola Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Being hit by a negligent driver and then seeing them speed away after the accident can be stressful, frustrating, and worrisome. What will happen with your bills and damages? Who will be held liable for your losses and suffering? Fortunately, the Texas penal code protects you from many of the different losses that such careless parties inflict on innocent victims and if you are one such victim of a hit and run accident, you can file for compensation.

Our Arcola auto accident lawyers have years of experience in representing injured parties and, irrespective of the complexity of your claim, you can count on us for favorable results.

What Is a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit and run accident is most easily be defined as a driver being involved in a vehicle accident and fleeing from the scene before identifying himself/herself properly to others affected by the accident or offering necessary help to people in need. When an accident occurs, the law requires drivers to:

Return to the scene of accidents that result in death or injury and provide assistance, exchange crucial information, and hand over driving license/registration documentation when requested.
In the event of an accident involving an unoccupied vehicle, the driver should stop, find the owner, and hand over personal contact information. Should the owner be out of reach or unavailable, the at-fault driver is required to leave a note with contact information and an explanation about what happened.
A motorist must stop and take necessary action if an accident results in the damage of highway landscape or fixtures. Should such damages exceed $1,000, he or she should also file a police report.

Filing a Hit and Run Lawsuit

Before signing anything or speaking to anyone regarding your hit and run accident, it’s recommended that you first consult with a reliable auto accident lawyer. Our attorneys will walk you through the entire claims process and protect you from low-ball settlements from the insurance companies responsible for covering and paying for the accident. Prior to settling on an attorney, however, doing the following after the accident will strengthen your claim:

Capture as much evidence you can – the vehicle’s registration number, color, model, and any other identifiable features
Obtain the police report on what was filed after the accident
Obtain medical documents that indicate the extent of your bodily injuries
Compose a detailed description of what happened
Obtain witness contact information and record any of their statements
Avoid signing anything or making recorded statements without legal representation by your side

Hit and Run Accident Penalties

A $500 fine if the accident was minor
A jail term of six months for Class B misdemeanors
A fine of up to $5,000 or five-years jail time for a felony hit and run
10 years in jail if the accident causes a serious injury or death
Community service or probation if the accident was not severe and the offender has not been convicted of a felony in the past

Tracking Down a Hit and Run Driver

If you were unable to capture identification details of the hit and run vehicle, our attorneys will help you gather material evidence, prove fault, and get you the maximum compensation from the at-fault motorist. Our sources of evidence in such cases include:

Obtaining footage from highway/street surveillance cameras
Vehicle dashboard camera footage
Information from witnesses
Social media news feeds for possible leads
Analyzing police reports and any DUI or speeding tickets issued in the area
Searching the nearby area for damaged cars and those that may show evidence of blood or a recent accident

How Much Is a Hit and Run Accident Claim Worth in Arcola?

The nature of hit and run accidents differ, and thus there is no compensation value that applies to all claims. However, with a network of financial evaluators and medical experts, we can engage these professionals to determine the extent of your losses and the maximum compensation they are worth. Our lawyers will seek compensation from:

The at-fault party’s insurance company
Your uninsured motorist insurance if it is completely impossible to trace the hit and run driver
Your health insurance cover

Once we determine the best compensation avenue for your claim, our lawyers will aggressively negotiate to get you full compensation for:

All medical bills incurred – These include present and projected hospital bills that accrue from emergency/ambulance costs, special doctor appointments, prescription bills, wheelchairs or other medical equipment, rehabilitation costs, therapy, and more
Emotional/mental anguish
Lost income
Diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Lost service and consortium
Funeral and burial costs in the event of death
A potential loss of inheritance

Act Fast!

Texas has statutes of limitation for people filing personal injury lawsuits. If you wait too long before filing your claim, you might not be allowed to seek compensation at all. We know how intimidating the legal process can be, but you don’t have to do it on your own. Call us today at 713-677-2159 for a free and confidential evaluation and discussion of your case with a seasoned attorney at law. We are here to help you so call now.