Pasadena Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Texas vehicle accident laws requires drivers involved in a car accident to stop at the scene to exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers or motorists involved in or affected by the accident. If a driver fails to do this, the accident is referred to as a hit-and-run accident.

Hit and run accidents can be of many different forms. They may involve collisions between two cars in motion or a car striking a pedestrian, a cyclist, or even a fixed object such as a building or another parked car and taking off without stopping to speak with police once they arrive on the scene or to exchange insurance information with other affected individuals on-site at the time of the accident.

Common Causes of Hit and Run Accidents

While drivers are obligated to stop immediately after an accident, many run away from the scene due to the following reasons:

Lack of insurance coverage
Driving while intoxicated
Natural fight or flight reaction
Confusion in multiple-car collisions
Fear of facing angry motorists
Prior convictions such as driving while on probation
Driving on a revoked or suspended driving license
The hope of evading consequences due to a lack of witnesses or cameras
Shock at striking a pedestrian or cyclist

The Aftermath of Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents can cause serious damage, as well as death. Just like any other accident, these injuries sustained in such an accident can lead to large medical bills, the need for long-term care, and loss of consortium. Our Pasadena, TX hit and run accident attorneys are experts are handling such cases and offer representation and help with insurance negotiations regarding:

Traumatic brain injuries
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Paralysis
Internal or external injuries
Car repairs
Property damage
Punitive damages

What Should I Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

We recommend the following steps once you or a loved one becomes a victim of a hit-and-run accident.

1. Capture the Hit-and-Run Vehicle’s Details

What was the color, model, and make of the vehicle? In which direction did the driver flee from the scene? Were there others who witnessed the accident?

Try to recall the license plate of the responsible car. While doing so may be difficult, at least try to recall its first 3 or 4 characters. Also, think about other details such as whether the vehicle had any bumper stickers or any unusual characteristics. If possible, make a mental note of the physical characteristics and appearance of the driver. Do not attempt to follow the fleeing car since doing so could result in another accident or personal injury.

2. Notify the Police and Your Insurance Company

After getting into a car accident, you shouldn’t wait until you get home to call the police or wait until an officer arrives at the accident scene. Contact the Pasadena police immediately. Doing so will help the police catch the law-breaking driver. Next, reach out to your insurance provider and give them details of the accident.

3. Collect Witness Contact Details

If any witness were on site before or during the accident, collect their contact information and details of what they saw.

4. Hire a Skilled Pasadena Auto Accident Lawyer

Contact our team of legal experts to represent you in your case. This will help you initiate a damages recovery claim and avoid extortion by insurance companies.

What Happens if I Cannot Identify the Source of the Hit-and-Run Accident?

In Pasadena, a hit and run accident can also be defined as a crash involving a car for which the plaintiff (the harmed or injured party) cannot identify the individual or the vehicle responsible. To qualify as a hit and run accident, there must have been some contact with another object, in most cases another vehicle.

If you are a victim of a Pasadena hit and run accident, you are entitled to similar damage claims as those available in other vehicle accident cases. The only difference is that your insurance company will compensate you for damages under uninsured motorist coverage.

This is different from other accident cases where the at-fault driver’s insurance company would be responsible for compensating you for damages. In a hit-and-run situation, your insurance company will help you recover damages including:

Medical bills
Lost income
Loss of normal life
Pain and suffering
Permanent injury or disability

Act Fast – Call Us Today!

Remember that in any hit-and-run accident claim, time is of the essence. The sooner you get in touch with a Pasadena auto accident lawyer, the more effective and watertight the investigation of your claim will be. You will also have higher chances of being successful in your claim. You should report the accident to the police at least 24 hours from the time of the accident. Most insurance companies demand that you make a hit-and-run claim within 30 days of the accident. Failing to do so might invalidate any claims to recovery that you may make afterward.

If you sustained injuries or damages from a driver who left the scene of an accident prior to exchanging insurance details with you, know that they just committed a criminal act and can be held liable for all your injuries and damages. Click here, or call 713-677-2159 for a free consultation and expert legal help in filing your case.