What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Texas
Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, but when the at fault driver flees the scene, the situation becomes even more overwhelming. Hit and run accidents in Texas leave victims dealing with injuries, property damage, and uncertainty about who will pay for their losses. Knowing what steps to take immediately after the crash is critical to protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
At The Law Office of Silverio Martinez, we help accident victims navigate these complex situations every day. Here is what you should do right away if you are involved in a hit and run.
1. Make sure you are safe and call the police
Your safety comes first. Move to a safe location if you can and call 911 immediately. Reporting the hit and run to law enforcement is extremely important because the police report becomes a key piece of evidence in your case. Officers will document the crash, gather information at the scene, and begin the search for the driver who fled.
2. Gather as much evidence as possible
Even if the other driver leaves, there is still valuable evidence you can collect. Try to record:
Take photos and videos of the scene from multiple angles. If you are too injured, ask someone to help or focus first on getting medical attention.
3. Look for witnesses and camera footage
Witness statements can make a huge difference in identifying the fleeing driver. Ask anyone nearby if they saw the accident and get their contact information.
Additionally, many hit and run accidents occur near:
Video footage can be powerful evidence that helps locate the at fault driver.
4. Get medical care right away
Even if you feel fine, you should always get evaluated by a doctor after a crash. Some injuries take hours or days to appear. Medical records also provide important documentation for your claim.
If you want to learn more about common injuries and what to expect, you can read: Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents and What to Do Next
(Although a different type of accident, this post explains how injuries can develop gradually.)
5. Notify your insurance company
After a hit and run, your claim may be handled through your own coverage, including:
Insurance companies often try to delay or limit payouts, especially in complicated cases like hit and run accidents. Understanding how insurers work is important. Our post How Insurance Companies Devalue Personal Injury Claims and What You Can Do About It explains their tactics and how having a lawyer can help you avoid common pitfalls.
6. Do not negotiate with insurance adjusters on your own
Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but they work for the insurance company, not you. They often use strategies to minimize your claim, especially when the other driver cannot be identified.
Before giving any recorded statements or accepting any offers, speak with an attorney who handles hit and run cases. Having legal representation can significantly improve the outcome of your claim.
7. Contact a Texas personal injury lawyer
Hit and run accident claims can be more complex than normal car accident cases, especially when the at fault driver is never found. A personal injury lawyer can help by:
To understand more about the process of filing a personal injury claim in Texas, you can also review: What You Should Know About Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Texas
Free consultation for personal injury cases
If you were injured in a hit and run accident in Texas, you do not have to handle this on your own. The Law Office of Silverio Martinez offers free consultations for all personal injury cases. We will listen to your story, explain your options, and guide you through every step of the process.
Contact us today to get the help you need.