Any car accident can cause debilitating injuries, but being the victim of a hit and run is a lot of additional stress and frustration. Were you injured in a Houston hit and run accident? Our experienced hit and run lawyers will pursue justice and the maximum compensation your deserve.
Call Gibson Hill Personal Injury at (713) 659-4000 or contact us online for a confidential, free consultation. Our Houston car accident lawyers can advise you on whether you have a hit-and-run case and discuss further details. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident in Houston?
A hit and run accident is one where the suspected at-fault driver immediately flees the accident scene. They do not perform their legal duty to identify the other involved drivers, share insurance company information, or get help for anyone who was injured.
Any type of car accident can become a hit and run accident, including the following:
- Head-on hit and run accident – A hit and run driver collides “hood to hood” with another car, then backs away and flees the scene.
- Rear-end hit and run accident – A hit driver crashes straight into the rear of another car, then leaves the scene of the accident.
- T-bone hit and run accident – A driver collides into the side of another car with the front of their own, then flees.
- Sideswiping hit and run accident – A driver hits the side of another car with the side of their own vehicle, but they continue on instead of stopping to exchange information.
- Rollover hit and run accident – A driver causes another vehicle to flip onto its side or roof but does not stop to get help.
Potential Serious Bodily Injury Examples
No matter how the accident happened, it can lead to severe injuries such as:
- Cuts or lacerations
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Blunt-force trauma
- Concussion/traumatic brain injury
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Burns, if the accident caused a car fire
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Identifying the Driver in a Hit and Run Case
After a Houston hit and run accident, the local police will investigate to identify the hit and run driver who fled. Police may ask you what you remember about the accident scene, request copies of surveillance or dashcam footage, and question witnesses who saw the hit and run accident unfold.
Once your legal team has the at fault driver’s information, a hit and run accident attorney can begin filing third-party insurance claims and building a personal injury case.
What If The Hit and Run Driver Never Gets Identified?
While modern technology has increased the chances of a successful hit and run investigation, there are still situations where the driver is never found. Depending on what types of insurance you have, there may still be avenues for you to seek financial support. Your lawyer can guide you through any of the following:
A hit and run lawyer can guide you through any of the following:
- Uninsured motorist coverage – Insurers in Texas must offer uninsured motorist coverage to their customers. This coverage allows policyholders to recover compensation for medical bills and property repairs if the driver who injured them didn’t carry liability insurance coverage. It may also apply when an at-fault driver cannot be identified.
- Personal injury protection – Insurers in Texas must offer drivers at least $2,500 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Note that PIP benefits only support a policyholder’s medical bills, and not property repair costs or lost wages.
- Your health insurance – Medical bills often form the most substantial portion of someone’s accident-related expenses. Your health insurer might cover at least some of your treatment and therapy expenses. A lawyer could help negotiate some of the bills that remain.
Negligence in a Houston Hit and Run Case
To win compensation in a personal injury case, you must prove that the hit and run driver was negligent. Typically, you must prove using these four elements:
- The defendant had a duty of care – The defendant had a duty of care to protect you and other drivers from harm.
- The defendant disregarded their duty of care – The defendant did not act according to their duty of care. They also violated their legal obligations to exchange information and get you medical treatment.
- Defendant caused the accident – The defendant was at fault for the accident, which you can prove through evidence.
- You were injured – You have medical records and other documentation to prove that your injuries stemmed from the accident.
The Houston Personal Injury Case Process
The process for a hit and run personal injury case will follow this general outline:
- Your treatment – As you receive medical treatment, your lawyer will work with subject matter experts to determine what remaining tests, procedures, or medications you will likely need and tally up the cost.
- Your lawyer’s investigation – Your lawyer will investigate to find evidence that could prove negligence on the hit and run driver’s part.They will also calculate your medical expenses, lost wages, and other non-economic losses to determine how much compensation they should pursue.
- Navigating insurance claims – While your lawyer builds your case, your own insurance company could provide you with some immediate relief. We will review your policy’s terms and file the appropriate claims on your behalf.
- Negotiations – Your lawyer will send a demand letter to the hit and run driver’s liability insurer. This letter explains how their customer was responsible for the accident and demanding compensation for you. The insurer will have the opportunity to settle the case through direct negotiations or mediation.
- Filing the personal injury lawsuit – Your lawyer can file a lawsuit suit if negotiations are unsuccessful or if they need additional tools to build your case.
- The trial, if necessary – Your lawyer will seek a judge or jury verdict in favor of the losses you claim.
Will My Hit and Run Case Go to Trial in Houston?
Most hit and run accidents cases in Houston do not proceed to trial, but some do. We understand that many of our clients need support as quickly as possible. Our team’s goal is to pursue the maximum compensation for you through the fastest reasonable avenue.
Negotiation
Your Houston hit and run lawyer typically attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company through demand letters, mediation, or other settlement negotiations. If these attempts are unsuccessful, your lawyer may advise you to proceed with filing a lawsuit and taking the case to trial.
Nature and Severity of Injuries
The extent and severity of your injuries can also influence whether your case goes to trial. If you suffered severe injuries requiring and financial losses, the stakes may be higher. This might make the insurance company more likely to defend their case in court.
Court Proceedings
If your hit and run case goes to trial, your lawyer will present evidence, question witnesses, and make arguments to support your claim. Judge or jury will then determine the compensation you are entitled to based on the evidence presented and the applicable laws.
Contact a Houston Hit and Run Lawyer
Our Houston personal injury lawyers have experience with a wide variety of traffic accidents, including hit and run accidents. Read our testimonials to see the results we have produced for our previous clients.
Call Gibson Hill Personal Injury at (713) 659-4000 or contact us online for a no-obligation, free consultation with one of our Houston hit and run accidents lawyers.
Related posts:
