Drivers who cause accidents may fear facing the consequences of their actions. In some cases, they flee the scene. Fleeing the scene of an accident can make matters worse for the driver if they are eventually caught. Even if the driver is not caught, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses through various means. A Corpus Christi hit and run accident lawyer will explain your options and handle your case from start to finish.
The team at Ben Crump, PLLC does not shy away from tough cases and we want to protect you from suffering any additional harm. Call (844) 730-0233 today to complete a free consultation and possibly begin your case.
What May Cause a Driver to Leave the Scene
The typical driver who causes an accident may be flustered, but they may also know that they must remain at the scene of the collision—it is the law per Texas Transportation Code §550.021.
It is never acceptable for a motorist involved in an accident to leave the scene before:
- Ensuring that parties are not injured or killed
- Speaking with law enforcement
- Exchanging insurance information
- Being given the go-ahead to leave the scene by authorities
Yet, the motorist involved in your hit and run accident did choose to flee the scene. There are a few possible reasons why they may have left the scene of your accident in an illegal fashion.
They Were Impaired
Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs when they are involved in an accident may fear legal consequences of being impaired while driving. They could be even more likely to flee if they fear they have caused an injury or death while driving impaired.
Texas has greater rates of drunk driving than national averages, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is possible that the driver who left the scene of your accident was impaired by drugs, alcohol, or both, and fled the scene for this reason.
They Did Not Have Insurance
Uninsured drivers may also fear legal consequences, as driving without valid insurance (or some legal equivalent) is also against the law in Texas, per the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). A driver may be aware that it is illegal to drive without insurance and may have left the scene of your accident because of this.
The consequences for leaving the scene of an accident may be more serious than driving without insurance, and your lawyer will aim to hold a fleeing driver accountable.
They Made a Poor Decision
There is no way around it: leaving the scene of an accident is a very poor decision. Even if a driver was not impaired or without insurance, they made a serious error in judgment when they chose to flee the scene of your accident. Such decisions have consequences, especially if you or a loved one suffered injuries because of the driver who left the scene of your collision.
Whether the driver who fled your accident scene was caught or not, a Corpus Christi hit and run accident lawyer may be able to recover compensation for your losses. Call Ben Crump, PLLC today for more information about how we may help you.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accidents lawyer serving Corpus Christi, call (844) 730-0233
A Lawyer May Seek Awards Through a Lawsuit
The way that your lawyer tries to secure awards could depend on whether the driver who left your accident scene was found. If they were found, then a lawsuit could be necessary to hold them accountable for their flight.
Your lawyer may first determine how your accident happened. The driver may have left the scene, at least in part, because they were responsible for causing your accident. They may have caused your collision by:
- Veering out of their lane, possibly due to intoxication
- Failing to stop for a red light
- Running a stop sign
- Speeding
- Driving too closely behind your vehicle
Accidents can happen for many specific reasons. Your lawyer and their team will collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and take other steps that will reveal exactly how your accident happened.
A driver may be held financially responsible for causing the accident. They could also be held responsible specifically for fleeing the scene of your accident. By leaving, they put your health at risk (they may have called for help if they had stayed), and they put you at financial risk.
Your lawyer may be able to recover compensation through an insurance claim if the party who caused your accident has not yet been caught.
Corpus Christi Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Losses That May Entitle You to Compensation
The amount of compensation that you could receive from a lawsuit or insurance claim may be based on the losses that you have suffered. If you have lost a loved one or are acting on behalf of an injured loved one, your lawyer will also consider their losses.
Car accidents can have many harmful consequences, including:
- Severe injury
- Permanent disability
- Changes to a person’s physical and mental abilities
- Damage to personal property like your vehicle
- You being unable to work or earn your normal standard of living
- Expensive medical care
If you have lost a loved one because of a driver who fled the scene of your loved one’s accident, then you have paid the ultimate price. Part of a lawyer’s duty will be to identify your losses, determine how much compensation those losses are worth, and fight for fair awards for you.
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Call Ben Crump, PLLC Today
A Corpus Christi hit and run accident lawyer could be helpful to you after a hit and run accident. They will explain to you how your case may work and will lead your case so that you can focus on your health and other personal duties.
Call Ben Crump, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 to participate in a free consultation. Our clients pay nothing from their own pocket, and we do not get paid unless you win.
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