The Texas Transportation Code §550.021 makes it a criminal offense to flee the scene of an accident or to not immediately return to the scene.
While law enforcement officers do all they can to track down the suspect, an El Paso hit and run accident lawyer can help you recover damages whether the driver is apprehended or not.
The nature of a hit and run accident makes it more challenging than other kinds of motor vehicle accidents. Our lawyers understand these cases and can work with you to find the best possible outcome.
If you or a loved one was the victim of a hit and run accident, please call Ben Crump Law, PLLC for a free case review at (844) 730-0233. A member of our team can speak with you now.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident
Do not attempt to chase after the fleeing driver. Leave this to the police and try to give as much information as you can remember, such as:
- Type of vehicle (for example, two-door or four-door car, SUV, truck)
- Make of the vehicle
- Color of the vehicle
- License plate number (even if it’s partial)
- License plate state (if it was a Texas plate or one from another state)
- Any identifying marks on the car, such as decals, bumper stickers, dents, or damage
- Any identifying information about the driver, such as clothes or hair color
Sometimes a hit and run victim can take a picture of the fleeing car on a cell phone, but often, these accidents happen so fast that this is not possible. Your priority is your health. After getting the medical attention you need, you have the option of hiring a lawyer to pursue potential compensation.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accidents lawyer serving El Paso, call (844) 730-0233
How a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Can Help
In a typical traffic accident, both parties exchange contact and insurance information. This may still happen after a hit and run accident if the driver is caught. If the driver is not apprehended, it may be more challenging to identify sources of potential compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
A hit and run accident lawyer will carefully examine the details of your accident. They will contact the appropriate law enforcement agency to find out the status of their investigation. It is your right to be advised if the suspect is caught.
Additionally, a lawyer with our firm can:
- Collect evidence from the scene of the accident
- Review police reports
- Obtain witness statements
- Secure proof of your injuries
- Evaluate your damages
We have helped victims who were injured in similar accidents. You will have the strength and resources of our law firm to help you through this difficult time.
El Paso Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
How We Might Recover Damages for a Hit and Run Accident
There are a few options that an attorney with our firm can explore to help you recover damages after a hit and run accident in El Paso:
File a Claim against the Other Driver’s Insurance
This option depends on the driver either being caught by police or turning himself or herself in to the police. A hit and run accident lawyer with our firm can file the claim and negotiate with the insurance company.
File a Claim with Your Personal Insurance
If the other driver is not caught, a lawyer with Ben Crump Law, PLLC can file a claim with your own automobile insurance policy. In our experience, most people do not fully understand what their insurance covers. An attorney can read and review your policy to help you get the benefits that you may deserve.
Take Legal Action
We can also take legal action and file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party (if caught) or against the insurance company if they will not negotiate in good faith.
The sooner you call the office of an El Paso hit and run accident lawyer, the sooner we can get to work on your case.
Click to contact our El Paso Car Accident Lawyers today
How We Show Liability in a Hit and Run Accident
All personal injury cases, including a hit and run accident, must contain certain elements to show liability and negligence. These elements include:
- The other party owed you a duty of care to avoid harming you, to obey the law, and to stay at the accident scene.
- The other party breached this duty of care.
- This negligence caused you to suffer injuries.
- These injuries have led to damages in the form of medical bills and other losses.
There are emotional damages after a hit and run accident that are included in an assessment of your losses. Some hit and run accident victims have nightmares or depression. A lawyer will ensure that these damages are included in your claim.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Recoverable Damages for a Hit and Run Accident
Each case is different, but some of the more common types of damages in this type of personal injury claim may include:
- Medical care and treatment, including surgery, hospitalization, specialists, and rehabilitation
- Lifecare or domestic services
- Diminished earning ability due to injury
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
Many hit and run accidents result in serious injury. You should not have to pay for these medical bills and other losses.
Why a Driver Might Flee the Scene
In our experience, there are several reasons why a driver may flee the scene of an accident, including:
- They are intoxicated or high.
- They do not want to pay for an accident that they may have caused.
- They do not have a license or insurance.
- They do not have permission to drive the vehicle.
You should not chase after a fleeing driver, as it could result in further injury or danger to you.
Call Today for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one was injured in a hit and run, an El Paso hit and run accident lawyer can protect your rights and help you understand your options. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC for a free case review at (844) 730-0233.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
