Brian White | July 27, 2020 | News
Houston police said that a man who was fleeing from a hit-and-run crash died when he caused another crash. According to the police, the driver of a U-Haul truck collided with another truck in the 7100 block of Bissonnet Street in southwest Houston. The driver of the U-Haul was killed, and the driver of the truck was not injured.
The driver of the U-Haul reached speeds of 70 mph as he tried to get away from a hit-and-run accident. It was unclear where the original crash had taken place.
Why Do Drivers Leave the Scene of a Traffic Accident?
A driver may not want to remain at the scene of an accident for many reasons. Common reasons for hit-and-run accidents include:
- No automobile insurance
- Driving while under the influence
- Outstanding traffic tickets
- Fear of being charged with the accident
- Panic
- Outstanding arrest warrants
- Immigration status
According to Texas Traffic Code §550.021, a driver involved in a traffic accident that results in death or injury must stop and remain at the accident scene. The driver must comply with other requirements of the Texas traffic code, such as rendering aid and providing insurance and identifying information.
A hit-and-run charge can result in a felony conviction if the accident involves serious bodily injury or death. A conviction can result in a significant fine and lengthy prison sentence. If the accident involves property damage only, a hit-and-run charge is generally a misdemeanor.
What Should I Do if I am Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Hit-and-run accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. Injuries caused by hit-and-run crashes include:
- Broken bones
- Brain Injuries
- Paralysis
- Back Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Chest Injuries
- Airbag and Seat Belt Injuries
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries
- Soft Tissue Damage
- Internal Organ Injuries
- Death
If a driver flees the scene of a car accident, call 911 immediately to report the crash. Write down as much information as you can remember about the vehicle that caused the accident while you are waiting for the police to arrive. Ask eyewitnesses for their contact information if they cannot remain at the accident scene to make a statement to the police.
As with any car accident, it is usually best to see a doctor as soon as possible. Many car accident victims sustain injuries that are not immediately known. The shock of the accident and the adrenaline produced in response to the shock can mask some injury symptoms.
Document everything related to the hit-and-run accident and your injuries. If the driver who causes the crash is identified, you need the documentation for a personal injury claim. Also, you might be entitled to compensation under your uninsured motorist coverage.
Filing a Claim for a Hit-and-Run Accident in Houston
Being involved in an accident is frustrating. Even if you are not seriously injured, you must deal with filing an insurance claim and getting your vehicle fixed. However, when the driver responsible for the crash flees, you now face paying for the costs of the crash yourself.
Texas requires every driver to have minimum liability insurance. However, the state does not require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. Drivers can decline the coverage in writing.
However, it is usually a good idea to purchase uninsured motorist coverage in the highest amount you can afford. Even though the law requires drivers to purchase a liability insurance policy, many drivers in Texas disobey the law.
If an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver causes an accident, your uninsured motorist coverage takes the place of the other driver’s liability insurance coverage. You can recover compensation for injuries and damages from your insurance company. Damages in an uninsured motorist claim might include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and benefits
- Decreases in earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Impairments and disabilities
- Emotional suffering and distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The amount you may receive for an uninsured motorist claim depends on the facts of the case. Your injuries, financial damages, and insurance coverage affect the value of your injury claim. You must also prove that the other driver was responsible for causing the crash before your insurance company pays your claim.
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer for an Uninsured Motorist Claim?
You are not required to hire an attorney to file an uninsured motorist claim. However, as with any car accident claim, it can be in your best interest to talk to a car accident lawyer.
Even though you are filing a claim with your insurance company, your claim could be denied or undervalued. An attorney can help ensure that you are treated fairly and that the insurance company’s settlement offer is fair.
Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
For more information, contact the Houston car accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers
3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350
Houston, TX 77098
United States
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11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06
Houston, TX 77029
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Houston, TX 77054
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