If you were involved in a car accident, the situation becomes exponentially more complicated if the at-fault driver fled the scene. You will need a The Woodlands hit & run accident lawyer to help protect your legal rights. Texas-based Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers can explain your legal rights and options during a free case review.
Contact our The Woordlands, TX, office today at (346) 534-7242 to schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers to Help with My Hit and Run Case in The Woodlands?
Hit-and-run cases can be complex because they often require tracking down the fleeing driver to recover maximum compensation.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers is particularly suited to handle The Woodlands, Texas, hit and run cases because:
- Our The Woodlands personal injury lawyers have over 45 years of combined experience, so we know how to track down drivers, investigate car accident cases, and prepare personal injury claims for maximum compensation.
- We have Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyers, a unique distinction held by only a small percentage of Texas lawyers.
- We are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, evidencing the significant victories we have achieved.
- We are part of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Expertise Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Houston in a recent year.
- Our Avvo Client’s Choice Award and 10.0 Avvo Rating evidence our commitment to client satisfaction.
Call us today for a free consultation with a The Woodlands hit & run accident attorney to learn more about how we can help.
What Is a Hit and Run in Texas?
Texas law requires any motorist involved in a car accident resulting in injury or death to immediately stop their vehicle at the scene of the accident and determine whether anyone involved in the accident requires medical aid.
The driver must then give the following information to anyone injured in the accident and the other driver:
- Their name and address
- The vehicle’s registration number
- The name of the vehicle’s owner
- The name of their insurer
They must also show their driver’s license if requested.
Failing to comply with these requirements when the accident results in bodily injury is punishable by up to five years of imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $5,000. If the accident causes a serious bodily injury, it is considered a third-degree felony. If it causes the death of another motorist, it is a second-degree felony.
Common Causes of Hit and Run Accidents
Hit-and-run crashes commonly occur because the at-fault driver:
- Was uninsured
- Had no driver’s license
- Was driving on a suspended or revoked driver’s license
- Did not have legal immigration status
- Did not have permission to drive the car
- Was drunk or drugged
Because hit-and-run cases often involve criminal conduct, it’s crucial that you contact law enforcement after the accident to try to get justice from the driver.
What Kind of Damages Are Available in Hit & Run Cases in Texas?
Through a personal injury claim, you can seek damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Diminished value of your property
- Pain and suffering
An experienced lawyer can help determine your legal options.
What Is My Hit and Run Case Worth?
The primary factor that will determine what your hit-and-run case is worth is whether you are able to locate the at-fault driver. If you cannot, you will likely be limited to the benefits available under your uninsured motorist coverage.
Other factors that can impact the value of your case include:
- The severity and type of your injuries
- The total cost of your medical treatment (past and future)
- Whether you’ve lost income or your ability to work
- The amount of pain and suffering you’ve endured
- Property damage, including repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Availability and limits of applicable insurance coverage
- Whether punitive damages may apply if the driver is located
Each of these elements can affect your final compensation and should be carefully evaluated by your attorney.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Contributed to the Accident?
Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover any damages at all.
For example, if you were awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000. This system ensures that injured victims can still pursue financial recovery, but only if they were less at fault than the other party.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Texas?
The statute of limitations in Texas to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. However, the deadline to file an insurance claim will be dictated by the terms of your auto insurance policy if you’re filing an uninsured motorist claim.
An experienced attorney can review your insurance policy and explain your legal rights and responsibilities, as well as any applicable deadlines.
Contact Our The Woodlands Hit & Run Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
Being injured in a hit and run accident can leave you feeling helpless, especially when the driver responsible flees the scene. At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, our experienced team in The Woodlands knows how to investigate these complex cases and pursue every available source of compensation on your behalf.
Our The Woodlands hit & run accident attorneys will work to uncover evidence, deal with insurance companies, and hold negligent parties accountable wherever possible. You don’t have to face the challenges of a hit and run case alone. Call us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights.
