As a leading San Antonio Accident Lawyer, we are here to help you through the legal process and secure the compensation you are entitled to. Our team is dedicated to ensuring justice for those affected by negligent and irresponsible drivers. You can also read more about specific situations like U-Turn Accidents to understand your rights better.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
In Texas, a hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a crash flees the scene without stopping to provide identification or offer assistance to injured parties. These accidents can involve other vehicles, pedestrians, or even property damage.
Under Texas law, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident, no matter how minor it may seem. Failure to stop and render aid can lead to severe legal consequences for the fleeing driver, including felony charges.
According to the Texas Transportation Code, drivers must remain at the scene of an accident, exchange information, and provide aid if necessary. Depending on the severity of the accident, drivers who flee the scene face fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
Understanding Texas Hit and Run Laws In San Antonio
In Texas, hit-and-run accidents are governed by several statutes that dictate the responsibilities of drivers involved in collisions. According to Texas Transportation Code Section 550.021, drivers involved in accidents that result in injury or death must:
- Immediately stop at the scene or as close to it as possible.
- Return to the scene if not stopped nearby.
- Remain at the scene to provide information and aid.
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in serious consequences. For example, leaving the scene of an accident where someone has been seriously injured or killed is a third-degree felony. If a death occurs, the crime may be elevated to a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
We have extensive knowledge of these laws and can help you pursue justice if you’ve been affected by a hit-and-run accident in San Antonio. As your hit-and-run car accident attorney in San Antonio, we will fight to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you are owed.
Common Causes of Hit and Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are tied to driver negligence or fear of legal consequences.
Some common causes of accidents include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI) – Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs may flee to avoid DUI charges.
- Lack of insurance – Uninsured drivers often leave the scene to avoid penalties for driving without proper coverage.
- Reckless driving – Drivers engaged in illegal activities, such as speeding or running red lights, may attempt to evade the consequences.
- Fear of legal repercussions – Even in minor accidents, some drivers panic and flee, not realizing the legal ramifications of leaving the scene.
Regardless of the cause, we are committed to investigating the circumstances of your accident and identifying the responsible party.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in San Antonio
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, your immediate actions are crucial to building a strong case.
Follow these steps to protect your rights and improve your chances of recovering compensation:
- Call the police – Report the accident to law enforcement immediately. They will create an official report, which can be used as evidence in your case.
- Document the scene – Take photos of the accident, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. If possible, write down or record any details you remember about the fleeing vehicle, such as the make, model, color, and license plate number.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, it is important to be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Injuries from car accidents can be delayed, and having a medical record is essential to your claim.
- Contact a San Antonio hit-and-run car accident lawyer – Our team can begin investigating your case, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
Compensation for Hit-and-Run Accident Victims
Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims with substantial physical, emotional, and financial burdens. As your auto accident lawyer in San Antonio, we will work tirelessly to help you recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
In some cases, victims of hit-and-run accidents may be able to seek compensation through their insurance policies, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. We will explore all possible avenues to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Statistics on Hit and Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately on the rise in both Texas and across the United States. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that roughly 737,000 hit-and-run crashes occur each year, resulting in more than 2,000 fatalities. In Texas, hit-and-run accidents make up a significant portion of traffic-related deaths, with 256 fatalities reported in 2021 alone, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
This increase in hit-and-run incidents highlights the need to hold negligent drivers responsible. Our Texas injury lawyers are committed to helping victims of these accidents get the justice they deserve.
Why Choose Us as Your Hit and Run Car Accident Attorney in San Antonio
- Experience – Our firm has decades of combined experience representing accident victims in San Antonio and across Texas.
- Personalized attention – We take the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and develop a strategy that works for you.
- Aggressive representation – We fight hard to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. We are not afraid to take on insurance companies and negligent drivers.
- No fees unless we win – We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation.
Our team of top-rated car accident lawyers in San Antonio is here to guide you through the complexities of your case.
How We Investigate Hit and Run Accidents
A hit-and-run accident investigation requires thorough attention to detail and the ability to navigate complex legal matters. At Patterson Law Group, we utilize various resources to track the fleeing drivers and hold them accountable.
Our investigation process typically includes the following:
- Reviewing police reports – The official police report is a crucial piece of evidence that can provide valuable details about the accident.
- Collecting witness statements – We gather accounts from anyone who witnessed the crash to help identify the fleeing driver and establish liability.
- Analyzing surveillance footage – In some cases, nearby businesses or traffic cameras may have captured footage of the accident or the fleeing vehicle.
- Reconstructing the accident – If necessary, we work with accident reconstruction experts to determine how the crash occurred and who was at fault.
Our team is committed to finding the responsible party and ensuring you receive the justice you deserve.
Contact Our Auto Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run accident, please don’t hesitate to contact us. At Patterson Law Group, we understand the difficulties that follow such incidents and are here to offer the legal support and guidance you need.
Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with a San Antonio hit-and-run car accident lawyer. We are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
