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San Antonio Hit and Run Car Accident Lawyer

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A hit and run accident can leave you feeling helpless in an instant. In San Antonio, these crashes often happen on I-10, Loop 410, or in the crowded downtown streets where traffic is heavy and drivers make quick, unpredictable moves. Instead of stopping to take responsibility, the at-fault driver flees, leaving you to deal with painful injuries, a damaged vehicle, and the stress of not knowing where to turn for help.

This situation is overwhelming, but you are not without options. Texas law provides protections for victims of hit and run accidents, even when the responsible driver cannot be identified. By reporting the crash, seeking medical care, and working with an experienced legal team, you can still pursue compensation. At Patterson Law Group, we guide families through this process with compassion, clarity, and the dedication needed to hold insurers accountable.

Why Choose Patterson Law Group for Hit and Run Cases

Our firm approaches hit and run cases differently than many others. We understand that these claims are uniquely stressful because the person who caused the crash may never be found. That is why our process focuses on building trust, giving you consistent communication, and providing practical support from start to finish.

Selective Caseloads for Personalized Service

We intentionally limit the number of cases we handle at one time. This allows us to dedicate the time and resources needed to thoroughly investigate each crash. You are never treated like another file number; instead, your case receives the individual attention it deserves.

Direct Access to Attorneys

From the beginning, you have direct access to an attorney who understands Texas hit and run laws and how insurers approach these claims. You will not be left wondering who is handling your case or when you will get an update.

Beyond-Legal Support for Recovery

Legal claims are only part of the struggle after a hit and run. You may need help arranging vehicle repairs, finding trusted doctors, or keeping up with paperwork from insurers. We step in to assist with these challenges so that you can focus on healing.

Commitment to the San Antonio Community

We are part of the San Antonio community ourselves, and we know the roads, neighborhoods, and legal system that affect your claim. Our presence here is more than professional—it is personal. We are committed to improving safety for families in Bexar County and advocating for those left behind by careless drivers.

Understanding Hit and Run Accidents in San Antonio

Under Texas law, a hit and run occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without stopping to provide their name, contact information, or insurance details. This is required whether the crash involves another vehicle, a pedestrian, or even stationary property.

In San Antonio, local risks make these accidents especially common. Busy shopping centers and parking lots often see minor collisions where drivers leave without leaving a note or reporting the damage. Highways like I-35 and Loop 1604 present another danger, as fast-moving traffic makes it easier for fleeing drivers to escape before police arrive. Whether the crash is minor or severe, leaving the scene is both a crime and a breach of responsibility that puts victims at greater risk.

Texas Laws on Hit and Run Crashes and Driver Responsibility

The Texas Transportation Code makes it clear: drivers must stop and provide information when they are involved in a crash. Failing to do so carries both criminal and civil consequences.

Criminally, leaving the scene of an accident can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity. If only property damage is involved, penalties may include fines and potential jail time. If injuries or death result from the crash, the offense escalates to a felony with harsher prison terms.

Civilly, victims have the right to pursue damages through insurance claims or lawsuits. These laws exist to protect victims, ensuring that they have a path to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages even if the at-fault driver cannot be located. Knowing these protections exist can give you peace of mind as you begin the recovery process.

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Common Scenarios of Hit and Run Collisions in Bexar County

Hit and run accidents take many forms in San Antonio and across Bexar County. Understanding the common scenarios highlights the risks drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists face daily. By recognizing these patterns, you can better understand how these crashes happen and why they require prompt legal attention. Each situation carries unique challenges for investigation and recovery.

Parking Lot and Shopping Center Crashes

Minor accidents in parking lots often involve a driver scraping another vehicle and leaving without reporting the damage. While these may seem less serious, they still create financial stress when you are left with repair costs and no responsible party in sight. Many of these collisions go unreported, which makes it especially important to document the damage yourself. Even low-speed crashes can lead to expensive repairs that insurers may resist paying without strong evidence.

Rear-End or Side-Swipe Accidents on Congested Roads

Busy roads such as Bandera Road or Culebra Road often see crashes caused by drivers weaving through traffic or failing to stop in time. When the at-fault driver flees, victims are left to manage injuries and property damage without immediate accountability. These accidents are common during rush hour when congestion is heavy and drivers are impatient. Because the responsible driver disappears quickly, witness accounts and photographs become crucial to supporting your claim.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Hit and Runs

San Antonio’s growing number of walkable areas and bike lanes means pedestrians and cyclists face increased exposure. When a negligent driver strikes someone on foot or on a bike and drives away, the injuries are often catastrophic. Victims may face long recoveries or permanent disabilities, making financial compensation critical. Families in these cases also rely heavily on crash reports and insurance claims to hold someone accountable when the driver is never located.

Nighttime Crashes With Impaired Drivers

Many hit and runs occur at night, when impaired drivers fear the consequences of being caught. Crashes near entertainment areas or along highways are common in these circumstances, leaving victims vulnerable when medical help is most urgently needed. Darkness makes it harder to identify fleeing vehicles, which is why surveillance footage and traffic cameras can play such an important role. The involvement of alcohol or drugs also increases the severity of injuries, making recovery even more difficult for victims.

Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident in San Antonio

Knowing what to do immediately after a hit and run can make a significant difference in your ability to recover compensation later. Taking the following steps helps protect both your health and your legal rights. Acting quickly also preserves valuable evidence that may otherwise be lost.

Call 911 and Request Medical Help

Your safety comes first. Contacting emergency services ensures that medical professionals can evaluate injuries and law enforcement can begin documenting the scene. A police report is often the first piece of evidence in these cases. Getting immediate medical care also creates a clear record linking your injuries to the crash. This prevents insurers from later arguing that your condition was unrelated.

Provide as Many Details as Possible to Police

When speaking with officers, share any information you remember about the fleeing vehicle, such as color, make, model, or partial license plate numbers. Even small details can help investigators identify the driver. Police can use this information in combination with surveillance footage or license plate readers to track suspects. The more precise your description, the better chance investigators have of finding the responsible party.

Gather Witness Statements and Photos if Available

If others saw the crash, their statements can be invaluable. Collect their names and contact information if possible. Photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, or your injuries can also provide powerful evidence. Witnesses often notice details you may have missed in the stress of the moment. Having photos and statements available strengthens both police investigations and insurance claims.

Check for Nearby Cameras or Surveillance Footage

San Antonio has many businesses, traffic lights, and security systems that may capture crashes. Noting nearby cameras can give police a head start in locating video evidence. This footage may confirm your account of the crash or reveal details about the fleeing driver’s vehicle. Identifying these sources early helps preserve footage before it is erased or overwritten.

Contact a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Early

Legal guidance from the start helps you avoid mistakes that could weaken your claim. An attorney can communicate with insurers on your behalf, secure crash reports, and begin the investigation while you focus on recovery. Lawyers also know how to push back against insurers that delay or undervalue claims. With experienced representation, you can pursue the compensation you need without facing these challenges alone.

How Police Investigate Hit and Run Crashes

When a driver flees the scene, identifying them becomes a top priority. The San Antonio Police Department and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office use multiple investigative methods to track down offenders. Officers begin by reviewing crash reports and the information provided by victims and witnesses. Even seemingly small details, such as a vehicle color or partial license plate, can help narrow down suspects.

Technology also plays an important role. License plate readers stationed at intersections and mounted on patrol vehicles can detect vehicles matching descriptions from the scene. Investigators also collect surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic lights, and private security systems, piecing together a timeline of the fleeing driver’s path.

Witness interviews are another valuable tool. Statements from people who saw the crash can provide leads and confirm details not immediately available in physical evidence. Combined, these methods give law enforcement the ability to pursue drivers who attempt to escape responsibility, though not all cases result in an arrest.

Insurance Options for Victims: UM/UIM Coverage Explained

When the at-fault driver cannot be identified or does not have insurance, victims must often turn to their own coverage for compensation. Texas requires insurers to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, and many drivers carry it without realizing it. Other policy features, such as PIP or collision coverage, may also apply.

How Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage Works

UM/UIM coverage steps in when the responsible driver cannot be found or lacks sufficient insurance to cover the damages. It can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses that would otherwise go unrecovered. This protection is particularly important in hit and run cases, where victims have no other party to file against.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits

PIP benefits provide coverage for medical expenses and lost income, regardless of who was at fault. In Texas, insurers are required to offer the mandatory minimum of $2,500 in PIP coverage, but you can increase your coverage to higher limits depending on the insurer. PIP can help cover immediate costs, making it a vital resource while investigations and larger claims are still pending.

Collision Coverage for Vehicle Repairs

Collision coverage can pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle, even if the other driver is never identified. While it typically requires a deductible, this option ensures you are not left with the full cost of property damage. In hit and run cases, collision coverage often provides one of the fastest forms of relief for transportation needs.

Using Health Insurance for Immediate Treatment

Health insurance may also cover medical treatment after a crash, providing access to care while legal claims move forward. Although health insurers may later seek reimbursement through subrogation if another source of compensation is secured, this coverage helps ensure you receive timely treatment.

Challenges in Hit and Run Claims

Hit and run cases are often more complex than other types of car accidents. Without an identified driver, proving liability becomes difficult, and victims must rely more heavily on their own insurance policies. Insurers may resist paying full compensation, arguing that not enough evidence supports the claim or that coverage does not apply.

Delays also create problems. Investigations can take weeks or months, while bills continue to accumulate. Victims may feel pressured to accept lower settlements simply to ease financial stress. These challenges make legal representation particularly valuable, as attorneys know how to push back against insurer tactics and keep cases moving forward.

Potential Compensation After a Hit and Run Crash

Even when the driver is not found, victims of hit and run crashes may be entitled to several categories of compensation under Texas law. These damages address both financial losses and the personal impact of the accident.

Medical Costs and Rehabilitation Expenses

Compensation can include hospital bills, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. Future medical costs, such as follow-up care or ongoing treatment for chronic conditions, can also be recovered.

Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity

When injuries prevent you from working, you can seek damages for wages lost during your recovery. If your injuries affect your ability to earn income in the future, compensation may include projected losses based on your occupation and limitations.

Pain and Suffering Damages

These damages account for the physical pain and discomfort caused by the crash. Chronic pain, reduced mobility, and long-term injuries that interfere with daily life may all be considered in valuing this category.

Emotional Trauma and Mental Distress

The emotional toll of a hit and run can be profound. Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic stress are all recognized harms that may be included in your claim. Documentation from mental health providers strengthens this aspect of your case.

Wrongful Death Damages for Families

When a hit and run results in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. Damages can include funeral expenses, lost financial support, and compensation for the emotional loss of a loved one. These claims hold special importance in ensuring families receive justice.

Why Legal Help Is Critical After a San Antonio Hit and Run

Pursuing a claim after a hit and run is rarely straightforward. Insurers may try to deny coverage, delay claims, or offer settlements that fail to reflect the true impact of the accident. An experienced attorney helps by gathering evidence, challenging insurer arguments, and ensuring all available coverage is identified and applied.

Personal injury l awyers also protect you from making mistakes that could harm your claim. From advising on communications with insurers to reviewing crash reports for accuracy, legal representation ensures your case is built on solid ground. Most importantly, attorneys provide peace of mind, knowing you are not navigating this difficult process alone.

How Our Lawyers Support Victims and Families

At Patterson Law Group, we focus on more than just paperwork. We provide comprehensive support designed to ease the burden on victims and their families while pursuing the compensation they deserve. Our goal is to give you confidence that every detail of your case is being handled with care. By keeping you informed and supported throughout, we make sure you never feel alone in the process.

Guiding Clients Through the Reporting and Claims Process

We walk you through the steps of reporting the crash, filing insurance claims, and meeting all deadlines. Our guidance helps prevent errors that could delay your recovery or weaken your case. We also provide clear explanations so you understand how each step affects your claim. This approach allows you to stay informed without being overwhelmed by the legal process.

Securing and Reviewing Accident Reports

Our team requests official crash reports from SAPD, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, or TxDOT. We review them for accuracy, identify potential errors, and, if necessary, work to correct the record. This ensures the official file reflects the facts. Having accurate reports strengthens your credibility and reduces the chance of insurers disputing your version of events.

Coordinating Medical and Financial Documentation

Strong claims require complete documentation. We help clients collect medical records, bills, and proof of lost wages to present a full picture of how the accident has affected their lives. This organization strengthens negotiations and prepares cases for litigation if needed. By managing this paperwork, we reduce stress and help you avoid gaps that insurers could use against you.

Negotiating With Insurers and Preparing for Trial if Needed

We manage all communications with insurance adjusters, pushing back against low offers and unreasonable delays. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take cases to trial. Our trial-ready approach shows insurance companies that we are serious about protecting your rights. With this strategy, you gain leverage in negotiations and peace of mind knowing you have strong advocates behind you.

Speak With San Antonio Hit and Run Car Accident Lawyers Today

A hit and run accident can leave you facing physical pain, financial strain, and emotional distress. You should not have to carry those burdens alone. At Patterson Law Group, we fight for the rights of San Antonio families affected by negligent drivers who flee the scene.

We offer free consultations so you can learn your options without risk or obligation. Our representation is on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a hit and run crash, reach out today. Contact Patterson Law Group to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward justice and recovery.

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