Texas Hit and Run Accident Attorney

If you are involved in an automobile accident in the state of Texas, there are a few things you should do immediately. If people are hurt, tend to them immediately and call for help when necessary. Move your vehicle off the road if possible, so it will not be in the way of other drivers and possibly even cause another crash.

You are required to call the police and file a report if there is an injury or fatality if the driver does not have insurance, if you suspect the other driver may be under the influence, or if the other driver leaves the scene without providing his or her information.

You may want to call the police anyway to protect yourself if the other driver contradicts your version of the events. You will need to file a crash report with TxDOT within ten days if there are injuries, property damage that could exceed $1,000, or if the other driver is violating the law by being under the influence, unlicensed, uninsured, or attempting to leave the scene of the accident. Failure to file the report could result in fines up to $500, not including court costs.

Hit and Run Accidents

Any driver who fails to fulfill all the above requirements may be charged with failure to stop after an accident which is a serious offense under Texas law. You can be punished by jail time, fines, and probation. You could also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim of the accident.

Unlike most other states, Texas has a written statute that drivers are required to render aid to the other drivers if it is reasonable to think they are injured. It isn’t enough to call for help if there is something else you can do to help. A hit and run accident involving a dead victim is the most serious and can be punished as a second-degree felony. Violators can be punished by up to five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. A property damage accident will either be a B or C misdemeanor, depending on whether the damage was more or less than $200.

The specific information you must give as a driver is your name, the registration number of the vehicle you were operating, and the name of your insurer. If the other driver asks, you will also have to show your identification to the other driver.

Reporting a Hit and Run

You will need to call the police if the other driver leaves the scene. You should call 911 and stay at the scene of the crime so that the officer can come and investigate. The officer will need all the information you have, including any information you can provide about the other driver, how and when the crash happened, and if you were injured.

Parking Lot Accident Hit and Run

Even if the vehicle you hit was unattended, you must notify the other driver if you damage his vehicle. Once you have collided with and damaged an unattended vehicle, such as in a parking lot or on parked on a street, you must immediately stop and either locate the other driver so that you can provide your information, or leave a conspicuous note with your name and address and an explanation of how the damages occurred.

If you do not provide your information to the other driver and you are caught and convicted, you could go to jail, pay fines, or get probation. You can be charged with either a B or C misdemeanor depending on whether the damage was more or less than $200.

Legal Help after a Hit and Run Car Accident

If you or a loved one have been involved in a hit and run car accident, you are probably dealing with serious injuries. You need competent care and help to deal with the legal system. It is very likely the person who caused the injury is a co-worker or a loved one.

At The Dashner Law Firm, we understand the complex issues you are dealing with. We can make sure your loved one receives the care he or she needs while working within the law to get you the compensation you deserve. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free consultation, call The Dashner Law Firm today.

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Car Accident FAQ’s

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How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Texas Car Accident Attorney?

Texas car accident attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs and the attorney receives a percentage of your compensation only if you win.

Texas car accident attorneys typically operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t have any upfront expenses. In essence, the attorney’s payment is derived from a portion of the compensation you receive. The percentage they take often varies based on when your case is settled. For instance, if the case progresses to trial, the attorney may command a higher percentage due to the increased time, effort, and resources invested. Conversely, if the case is settled without initiating a lawsuit, the attorney’s percentage is usually lower because of the reduced workload. This arrangement ensures that legal representation is accessible to accident victims regardless of their financial situation. You’ll never pay money out-of-pocket for services, and the attorney does not collect until you do. This means you can pursue justice and fair compensation without worrying about legal fees while you’re dealing with medical bills and lost income from your accident.

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Texas?

Ensure safety, call 911, exchange information with other drivers, and document the scene with photos, witness information, and notes.

After a car accident, follow these critical steps to protect your health and legal rights. Ensure safety: Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. If anyone is injured or the vehicles are blocking traffic and can be safely moved, relocate to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Call 911: Report the accident to law enforcement. This creates an official record of the incident and ensures that police document the scene, which can be crucial for your claim. Exchange information: Share contact and insurance details with the other driver(s), including names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance company names, and policy numbers. Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage from multiple angles, the accident scene showing road conditions and traffic signals, visible injuries, skid marks or debris, and the position of all vehicles involved. Gather witness information including names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident. Make notes about the time, location, weather conditions, traffic patterns, and your recollection of how the accident occurred. Seek medical attention even if you don’t feel injured, as some conditions may not manifest immediately. Notify your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious about giving recorded statements without legal counsel. At The Dashner Law Firm, we take immediate action to preserve critical evidence and build a strong case, so contact us as soon as possible after your accident.

Is it necessary to call the police after a car accident in Texas?

Yes, you should call the police, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage, as a police report is crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes.

Yes, you should call the police to report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. A police report can be crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes. Understanding when and why to involve law enforcement can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation and protect your legal rights.

Legal Requirements in Texas:

In Texas, you are required by law to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Given that most car accidents involve damage exceeding this threshold, calling the police is not just advisable—it’s often legally mandatory. Failing to report a reportable accident can result in legal penalties and complications with your insurance claim.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Texas?

You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim and typically two years for property damage claims in Texas.

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including car accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, it is typically two years as well. In Texas, you have TWO YEARS from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Understanding this deadline and its implications is critical to protecting your legal rights and recovering the compensation you deserve.

How is fault determined in Texas car accidents?

Texas follows modified comparative fault, meaning each party’s degree of fault is considered, and you can recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault, though compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Texas follows a “modified comparative fault” system, which means that each party’s degree of fault is considered. If you are found to be less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault. Understanding how fault is determined and allocated is crucial to maximizing your compensation and protecting your rights after a car accident.

What damages can I recover after a car accident?

You can recover medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages depending on your case circumstances.

You may be eligible to recover various damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The specific damages depend on the circumstances of your case. In Texas, victims of car accidents can seek compensation for the injuries and losses they’ve suffered due to another party’s negligence. This compensation typically comes in the form of damages, a monetary award given to the injured party. Understanding the full scope of recoverable damages is essential to ensuring you receive complete compensation for all the ways the accident has impacted your life.

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