If you are involved in a hit-and-run car accident, it can be difficult to collect fair compensation for your medical bills, property damage and other losses associated with the crash. Even if the at-fault driver is identified, he or she might not have insurance. You may need a car accident attorney in San Antonio to help you recover.
Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers have a long track record of success in personal injury law. We can fight for you if you’ve been injured in a recent hit-and-run accident. Find out how we can help during a free case consultation.
Why Choose Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers
- Our law firm has a 99-percent success rate. We have recovered millions of dollars in damages on behalf of our clients, including many positive car accident case results.
- We are known for our commitment to clients. Our hit-and-run accident lawyers provide exceptional client service and personalized legal strategies in every case.
- We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t charge anything for our services unless a case results in financial compensation for the client.
How an Attorney in San Antonio Can Help
Hiring a hit-and-run accident lawyer in San Antonio can allow you to focus on healing from your crash-related injuries while your lawyer handles the legal side of your case. This can include investigating the hit-and-run, interviewing eyewitnesses, hiring experts, collecting evidence and documentation, and negotiating with insurance claims adjusters for you.
You can trust an attorney to advocate for your best interests when communicating with car insurance companies about your crash, including your own insurer. An attorney will accurately evaluate your damages and fight for maximum compensation for your bills and losses. From searching for sources of financial recovery to making sure your family has everything it needs after a hit-and-run, you can count on your lawyer for assistance.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident means that a motor vehicle driver illegally does not stop at the scene of an accident to exchange information or render aid. This is a crime in Texas that can result in serious penalties, including fines and jail time.
All drivers in Texas have a responsibility to immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the collision or as close to the scene as possible under Transportation Code § 550.021. The failure to do so is dangerous, as anyone injured in the accident may not receive the medical care needed.
How Long Do I Have to Report a Hit-and-Run in San Antonio?
In Texas, you must file a motor vehicle accident report within at least 10 days from the date of the crash if they involve injuries, deaths, or property damage of $1,000 or more. The crash report must be in writing and submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation. If the police are called and respond to the scene of a car accident, they will submit this report for the driver. Otherwise, it is the driver’s responsibility to report the crash within 10 days.
Does Insurance Cover a Hit-and-Run?
In Texas, the person or party at fault for causing a car accident is responsible for paying for victims’ damages under the fault-based insurance system. The crash victim must prove that the accused party is more likely to be at fault for the crash than not at fault (known as a “preponderance of the evidence”) using clear and convincing evidence.
If the at-fault driver flees the scene of an accident without stopping, injured victims will not have the driver’s auto insurance information to file a claim. A claim can be filed if the police identify the driver. If the driver doesn’t have insurance or is never identified, another option may be a first-party claim with the victim’s own insurance company.
Two types of insurance known as uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage can pay for the damages caused by a hit-and-run accident without having to identify the at-fault driver. This is an optional type of coverage in Texas, however. After a hit-and-run, contact your own insurance provider to ask if you have this on your policy to pay for your losses.
Can I Sue for a Hit-and-Run in Texas?
If the police identify the driver who hit you and ran, you will have the right to sue or file a lawsuit against that person in pursuit of financial compensation. A successful lawsuit could result in greater compensation than a car insurance claim, including pain and suffering damages.
In addition to or instead of the at-fault driver, you may be able to sue a third party, such as:
- The manufacturer of a defective motor vehicle part
- The owner of the motor vehicle
- The employer of the at-fault party (if he or she was working)
If someone you love died in a fatal car accident in San Antonio, your family can sue for wrongful death damages. This may include the deceased person’s final medical bills, property damage, funeral and burial costs, lost wages, and loss of consortium. Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers can investigate your crash to determine who may be held liable.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in San Antonio
If someone hits you or your vehicle and leaves the scene without stopping, you need to take certain steps to protect yourself and build an insurance claim.
If you can, take the following actions:
- Check for injuries and get medical care. If you’ve been injured, don’t wait to seek professional medical treatment at the closest hospital.
- Report the crash to the police. Call 911 and give the police all the information you have when they arrive. The police can interview witnesses and search for the at-fault driver.
- Document the crash. Write down everything you can about the other driver, such as a vehicle description or partial license plate numbers.
- Call your car insurance company. Notify them of the accident and ask if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Contact an attorney. Discuss your legal rights and options with a lawyer before proceeding with the insurance process or accepting a fast settlement.
A qualified car accident lawyer in San Antonio can guide you through the legal process to help you achieve the best possible results for your case.
Were You Injured in a Hit-and-Run in San Antonio? Contact Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers for a Free Case Review
A hit-and-run accident can be life-changing. While you may think there is no one to hold accountable, this is not always the case. Speak to an attorney to discuss your legal options in more detail during a free case evaluation.
An attorney from Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers will be there for you and your family in the fight for justice and fair financial compensation. Begin your case by calling us at (210) 960-3939 or contacting us online anytime.