A hit and run accident is a crash in which a driver leaves the scene of the accident without rendering aid, without exchanging information with the other driver, and without calling the police. If you have been in a crash in Austin, Texas, you always have a responsibility under the law to stop and render aid. You may be additionally required under the law to call the police, if another person was injured or if damages are significant. If you have been a victim of a hit and run accident, you might have many questions. You may be facing unexpected medical costs, may wonder whether you can make an insurance claim, and may wonder what your rights might be. The Robson Law Firm is an Austin, Texas car accident law firm that may be able to help you.
What Steps Can You Take to Protect Yourself After a Hit and Run Crash in Austin, Texas?
The best opportunity you’ll have to preserve evidence is at the scene of the actual crash. Even if the other driver left the scene, he or she could have left important evidence there. This is why it is important to call the police. Police are trained to perform a thorough investigation of the accident scene. They might be able to learn information about the other car based on trace paint that may be on your vehicle, or from tire marks. They might also be able to review street cameras or parking lot cameras, if they are available.
You can personally take steps to record information in addition to calling 911. If you remember the make and model of the vehicle that hit you or remember what it looked like, write this down right away. Memories can fade with time and the best time to record important details is right after a crash. If you got a glimpse of the other driver, or if you have the ability to make a physical description, can you write this down? Did you catch parts or the whole license plate number? Or, were there witnesses at the scene of the crash that saw what happened who may be able to provide you with additional information? In the aftermath of a hit and run accident, information is important.
In addition to calling the police to report the hit and run accident, you may also want to call your insurance company to report the accident. If the other driver is never found, you may be able to make a claim for personal injuries and other damages through your insurance company’s underinsured or uninsured motorist policy. If you have difficulty making a claim, you may have important rights when negotiating with insurance adjusters. The car accident lawyers at the Robson Law Firm in Austin, Texas may be able to help you.
Do you have questions about your options and rights if you have been hurt or suffered losses in an Austin, Texas hit and run accident? The Robson Law Firm is a car accident law firm in Austin, Texas that works with clients facing a range of issues after a crash. Our attorneys can speak to your insurance company to help you get the settlement you may deserve. We can also fight negligent parties for damages if the other driver is identified. Have questions about your rights? The car accident lawyers at the Robson Law Firm in Austin, Texas may be able to help.
How You Can Protect Your Rights After an Austin, Texas Hit and Run
In Texas, if you’ve been in a car accident, you are required under the law to stop, exchange contact information, and render aid. Failure to do so can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on whether other people were hurt in the crash or the crash involved only property damage. Regardless of the seriousness of your accident, it is generally a good idea to make a police report after a crash. You might be required under the law to make a police report if a person was injured or if the accident involved significant damage. However, even a small accident should be reported to the police, because insurance companies might want to review a police report when settling your claim and if you later need to seek damages from negligent parties, having a police report can be helpful.
If you have been a victim of a hit and run crash in Austin, Texas, you may be facing additional stresses and challenges. After a typical car accident, both drivers may be able to make a claim with their insurance companies to cover damages, and the negligent party might be responsible for covering losses. However, after a hit and run accident, you might only have the option of making a claim with your insurance company. Because a hit and run accident is a crime, if you have suffered significant losses, you may also be able to make a claim with a crime victims’ fund. The car accident lawyers at the Robson Law Firm in Austin, Texas may be able to help you. Contact us today or reach out to our lawyers at USAttorneys.com to learn more.