If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, the aftermath can be incredibly difficult to navigate.
The responsible driver has left the scene, leaving you with injuries, vehicle damage, and a host of unanswered questions. You may be facing rising medical bills, lost income, and emotional stress, all while trying to figure out your next steps.
At the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec, we understand how challenging and painful this experience can be. Our team has years of experience helping clients through the legal complexities of hit-and-run accidents in Houston and across Texas. We are here to stand by your side, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver causes a crash and then deliberately leaves the scene without providing their information or assisting those involved. Under Texas law, this act is illegal, especially if injuries or property damage are involved.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Drivers Flee?
There are many reasons a person may choose to flee a crash scene, but none excuse the act. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Driving without a license or with a suspended license
- Lacking insurance coverage
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Having outstanding warrants or being on probation
- Fear of financial responsibility or legal consequences
Regardless of the reason, leaving the scene is a crime. Victims have the right to pursue compensation, whether the driver is identified or not.
How Can Hit-and-Run Accident Victims Recover Compensation?
Texas is an at-fault state for car accidents. This means that injured victims typically file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company in order to recover compensation, so it’s natural to wonder what happens if the at-fault driver flees. In these situations, law enforcement officers may be able to identify the driver later by analyzing traffic camera footage or other evidence, which allows the usual claim process to move forward. However, even if the driver is never found, victims can typically still pursue compensation through their own uninsured motorist coverage, if they have it.
Uninsured motorist claims usually cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses up to the limits of the policy. Additionally, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, if included in your policy, can help cover medical expenses and some lost income regardless of fault.
Types of Injuries Common in Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run crashes can result in serious injuries, and even those that seem minor at first can lead to significant medical bills, lost income, and long-term complications. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries and concussions
- Internal injuries that may take time to show symptoms
- Emotional trauma, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress
Keeping detailed records of your treatment, medications, and therapy is essential for making a strong claim and recovering the full compensation available under your insurance policy.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Houston?
Even if the driver who caused a hit-and-run cannot be identified, victims may still recover compensation for a variety of damages. These damages may be recoverable through a personal injury claim filed against the at-fault driver, if they are found, or through your own insurance coverage.
Common types of compensation include:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery or reduced earning capacity from long-term injuries.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Pain and Suffering & Emotional Distress: Physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Future Care Costs: For serious injuries, long-term therapy, home modifications, or assistive devices.
The amount you are eligible to recover depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries and the amount of insurance coverage available under your or the at-fault driver’s policy
Why You Need a Houston Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
Many victims assume that filing a claim with their own insurance company will be straightforward. After all, they pay significant premiums each year for coverage. In reality, insurers often look for ways to minimize payouts. They may undervalue injuries, dispute the severity of your losses, or delay payments, hoping you’ll accept less than you’re entitled to.
At the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec, we offer focused, compassionate legal support for hit-and-run victims throughout Greater Houston, including surrounding communities. Our Houston hit-and-run attorneys can make sure your claim fully accounts for all your damages, including medical bills, lost income, property damage, and ongoing care needs. If you suffered serious bodily injuries and your losses exceed your policy limits, our legal team can also investigate whether other parties may be responsible and pursue additional compensation on your behalf.
With our experienced attorneys guiding the process, you can protect your rights, hold insurers accountable, and increase your chances of recovering the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law.
What To Do After a Hit and Run Crash in Houston
After a hit and run, your actions can make a major difference in the outcome of your personal injury case. Here is what you should do to protect yourself physically, legally, and financially:
- Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical help if needed.
- Move to safety if you are in danger from oncoming traffic and turn on your hazard lights.
- Note any details about the fleeing vehicle, such as make, model, color, and license plate, if possible.
- Take photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries.
- Speak to witnesses and collect their names and contact details.
- Contact your insurance company and notify them of the accident.
- Consult with an attorney to understand your legal rights and the next steps in your claim.
Remaining calm, documenting everything, and reaching out to legal counsel early can strengthen your claim and help preserve critical evidence..
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Houston Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers Today
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run crash, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Houston are ready to help you seek justice and move forward with confidence.
Contact the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec today to schedule a free consultation. Let us hear your story, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you need to heal and rebuild.
