Pearland Hit and Run Lawyer

Experiencing a hit-and-run accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming event, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. 

If you find yourself in such a situation, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a Pearland hit and run lawyer. 

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we are dedicated to helping victims navigate the complexities of hit-and-run cases, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve, and guiding them through every step of the legal process.

What is a Hit and Run?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without providing contact information or aiding the injured. This type of accident is not only morally reprehensible but also illegal. 

Victims of hit-and-run accidents often face challenges in identifying the responsible party and securing compensation for their damages.

What To Do After a Hit And Run Accident

Knowing what to do immediately after a hit and run accident can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Follow these steps to protect your rights and strengthen your claim:

Check for Injuries and Call 9-1-1

Your safety and health should be your top priority. Check yourself and others for injuries, call 9-1-1 to report the accident, and request medical assistance if needed.

Gather Information

While it may be difficult in the heat of the moment, try to gather as much information as possible. Note the vehicle’s make, model, and color that fled, along with any part of the license plate number you can recall.

Seek Witnesses

Look for potential witnesses who may have seen the accident. Collect their contact information and statements, as their testimonies can be crucial in identifying the hit-and-run driver.

Document the Scene

Take photographs of the accident scene, including your vehicle’s damage, any injuries, and the surrounding area. This evidence can support your claim and help reconstruct the accident.

Report the Accident

Report the hit-and-run to the police. An official police report is essential for your insurance claim and any legal proceedings.

Contact DeHoyos Accident Attorneys

Reach out to DeHoyos Accident Attorneys for legal assistance. Our experienced hit-and-run lawyers will guide you through the process and help you understand your rights and options.

How The Hit and Run Lawyers at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys in Pearland, TX, Can Help You

The hit and run lawyers at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys are dedicated to helping you pursue justice and compensation. We offer comprehensive legal services, including:

Thorough Investigation: We conduct a detailed investigation to gather evidence and identify the responsible party.

Negotiation with Insurance Companies: We handle all communications to secure a fair settlement.

Legal Representation: If necessary, we will represent you in court to achieve the best possible outcome.

Texas Hit and Run Laws

In Texas, hit and run laws are stringent and carry severe penalties. According to the Texas Transportation Code, leaving the scene of an accident can result in:

Class C Misdemeanor

 If the damage is less than $200, punishable by a fine of up to $500.

Class B Misdemeanor 

If the damage exceeds $200, it is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail.

Felony: 

If the accident results in serious injury or death, the driver can face felony charges.

Penalties of a Hit & Run

The penalties for a hit-and-run accident vary depending on the accident’s severity and the damages’ extent. Consequences can include:

• Fines: Monetary penalties based on the damage caused.
• Jail Time: Incarceration periods range from a few days to several years.
• License Suspension: Temporary or permanent revocation of the driver’s license.

Fleeing the Scene: The Legal Repercussions of Leaving a Car Accident in Texas

Being involved in a car accident can be stressful, and your first instinct might be to leave the scene. However, in Texas, leaving the scene of an accident, often called a hit-and-run, has serious legal and financial consequences.

Here’s why staying at the scene is the best course of action:

Avoid Criminal Charges: 

Leaving the scene can result in fines, jail time, or a suspended license. The severity of the charges depends on the extent of the damage and injuries involved.

Protect Yourself from Lawsuits: 

If you flee, the accident victim can still sue you for damages, including medical expenses and property repair costs.

Maintain Insurance Coverage: 

If you leave the scene, your insurance company may deny your claim or even drop your coverage altogether.

Working With The Insurance Company

Dealing with insurance companies after a hit and run accident can be challenging. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. 

Our lawyers at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys will handle all interactions with insurers, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Damages You Might Recover

Victims of hit-and-run accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

Medical Expenses

Coverage for current and future medical bills resulting from the accident.

Lost Wages

Reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery.

Property Damage

Compensation for the repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle.

Pain and Suffering

Damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.

Emotional Distress

Compensation for psychological trauma and anxiety resulting from the incident.

Common Types of Hit and Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents can occur in various scenarios, each presenting unique challenges:

Rear-End Collisions

These occur when a driver strikes another vehicle from behind and then flees the scene.

Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions

In these accidents, a vehicle strikes the side of another car, often at intersections.

Pedestrian Accidents

Drivers who hit pedestrians and leave the scene can cause severe injuries or fatalities.

Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists are vulnerable to hit and run accidents, leading to significant injuries.

Parked Vehicle Collisions

Drivers may damage parked cars and flee without leaving any contact information.

A Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Can Help Track Down The Other Driver

Tracking down a hit-and-run driver can be challenging but not impossible. Our attorneys employ various strategies to identify the responsible party, such as:

Surveillance Footage: Analyzing video from traffic cameras or nearby businesses.

Witness Testimonies: Collecting statements from witnesses who saw the accident.

Vehicle Damage Analysis: Working with experts to match debris and damage patterns to potential vehicles.

Picking Up the Pieces: Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Here’s how a Pearland hit-and-run lawyer at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys can help you recover what you deserve:

Medical Expenses: 

Hit-and-run accidents can leave you with a variety of medical bills, from emergency room visits to ongoing physical therapy. We can help ensure your medical expenses are covered, including doctor visits, medications, surgeries, and rehabilitation costs.

Lost Wages: 

A hit-and-run injury can sideline you from work, causing lost income and potential future earning capacity. We can fight to recover compensation for lost wages and benefits while you focus on healing.

Property Damage: 

The cost of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle can add to the stress of a hit-and-run accident. Depending on the extent of the damage, we can help you recover compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement.

More Than Just Physical Pain: 

The trauma of a hit-and-run accident can leave lasting emotional scars. We can help you seek compensation for pain and suffering, which acknowledges your physical discomfort and emotional distress.

Emotional Distress: 

Hit-and-run accidents often leave victims feeling anxious and unsafe. We can help recover compensation for emotional distress caused by the accident and the uncertainty of the hit-and-run situation.

By working with an experienced Pearland hit-and-run lawyer, you can navigate the complexities of your case and maximize your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. Contact DeHoyos Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation.

What are some common reasons a driver Leaves the scene of an accident?

While staying at the scene of an accident is the legal and responsible course of action, some drivers decide to flee. 

Understanding the reasons behind a hit-and-run can shed light on the situation and potentially aid in identifying the culprit. 

Here’s a closer look at some common motivations for leaving the scene:

Fear of Legal Consequences: 

Accidents can be scary, and some drivers panic, fearing arrest or harsh penalties, especially if they believe they are at fault. This fear can cloud judgment, leading them to flee in a misguided attempt to avoid responsibility.

Lack of Insurance:

Driving without proper insurance is a serious offense. Knowing they lack coverage for potential damages or injuries, some drivers might flee the scene to avoid an uninsured accident’s consequences and financial burden.

Impaired Driving: 

Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly increases the risk of accidents. Fleeing the scene is a common tactic for intoxicated drivers who fear a DUI charge or harsher penalties due to their impaired state.

Outstanding Warrants: 

Drivers with outstanding warrants for prior offenses might flee an accident scene to avoid arrest on unrelated charges. The fear of being apprehended for existing legal issues can supersede the responsibility to stay at the scene.

Panic and Confusion: 

Accidents can be disorienting, and some drivers might flee the scene out of panic and confusion. The initial shock and adrenaline rush can lead to impulsive decisions they regret later.

Proving Liability in a Texas Hit-and-Run Case

Proving liability in a hit and run case involves gathering substantial evidence to demonstrate that the fleeing driver was at fault. This includes:

Eyewitness Accounts: 

Statements from witnesses who saw the accident.

Physical Evidence: 

Debris, paint transfer, and other physical evidence from the scene.

Surveillance Footage: 

Video evidence capturing the incident.

Can Hit-and-Run Accidents Be Dismissed?

The legal system takes hit-and-run accidents seriously, and charges are rarely dismissed without substantial justification. However, the specific circumstances of the case and the available evidence can influence the outcome.

Is a Hit-and-Run Accident Considered a Misdemeanor in Dallas?

In Pearland, Texas, a hit-and-run accident can be classified as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the accident’s severity and the damages’ extent. Misdemeanors typically involve less severe consequences, while felonies carry more significant penalties.

Local Texas Statistics in Regards to Hit and Runs

Hit-and-run accidents are a prevalent issue in Texas. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Texas has seen a substantial number of hit-and-run incidents, contributing to a significant portion of traffic-related fatalities and injuries.

Pearland Hit and Run Lawyer FAQs

Who pays for my damages after a Texas hit-and-run?

Your uninsured motorist coverage may cover the damages if the hit-and-run driver cannot be identified. If the driver is found, their insurance should cover the costs.

What if the hit and run driver is caught after I’ve filed my claim?

Suppose the driver is identified after you’ve filed a claim. In that case, their insurance company may cover your damages.

Will my insurance rates increase if I file a hit and run claim?

Filing a hit-and-run claim may not necessarily increase your insurance rates, especially if you have uninsured motorist coverage.

I was hurt in a hit-and-run accident. What damages can I get for my case?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

What should I avoid doing after a hit and run accident?

Avoid leaving the scene, failing to report the accident, or engaging with the fleeing driver. Instead, focus on gathering information and seeking legal assistance.

Client Testimonials

Our clients’ testimonials reflect our commitment to professionalism, dedication, and a results-oriented approach.

The hit-and-run accident left me with injuries and a lot of unanswered questions. DeHoyos Accident Attorneys investigated the accident thoroughly and fought tirelessly on my behalf. Their results-oriented approach made a huge difference in my case. I highly recommend them to anyone facing a hit-and-run situation.” – John T.

 Read more about our clients’ experiences on our testimonials page.

Contact the Pearland TX Hit and Run Attorneys at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run accident, contact DeHoyos Accident Attorneys for a free consultation. Our experienced Pearland hit and run lawyers are here to advocate for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Schedule your consultation today.