hit and run

Coping with the aftermath of a car accident can be complicated enough, without the added frustration of figuring out what to do if a driver fled the scene. But at the Burch Law Firm, our experienced New Braunfels hit-and-run attorneys can offer hope in what often seems like a hopeless situation.

For more than 25 years, our dedicated attorneys have been helping hit-and-run victims secure compensation â”€ even when the at-fault driver is never found. Throughout South-Central Texas, hit-and-run victims choose our skilled legal team because:

  • Our hit and run accident attorneys provide personalized, one-on-one service, rather than handing you off to a paralegal or case manager.
  • We have decades of experience negotiating with large insurance companies, and we may be able to identify options within your own coverage to pursue compensation.
  • We show proof of our skills through a long track record of successful verdicts and settlements.
  • Our team does not charge anything to review your case, and we are available to meet in the evening and over the weekend if that’s when you need us.

It is against the law in Texas to leave the scene of an accident where there is injury or property damage. Yet, inconsiderate and dangerous drivers regularly leave innocent victims on the side of the road to pay for their mistakes.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a hit-and-run, you may still be able to recover compensation. Contact us online to schedule a free case consultation with our dedicated New Braunfels hit-and-run lawyers to learn how we can help you.

How Our Lawyers Can Help You After a Hit-and-Run Accident

When a vehicle smashes into you and then flees the scene, the idea of getting compensation for the damages you have suffered can seem impossible. But with our skilled New Braunfels hit-and-run lawyers by your side, there is hope that you can recover the payment you need to get your life back on track.

The strategy we use to pursue maximum compensation for you will depend on the circumstances of your case.

If the driver has been found, we will demand:

  • Payment for past and future medical bills
  • Compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity in the future
  • Payment to repair or replace your vehicle
  • Payment for the pain and suffering this hit-and-run car accident caused
  • Punitive damages to punish the at-fault party for extreme misconduct

If the driver cannot be found, we will explore:

  • Compensation options through your own auto insurance policy, which could include uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage

Whether or not the driver was caught in your hit-and-run car accident, one thing is for sure: The insurance companies will fight you every step of the way to protect their profits. If you or a loved one has been severely injured in a crash, you need an experienced New Braunfels hit-and-run lawyer to stand up to these insurance giants and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Taking quick action after a hit-and-run accident can make all the difference in catching the driver who left the scene. There are several steps you should take to protect your claim for compensation, including:

  • Contact law enforcement. Officers take hit-and-run car accidents extremely seriously. They will launch an immediate investigation to track down the other driver, who could face charges when caught.
  • Gather as much information as you can. Take notes on the make and model of the vehicle that hit you, and if possible, get the license tag number or see if witnesses remember any part of it. Take photos of your injuries and your vehicle, including any scrapes of paint from the other car.
  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your health should be your top priority, so you should see a doctor immediately, whether you feel injured or not. Many injuries, such as whiplash, don’t show symptoms right away, so it’s important to get yourself checked out no matter what.
  • Contact a knowledgeable New Braunfels hit-and-run attorney. We will launch our own investigation into the accident and thoroughly document the damages you have suffered. We will also take over negotiations with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing.

Do People in Texas Have to Stop After a Car Accident?

Texas hit and run laws require vehicles to stop after an accident that involves personal injury. A driver has the duty to return to the accident scene — or as close to the scene as possible — if a person was hurt in the accident. Additionally, the operator of the car has a duty to render aid to anyone hurt in the accident. If people fail to fulfill these duties and someone dies or is seriously hurt, the driver can face hit-and-run felony charges and a fine of up to $5,000.

A driver also must stop if the accident involves property damage. In these cases, people can move their vehicles to a safer location so they do not obstruct traffic. However, failing to stop after an accident involving property damage can result in fines and hit-and-run misdemeanor charges.

Why Do Drivers Flee the Scene?

There are many reasons a driver may leave the scene after a serious car accident. Some of the common reasons include:

  • Panic over what has happened
  • Fear of criminal charges or lawsuits
  • Driving under the influence
  • A criminal record or outstanding warrant
  • Lack of insurance
  • Driving on a suspended or revoked driver’s license

Evidence pieced together from victims, witnesses, and paint scrapings can help point law enforcement to a vehicle, which may then be traced to a runaway driver through fingerprints and driver injuries.

Common Hit-and-Run Accident Injuries

Drivers who hit other vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists and leave the scene of the incident without exchanging information can be charged with a criminal act if they are caught. Due to the potential severity of auto accidents, anyone guilty of fleeing the scene may be held accountable for the victim’s medical treatment costs and other expenses. Some of the most common injuries suffered in car accidents include:

After a serious car accident, it is imperative that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Particularly since many injuries, such as whiplash and internal bleeding, may not be obvious right away, auto accident victims should get checked out even if they are not yet experiencing symptoms.

Let Our New Braunfels Hit-and-Run Lawyers Fight for You

Don’t give up hope if you’re dealing with the aftermath of a hit and run accident in Texas. There could still be opportunities to pursue the justice you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation with our New Braunfels car accident attorneys, and take comfort in the fact that we do not charge any fees to get started on your case. Instead, our firm only collects attorneys’ fees if and when we secure compensation for you.