Do I Need a Lawyer After a Hit and Run Accident?
Any car accident can leave you overwhelmed, but a hit-and-run accident is especially challenging. You may be unsure what steps to take next or even where to turn for compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
You may not need a personal injury lawyer if your accident involved mostly minor damage, and you know your options for recovering compensation. For some hit-and-run victims, a lawyer offers the best chance of recovering fair compensation.
Here’s how a hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and explore your legal options.
A Lawyer Can Help You Understand Your Options
You may have several options for recovering compensation for your injuries and other damages. A personal injury lawyer can help you explore the avenues for pursuing compensation and possible challenges you may face.
Filing a Claim Against Your Own Insurance Policy
Your own car insurance policy is likely your main source of compensation after a hit-and-run crash.
You may have coverage to pay for your losses including:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This covers property damage, lost earnings, diminished earning capacity, and medical bills. It can also pay for pain and suffering and other types of damages.
- Personal injury protection (PIP). This covers your medical expenses, the cost to hire a caregiver, and 80% of your lost income.
- Medical payments coverage. This covers medical bills only.
- Collision coverage. This pays for damage to your vehicle, regardless of fault.
Your policy likely includes UM/UIM and PIP coverage. Texas law requires auto insurance companies to offer at least $2,500 in PIP and $30,000 in UM/UIM coverage with all policies. This coverage can only be denied in writing. These important types of coverage can be combined to cover your losses.
What if the At-Fault Driver Is Identified?
Nationwide, nearly 12% of crashes are hit-and-run accidents. Drivers flee the scene in about 5% of fatal crashes and 6% of accidents with injuries. Texas has one of the highest hit-and-run crash rates in the U.S., but an above-average number of hit-and-run drivers are identified.
About 43% of hit-and-run drivers in pedestrian accidents are identified nationwide, but nearly 59% are identified in Texas.
There is a chance the driver who caused your accident will be identified at some point. The chance increases if you suffered serious injuries as the police may invest more resources in identifying the at-fault driver.
If the driver is identified, you have the right to file a claim against their insurance policy for your damages. Unfortunately, many drivers who flee the scene of a crash are uninsured. You can file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the driver, but they may not have assets worth pursuing in a lawsuit.
Your lawyer can help you decide the best course of action to recover the compensation you deserve.
Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program
A final option may be available to help you pay for your damages. In Texas, the Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program covers financial expenses for victims of crimes like hit-and-run accidents. The program can pay for costs like lost income and medical care that are not covered by other sources like your insurance.
Your Lawyer Can Handle Your Claim and Protect Your Best Interests
The most common way to cover damages from a hit-and-run crash is a UM/UIM and/or PIP claim against your own policy. In this case, your insurance company steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. While you have paid for the coverage you are seeking, the insurance company will still try to limit or even deny your claim.
After a hit-and-run accident, you can find yourself fighting with your own insurance company for the compensation you need. The treatment you have received may be labeled as unnecessary, or your injuries may be minimized.
A hit-and-run accident attorney serves as your advocate to protect your rights and act in your best interests. Your lawyer will build a strong, evidence-based claim and negotiate on your behalf to seek a fair settlement offer.
Have you suffered serious injuries in a hit-and-run crash? An experienced attorney is here to help. Schedule a free consultation with a hit-and-run accident attorney to discuss your case.
Contact the Texas Car Accident Lawyers of The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas. Call us at (281) 612-7550.
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
409-904-0753
