A hit and run accident is a car accident in which the other driver flees the scene. You may think after this type of crash that there are no legal options for you to recover damages, but that’s not necessarily the case.
Hit and run accidents can happen between 2 vehicles, a vehicle and a pedestrian, or a vehicle and a bicyclist.
Why Drive Away?
There are many reasons why drivers leave the scene of a car crash, including:
- The driver was distracted.
- The driver was intoxicated.
- The driver did not have insurance.
- The driver has outstanding warrants.
- The driver did not have legal immigrant status.
- The vehicle was stolen.
In many cases, police are able to find the hit and run driver. Particularly today, when businesses have cameras out front, red lights have cameras, and almost everyone carries a smartphone with a camera to capture the negligent driver’s license plate information.
Steps After a Hit And Run Accident
Immediately after the accident, these are the steps you should take:
- Call the police and report the hit and run.
- Write down any information you can about the other vehicle and its driver and passengers.
- Take down the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Call your insurance company to report the accident.
If the driver is located, a McAllen car accident lawyer can help you file a claim against him and his insurance company to recover compensation. This will be in addition to the criminal charges the driver is likely to face.
If the driver is not located, experienced auto accident attorney Raúl Guajardo can still help you get financial compensation from your own insurance company. Some insurance coverage may apply in cases such as this, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. However, insurance companies will do their best to avoid paying a claim, so having an attorney representing your interests is the best way to help you get the maximum you are entitled to.