Hidalgo County, Texas motor vehicle accident attorney Raúl Guajardo explains what to do if you are a witness to a hit-and-run accident.
Motor vehicle accidents happen when you least expect them to. Whether driving in your car, riding a motorcycle, bicycling, or simply walking through your neighborhood, the sudden and reckless actions of other motorists can result in serious personal injuries. These impact large numbers of people each year, causing serious personal injuries.
It is bad enough when an accident happens, but even worse when the person responsible flees the scene. In Hidalgo County, people look after each other. If you witness a hit-and-run crash, reach out to the Law Office Of Raúl A. Guajardo, P.L.L.C. Our Hidalgo County hit-and-run accident attorney explains steps to follow and why they are so important.
Why it is Important to Speak Up if You Witness a Hit and Run Accident in Hidalgo County
Texas has one of the highest motor vehicle accident rates in the country, and a large number of these involve hit-and-run drivers. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there are close to 700,000 hit and run accidents each year. What makes a driver flee the scene?
- They were driving without a license or insurance;
- They were under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- They are wanted by police on other matters;
- They have concerns about their immigration status.
The bottom line: hit-and-run drivers are often engaged in illegal and potentially dangerous behavior. It is important for witnesses to come forward, so that we can get these drivers off the road.
Steps to Take if You Witness a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you are a witness and directly involved in a motor vehicle accident, you could face criminal charges under the Texas Statutes for not telling police officers what you saw. If you were just a bystander to a hit and run, you have a moral duty to help.
Accident scenes are dangerous places, so you do need to protect yourself. Steps to follow if you witness a hit-and-run accident in Hidalgo County include:
- Notify the police immediately;
- Write down a description of the driver, the vehicle, and a license plate number;
- DO NOT attempt to apprehend the driver on your own;
- Call an ambulance and provide comfort to victims;
- Once the police arrive, provide your contact information and a description of what you saw.
Even if you were unsure and did not immediately disclose what you saw, the police, the victim, and the community will benefit from you coming forward.
Contact Our Edinburg, TX Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Today
One of the great things about our area is that people look out for one another. If you witnessed a hit-and-run accident or any other type of crash, reach out to the Law Office of Raúl Guajardo, P.L.L.C. Call or contact our Edinburg hit-and-run accident attorney online today.