Do I Need a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Why Legal Representation is Key to Getting the Compensation You Deserve After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident is nothing short of traumatic. One moment, you’re going about your day, and the next, you’re left dealing with injuries, damage, and confusion. Worse, the driver responsible may have disappeared, leaving you to pick up the pieces.

It’s an overwhelming situation. You might find yourself asking, “Should I hire a lawyer?” The simple answer is yes. Having an accident injury attorney by your side can make a huge difference in getting the compensation you deserve.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident

First things first, if you’re involved in a hit-and-run, your safety comes first. Here are some essential steps to take right away:

  1. Call the police. Reporting the accident is crucial, especially since you don’t have the driver’s information.
  2. Seek medical attention. Even if your injuries don’t seem serious at first, it’s important to get checked out. Sometimes, the effects of the accident show up later.
  3. Gather evidence. If you’re able, take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. Speak to witnesses and get their contact information. This can be valuable down the road.
  4. Notify your insurance company. Even if the other driver is missing, you’ll want to start the claims process immediately.

These steps are important, but there’s one more that can truly make a difference: contact a lawyer.

Why Hiring a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run is So Important

It might feel like you can handle this on your own, but the truth is hit-and-run cases can be incredibly complex. From dealing with your insurance company to proving the other driver’s liability (if they’re found), a lawyer helps you avoid unnecessary stress and ensures you get the support you need.

1. Dealing with Insurance Companies

Working with your insurance company may be the only option when the other driver is never found. Unfortunately, some insurers might not make this easy. Without legal representation, you could end up with a lower settlement than you deserve. A lawyer will protect your rights and prevent insurance companies from using unfair tactics to deny or reduce your compensation.

2. Proving Liability If the Driver Is Found

If the driver is eventually located, they’ll face criminal charges, but that doesn’t automatically mean they’ll be held accountable for your damages in a civil case. You still have to prove they were responsible for the accident. This is where having a lawyer really pays off. Your attorney will know how to gather the right evidence and build a solid case to prove the driver’s liability—helping ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

3. Gathering Supporting Evidence

You may think you’ve got enough proof to show that you were injured in the accident, but it’s not always that simple. Not all evidence is admissible in court or acceptable to insurance companies. A lawyer knows what evidence will strengthen your case, from medical records to witness testimonies. Let your lawyer handle the evidence so that you can focus on healing.

A Lawyer Ensures You Meet Deadlines and Handle Communications

If you’ve been seriously injured, dealing with paperwork, deadlines, and phone calls from insurance companies is the last thing you need. A lawyer will handle all of this for you, making sure your case stays on track, and important deadlines are met. They’ll also be the point of contact for all official communications, reducing your stress and freeing you up to focus on recovery.

Fighting Unfair Insurance Tactics

In cases where the driver is never found, you might rely on your own insurance policy to cover your damages. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies have your best interests in mind. Some will make the process unnecessarily difficult, and without a lawyer, you might feel pressured to accept less than you deserve. By having an attorney on your side, you’ll have someone who knows how to deal with these tactics and fight for a fair outcome.

A Lawyer Helps You Seek All Possible Damages

When you’re injured in a hit-and-run accident, it’s not just about covering your immediate medical bills. There’s a lot more to think about: future medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and possibly even long-term care. Calculating these costs can be tricky, and most people aren’t familiar with everything that should be included in an injury claim. Your lawyer will make sure that every possible damage is accounted for so you aren’t left with expenses you didn’t anticipate.

A Lawyer Can Secure a Fair Settlement

Negotiating with an insurance company isn’t easy, even when you’re in the right. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, so they won’t necessarily offer you what you deserve. An experienced car accident lawyer knows how to negotiate effectively and can help speed up the process while ensuring the final settlement is fair.

What If You Have to Take Your Claim to Court?

Sometimes, a fair settlement can’t be reached despite your lawyer’s best efforts. In these situations, you’ll need to take your case to court. This can feel intimidating, but with a lawyer with trial experience, you’ll have a much better chance of success. Your attorney will fight for you every step of the way, presenting your case in front of a judge or jury and pushing for the compensation you deserve for all you’ve been through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the driver is never found?

If the driver in your hit-and-run case is never identified, you can still pursue compensation through your insurance. Most policies in Texas include Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, which may apply in hit-and-run cases. A lawyer can help you navigate the claims process to make sure you’re compensated properly, even if the responsible driver isn’t caught.

How does Texas law handle hit-and-run accidents?

Texas takes hit-and-run accidents very seriously. Under Texas Transportation Code §550.021, drivers must stop and render aid if they are involved in an accident that results in injury or damage. Failing to stop can result in criminal charges, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the injuries involved.

What if I don’t have uninsured motorist coverage?

If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, you may still have options for compensation, such as through your personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage, if you have those policies. A lawyer can review your insurance policy and help identify other potential avenues for recovery.

Can I sue the driver if they are found later?

Yes. If the driver responsible for your hit-and-run accident is identified, you can file a civil lawsuit against them to recover damages, even if they are also facing criminal charges. Your lawyer will help you build a case to prove the driver’s liability and pursue compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

How long do I have to file a claim after a hit-and-run accident in Texas?

In Texas, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003. However, it’s important to begin the process as soon as possible, as gathering evidence and dealing with insurance can take time. A lawyer can help ensure all deadlines are met so you don’t miss your opportunity to file.

Will hiring a lawyer cost me upfront?

Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to pay anything upfront. Your lawyer’s fees will come from your settlement or court award, and you won’t owe them anything if you don’t win. This makes hiring a lawyer accessible to most people, regardless of their financial situation.

Is Hiring a Lawyer Worth It?

Absolutely. When you’ve been through a hit-and-run accident, dealing with legal issues and insurance companies on your own can be overwhelming. A Texas car accident lawyer provides the guidance, support, and expertise to ensure you’re treated fairly and get the compensation you need to move forward.

At Genthe Law Firm, we’re here to help you every step of the way. We know how stressful this time can be, and our team is dedicated to fighting for you so you can focus on what really matters—your recovery.

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