A hit-and-run accident takes place when a driver knowingly goes away from the scene of an accident without stopping to give his or her contact information. When an errant driver hits another vehicle, bicyclist, or person and causes a serious injury, not stopping can pose frustrating challenges for the victims of the accident who are left behind.

What can the victim do?

Usually, drivers who hit and run are at fault in an accident, hence, they are responsible to compensate the victims of said accident. Although it is still often possible for those hurt to claim compensation for injuries suffered in these crashes, cases involving hit-and-runs are unquestionably complex. If you’re in the state of Texas, it’s important to speak to a hit and run lawyer in Houston to explore your legal options. The state says – whether made by a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian — the lawsuit must be made within two years of the accident date. If the driver is caught, that driver or his insurance company may be the target of a lawsuit or a claim for settlement.

Hit-and – run drivers, though, do not have protection in certain situations, which is why they often drive away. If such a driver is not caught later, you will be left with recovering damages for your losses. This entails getting your own insurer to seek payments.

Get some Information

If you could see the other car or driver involved, you must document or record whatever details you can. Take note of the car’s make, model, color, license plate number, and any distinctive characteristics. A record which part of the car could have been damaged due to the accident, such as a damaged bumper or headlights. Also, write down the conditions of the surrounding along with the date and place of the accident.

Witnesses

Testimony of witnesses may provide vital proof that could help identify the driver and prove useful if the case goes to court. The courts recognize that eyewitnesses are groups who are neutral. Its testimony is also taken very seriously. Write down the witnesses’ contact information so that an attorney can contact them later.

Photograph

If you can, take as many pictures of an accident scene as you can. More importantly, if you can take a photo of the fleeing car, that will help during the course of investigation and allegations. Be sure to take pictures of your injuries too.

Seek Medical Assistance

After a crash, it is important to look for medical treatment as soon as possible. This is not only because the most important thing is your safety, but also because you can get urgent medical care and ensure that your injuries are properly reported from the start.

It is not easy to be a victim of a hit and run, that is why leaving the scene of an accident is a serious criminal offense in Houston. Under Texas law, if a driver fled the scene of an accident that involved serious injury or death, he or she can be charged with a third-degree felony. Those convicted of this offense will face two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.