Drivers are required under Texas law to remain at the scene of the accident if they are involved in any car accident. They have to stay put until law enforcement arrives and medical care if required. If you decide now to wait for the police to arrive, then this is an offense and you could be faced with potentially serious repercussions.
If another driver was involved in the accident, and they were killed or seriously injured, then you could be charged with a felony if you leave the scene of the accident. The sad truth is the injured parties might find it difficult to get justice if the at-fault driver leaves the scene of the accident. The bottom line is fleeing the scene of an accident is serious.
We are Gomel & Associates. Our Houston injury law firm works hard to ensure victims of hit-and-run accidents have access to the resources they need. We specialize in hit-and-run car accidents. We have dealt and continue to deal with many issues, including:
- Spinal fractures
- Lost limbs
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
Our car accident attorneys are veterans and we can help families who have lost a loved one due to being involved in a hit-and-run accident. Surviving loved ones can never replace those they’ve lost, but they may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit and attain compensation on behalf of the deceased. Working alongside a highly skilled legal expert is recommended if you find yourself in this type of situation.
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What To Do If Involved In A Hit-And-Run
You should gather information after being involved in an accident in which the other drivers leave the scene. The more evidence you can bring with you to an attorney, the easier it will be to evaluate your potential claim. With that said, some of the things you should do include the following:
Get Medical Care & Document It
Before you do anything at all, seek out medical help. Treatment is needed if you’ve suffered an injury or if someone who was with you suffered injuries. If required, you should call an ambulance or EMS. If you don’t, then go to your nearest hospital or local emergency room.
Insurance companies might try to get out of paying you compensation if you delay getting care or seeing a medical professional. When injuries are documented right after an accident, then it makes it easier to argue your case. Always seek out medical care after an accident.
Gather The Names Of Witnesses
Your claim can be bolstered with eyewitness testimony. Witnesses might be able to tell you what the license plate of the other driver is or provide you with a description of the other driver or their car. Make sure you gather all contact info from potential witnesses.
As a general rule of thumb, you want to get the names of witnesses and their phone numbers. Our lawyers at Gomel & Associates can speak with your witnesses. In turn, you’ll have a better chance of winning your case.
Take Pictures Of The Accident
Images are valuable, especially in regards to car accidents. Memories are not always accurate and memories can fade as time goes by. Photos, on the other hand, cannot be refuted. If you are able to do so, then you should take pictures of the accident via your smartphone or your camera.
Photos can play a role in showcasing the extent of the damage done to your property, as well as the extent of your injuries. Not only that, but our team of expert lawyers might be able to track down the driver who fled the scene. For example, we might spot paint smudges or imprints via these photos.
Is A Lawsuit Possible After A Hit-And-Run
Filing a lawsuit is difficult if you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident. This is especially true if you don’t know much about the legal system in Pasadena. In addition to this, many victims find themselves trying to recover from injuries while dealing with financial obligations. If you try to handle your own case, then you can easily become overwhelmed. It’s in your best interest to hire a Pasadena attorney that specializes in hit-and-run accidents.
Here at Gomel & Associates, we can help you out with many things. Some of the stuff we can help you with include:
- Organizing medical care
- Gather evidence on your behalf
- Work alongside law enforcement to determine who the other driver was
- Speak to insurance carriers on your behalf
If we cannot determine who the at-fault driver is, we might still be able to win you compensation. Uninsured motorist coverage has to be offered to clients of insurance companies, under Texas law. If you have this under your plan, then your expenses should be covered.
However, dealing with insurance companies is not always easy, even if the company is with who you have a policy. The best thing to do is team up with an experienced attorney. We will be able to fight for compensation. We’ll even deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.
Schedule A Consultation With A Hit-And-Run Accident Attorney In Pasadena Today
Recovering from an accident is difficult. You can make things easier on yourself by contacting us at Gomel & Associates and scheduling a free consultation. During our meeting, we’ll determine how much your claim is worth and if we accept you as a client, you won’t pay anything until we actually win your case.