Any car crash can leave you with injuries, property damage, and potentially life-altering consequences, but a hit and run accident in Houston can add layers of additional challenges. Seeking compensation for your damages is different when the at-fault party is unknown. Hiring a Houston car accident lawyer from Haun Mena can help.
When Should You Contact a Houston Hit and Run Accident Lawyer?
The Texas Department of Transportation recorded almost 67,000 reported vehicle crashes in the city in 2021, with many producing injuries and fatalities. Although Texas hit and run laws require drivers to remain at the scene of an accident, not all do.
Any car accident claim requires an investigation. As time passes, witness recollections may become hazy, and video surveillance footage might be lost. Both witness statements and video evidence can be critical in hit and run collision investigations.
Not only should you call the police immediately, but you should also contact a qualified hit and run victim lawyer as soon as possible. That way, we can begin our investigation quickly before crucial evidence disappears.
What Are the Texas Hit and Run Laws?
According to Texas law, drivers involved in most accidents must remain at the scene until they render reasonable aid to the injured and exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers and the police arrive. Failing to follow these requirements can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges upon discovery of the fleeing driver.
Common reasons for drivers leaving the scene include:
- Alcohol or drug usage
- Crime in progress
- Existing criminal charges or arrest warrants
- No auto insurance
- Revoked or suspended driver’s license
Regardless of the underlying reason, your Haun Mena hit and run accident lawyer will help you pursue compensation.
How Will Your Haun Mena Hit and Run Victim Lawyer Investigate?
A Haun Mena hit and run attorney will use our resources to protect your best interests. Our hit and run investigations have two objectives: finding the guilty driver and supporting your insurance claim. Sources of evidence include:
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Video surveillance footage from nearby businesses, residences, dash, and traffic cams
- Witness statements
We will search for the fleeing driver’s identity, license plate number, and vehicle description. We will also look for accident causes and contributing factors.
To build your accident claim, your hit and run victim lawyer will use these same sources, along with gathering police reports and your medical records. We seek to prove that the collision caused your injuries and other damages. We’ll also show how severely the hit and run accident affected your life.
How Can You Obtain Compensation After a Hit and Run Accident?
After motor vehicle collisions, those with injuries and other damages typically file insurance claims against the at-fault party. Even if that party left the accident scene, your hit and run accident lawyer can still help you seek compensation.
If we or the police locate the responsible driver, we will pursue compensation from their insurance company. You may also choose to file a personal injury lawsuit. If we can’t find the guilty party, you can probably still file a claim with your own insurance company.
Your underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage should compensate you for qualifying damages up to your coverage limits. However, insurance companies only pay what they must. Even though it’s your policy, your company may offer only minimal compensation or deny your claim.
When you hire Haun Mena, we will work to ensure that you’ll get the compensation you deserve.
What Damages Are Available?
Every accident is different, and their effects, your damages, and the amount of compensation you may receive can vary significantly. Your hit and run accident lawyer will assess your case and tell you what damages you qualify for.
Economic damages
You’ll likely incur costs due to your accident. Economic damages reimburse you for qualifying expenses, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Replacement services
- Property damage
Keep your bills and receipts for your attorney to use as evidence.
Non-economic damages
Hit and run accidents often produce lingering consequences. Non-economic damages compensate for issues like:
- Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Inconvenience
- Pain and suffering
- Losing the ability to enjoy life
Insurance companies are unlikely to offer this type of compensation and may deny that your condition exists. Haun Mena knows how to prove that you deserve non-economic damages.
Punitive damages
In rare cases, you may qualify to receive punitive damages. These damages seek to punish the guilty party.
How Can a Hit and Run Lawyer Help?
Regardless of your injuries, the days and weeks following a hit and run accident include many tasks you must undertake. When you hire Haun Mena, we will do them for you so you can focus on your recovery. We will:
- Provide information and legal advice
- Complete accident-related paperwork
- Investigate your accident
- Speak to insurance companies on your behalf
- Seek maximum compensation through a settlement or civil lawsuit
You’ll always receive the personal attention you deserve.
Why Should You Choose Haun Mena as Your Hit and Run Accident Lawyer?
Handling a hit and run claim successfully takes skill, resources, experience, and extensive legal knowledge. Work with the team at Haun Mena. Contact us 24/7 for a free consultation if you need a competent Houston hit and run accident lawyer. Call us at (713) 874-9216, use live chat, or submit our contact form.
