What Every Driver Should Know If They Are the Victim of a Hit-And-Run Accident
Having to endure the stress of any car accident is hard enough, but what happens when you are the victim of a hit-and-run driver? What steps do you need to take and where do you turn for help? The moment you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, you do not have the luxury of making contact with the other driver to exchange license and insurance information, let alone the opportunity to speak with them to determine the cause of the crash.
Immediately after the crash.
The moment you experience a hit-and-run, your first course of action should be the same as with any other collision: Assess yourself and any passengers for signs of injury and call 911 right away if someone is hurt. Once you have tended to any injuries and have made sure help is on the way, try your best to recall any details regarding the moments before the crash, including a description of the driver that hit you and drove away. While it may be difficult to recall such details, especially in the wake of the commotion and possible injuries, any details you can provide may prove to be valuable tools later on.
Provide as much information as possible when filing the crash report.
Texas Department of Transportation code automatically requires law enforcement officers to investigate motor vehicle crashes that result in injury, death, or property damage and to file a report within 10 days of the accident. As the victim of a hit-and-run, the details you report to the officer at the scene of the crime are vital to your case and necessary for accurate documentation of the crash. The make and model of the car that hit you, what the driver looked like, and the sequence of events that led up to the collision are all important details that should be reported if at all possible.
You may be protected under UM insurance coverage.
In the state of Texas, UM coverage (uninsured motorist coverage) may cover your accident expenses, including any damage to personal property that was in your vehicle at the time of the crash. There are two types of UM coverage: bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injury coverage will take care of your medical bills, lost wages, and any other health-related expenses caused by the accident, while property damage coverage will ensure your rental car and auto repair fees are paid for. UM insurance coverage is not mandatory, so you will need to check with your auto insurance provider to find out if you elected to obtain this coverage when you purchased your policy.
You can benefit from consulting with a professional car accident attorney.
When it comes to crash-related injuries, especially in the case of a hit-and-run incident, a qualified car accident attorney can be a crucial tool moving forward. A competent, experienced lawyer has the ability to protect and fight for your rights and can assist with any questions or concerns you have about your case. Do not risk losing out on any compensation you may be entitled to for your pain and suffering. Speak with a New Braunfels car accident attorney today to secure proper legal representation. Call the Bettersworth Law Firm at 830-443-9193 for a free consultation.
Sources:
http://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb020.html
http://www.txdot.gov/driver/laws/crash-reports.html
