How to Handle Hit-and-Run Accident Claims

A hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming. Not only do you face potential injuries and vehicle damage, but the other driver has fled the scene. You are without the information you need for recovery. You may feel unsure of what steps to take next.

At Portner Bond, PLLC, our experienced Beaumont car accident attorneys are ready to fight for you. With over 85 years of combined legal experience, our team is committed to positively impacting our clients’ lives. If you are a hit-and-run accident victim, we will explain your rights and work to secure as much compensation as possible for your injuries and losses. Contact us online or call us now at (409) 838-4444 for a free consultation.

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a hit-and-run accident occurs when at least one party flees the scene of a crash without assisting those involved or providing necessary information to the other parties. The information they should have shared includes their name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information.

Common hit-and-run scenarios include:

• Vehicle-to-Vehicle Collison – Two or more drivers are involved, and at least one driver leaves the scene without stopping or providing information.
• Pedestrian Accidents – A driver hits a pedestrian and then flees the scene.
• Property Damage – A driver damages property, such as a parked vehicle, building, or mailbox, and then leaves without taking responsibility or leaving contact information for the owner.

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported a 26% increase in hit-and-run fatalities from the previous year. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported 2,872 hit-and-run fatalities in 2021, an 11% increase from the previous year. Many of these fatalities involved pedestrians and pedal cyclists.

Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident

In the event of an accident, there are several steps you need to take. Even if the other driver flees the scene, here is what to do after a hit-and-run.

• Check for Injuries – Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if you do not immediately feel pain, look for signs of injury, such as dizziness and confusion, which could indicate a concussion or whiplash.
• Get to Safety – If possible, pull your vehicle over to the side of the road. If your car is no longer drivable or the traffic makes it unsafe to move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights and check for cars before exiting your vehicle.
• Call 911 – Once you have reached safety, call 911. Police will respond to take the report, and paramedics will arrive if there are any injuries.
• Check for Witnesses – Look for witnesses who may have pulled over to assist with the crash. Exchange information with them. The police will want to collect their statements.
• Gather Information and Evidence – Capture photos and videos of the scene and the damage to your vehicle. Document any details you can remember about the driver and their vehicle.
• Contact Your Insurance Company – Inform your insurance company about the accident. You can provide them with information, evidence from the scene, and the police report.
• Get an Accident Report from the Texas Department of Transportation – When you call the police to report the accident, the officer will make a report. You can acquire a copy of that crash report from the Texas Department of Transportation. The officer must submit this report within 10 days of the accident if there was physical injury, death, or property damage valued at $1,000 or more. 

Does Insurance Cover Hit-and-Runs?

In the case of a typical car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company would pay the recovery. But what happens if you are a hit-and-run victim? The situation becomes a little more complicated when you do not have any information about the other driver to give to your insurance company. Fortunately, some insurance policies may factor this in, helping the insured recover what is owed.

According to the Office of Public Insurance Counsel, two types of insurance coverage may help in this situation:

• Collision Coverage – Collision coverage pays for damage to your car, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage pays for the vehicle damage but does not pay for injuries, including in the event of a hit-and-run.
• UM/UIM Coverage – Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage pays for damage to your car and any injuries to you or your passengers. This applies not only to cases of uninsured/underinsured motorists but also in the event of a hit-and-run.

These two coverages often work together in a hit-and-run accident to provide you with the most recovery. Furthermore, there are different types of compensation you may be entitled to.

• Medical Expenses – This includes ambulance rides, emergency room visits, hospital stays, follow-up doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication.
• Lost Wages – This includes compensation from lost income if your injuries prevent you from working.
• Pain and Suffering – You may be entitled to compensation for any physical pain or emotional distress.
• Property Damage – This includes replacement or repair costs of damaged property or vehicles.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

If you are a victim of a hit-and-run, a personal injury lawyer may help you recover any damages you are owed. Here is how:

• Investigating Your Accident – An attorney can work with law enforcement to track down the responsible driver through physical evidence, witnesses, and traffic cameras.
• Filing Your Claim – If the at-fault driver is found, we can file a claim with their insurer. If they are not, we can file claims against your uninsured motorist, comprehensive coverage, or MedPay if you opt for those add-on policies.
• Handling All Communication with Insurance Companies – Insurance companies are not your ally. They often attempt to minimize payouts. An attorney may negotiate on your behalf.
• Filing Your Lawsuit – An attorney can help you file a lawsuit in the event the hit-and-run driver is identified but refuses to settle.
• Protecting Your Interests Throughout – A lawyer may guide you through the legal process and explain your rights.

Contact Us Today

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At Portner Bond, PLLC, our experienced attorneys can manage your claims for you at this difficult time. Our main office is in Beaumont, Texas, serving the communities of Bridge City, Groves, Lumberton, Nederland, Port Neches, Kountze, Orange, Port Arthur, Silsbee, Sour Lake, Stowell, and Winnie. Contact us today at (409) 838-4444 for a free consultation to discuss your options and understand your rights.

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