If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Hit and run accidents can cause horrific injuries and emotional stress. When we get behind the wheel, we expect other drivers to drive carefully. We hope that, if an accident does happen, the other driver will stay at the scene to exchange information and to see if everyone involved is okay.
Unfortunately, that does not always happen. Hit and run is a serious crime. Drivers found guilty of a hit and run can potentially face felony criminal charges. They can also be held financially responsible for the pain and suffering they cause to their victims.
If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a hit-and-run accident, we are here to help. At Portner Bond, PLLC we care deeply for upholding the rights of everyone living in the Beaumont-Port Arthur Metropolitan area and for holding negligent drivers responsible for their actions.
Our team has experience and success in pursuing justice for victims of hit and run accidents, and we can help you after your accident. Call us today at (409) 838-4444 or contact us online for a free consultation with a Beaumont hit and run car accident attorney.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
Recovery from a car accident can be a long and anguishing physical, mental, and emotional process. Injuries from car accidents are often severe and can have a lifelong impact. What can be especially difficult to recover from is the emotional toll of being involved in a hit-and-run accident and feeling abandoned.
Interacting with someone who would be involved in a car accident and flee the scene is not something you should have to take on while you are working through your recovery. Working with an attorney can allow you to focus on recovering in peace instead of having to deal with insurance companies and negligent drivers.
Along with providing emotional support, working with a skilled attorney can ensure you get the most favorable outcome possible from your lawsuit. An attorney can gather evidence and build a case on your behalf to help prove you were not liable for the accident and that you deserve compensation.
Compensation is an integral part of the justice system that you may be entitled to. After an accident, medical bills and normal living expenses can pile up. This can be made worse if your injuries have kept you from working. Compensation allows you to be able to pay for your recovery, care for your loved ones, and most importantly, put the accident behind you. A lawyer can help make sure you receive fair compensation when dealing with insurance companies or individuals.
Why Should I Choose Portner Bond, PLLC?
After a hit-and-run accident, finding the right attorney to work with is crucial. You want to find a law firm with a history of success and commitment to serving their community. At Portner Bond, PLLC have a proven track record of commitment to serving every citizen in the Beaumont-Port Arthur Metropolitan area. Our firm has seen much success in the courtroom and in obtaining settlements. Our bottom line is to advocate for you and deliver you the justice you deserve.
We won’t take the easy way out and accept low-ball settlements. We prepare each case as if it will go to trial because our team takes each case very seriously. We are ready and able to do whatever it takes to help you get your life back on track, and financial compensation is often an essential part of that.
We know how stressful life can be after being injured in a hit-and-run accident and that bills may be piling up. We believe you should never have to worry about being able to afford quality legal representation. To honor that, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid only after we have secured compensation on your behalf.
What is a Driver’s Responsibility After an Accident?
Texas law requires drivers to take specific actions after an accident. A driver can be convicted criminally for leaving the scene of a crash if they fail to act responsibly after a crash. Texas law requires that drivers take the following actions after an accident:
- If the accident involves damage to highway fixtures or landscaping, the driver must take reasonable steps to report the accident to the proper authorities. If the damage is estimated to be worth more than $1,000, a police report must be filed.
- If the accident involves damage to an unoccupied vehicle, the driver must attempt to find the vehicle owner to exchange information or leave a note containing detailed information about the accident.
- If the accident involves an occupied vehicle, a driver must stop as close as possible to the vehicle without blocking traffic. Next, the driver must attempt to administer aid, provide personal information, and show a driver’s license upon request.
- If the accident results in death, the driver must attempt to provide aid, give personal information, and show their driver’s license upon request
If a driver fails to do any of these things, they may be facing criminal charges for leaving the scene of an accident. If you are a victim of this type of accident, it is critical that you stay at the scene of the incident. This will enable you to receive appropriate medical care, as well as to be able to report the incident to the police so they can start looking for the negligent driver.
Why Would the Driver Leave the Scene?
A negligent driver may flee the scene of an accident for a variety of reasons. If someone tries to flee the scene of your accident, never attempt to chase them down. Trying to chase after a driver who caused a hit-and-run accident could result in you being ticketed for speeding. Your best option is to stay put and wait for medical attention and law enforcement. Common reasons why drivers leave the scene of an accident include:
- The driver has a suspended license
- The driver has too many tickets on their record
- The driver has an invalid license
- The driver does not have insurance
- The driver has an outstanding warrant for their arrest
- The driver is in a stolen vehicle
- The driver is intoxicated
There are many of these kinds of drivers, and they make our roads less safe. Working with law enforcement and an attorney can help hold these negligent drivers responsible for their actions.
What if the Other Driver Can’t be Found?
Hit and run accidents can be unique because it is often challenging to locate the responsible party. If your attorney has worked diligently with the police, but the driver who caused your injuries still hasn’t been found, your hope of recovering damages is not lost.
Here in Texas, car insurance companies are required to offer uninsured motorist insurance to all drivers. If you elected to have this coverage, you could file an uninsured motorist claim to help recover compensation.
While this coverage is handy, you may still want to consult with an attorney. Insurance companies may try to pressure you into accepting a settlement that is less than you deserve. An experienced attorney will understand what constitutes a fair settlement offer and will be able to negotiate with the insurance company until that number is reached.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
Negligent drivers can cause significant mental, emotional, and physical damage. They can also cause stress due to the high costs of medical care that may be associated with your injury. Worrying about how to pay for your medical bills should never be an issue if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident with a negligent driver. Compensation is available in a variety of forms to ease your financial burden. Types of compensation available include:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Loss of wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Vehicle repairs
- Home modifications (if disabled and necessary)
- Pain and suffering
All drivers are considered to be legally aware of their duties to stop and provide care and to exchange information with other drivers after an accident. Even if the accident is unintentional, leaving the scene is an intentional decision and is deemed to be worthy of punitive damages in many cases.
Punitive damages are reserved for actions that are reckless or cause intentional harm. Punitive damages serve to punish the negligent driver for their actions financially, but they also serve as a warning to other drivers that these actions are deemed morally reprehensible.
Contact Us
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident in the Beaumont area, you are not alone, and legal help is readily available to help you during this difficult time. You should not have to suffer financial hardship or stress due to the actions of a negligent driver. Our team here at Portner Bond, PLLC is deeply committed to ensuring you and your loved ones receive the compensation and peace of mind you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at (409) 838-4444 or contact us online to begin working with a Beaumont car accident attorney