Hit-and-Run Investigation Process

The recovery process following a car accident can be difficult. But when the at-fault party leaves the scene before you’re able to understand the situation, it can make things that much more of a challenge.

Perpetrators of hit-and-run accidents are breaking the law and deserve to face the consequences of their actions – especially when those they hurt face a lifetime of pain. 

If you or a loved one have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, know that you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. While it can be difficult to secure compensation on your own, a skilled attorney can help you obtain the financial recovery you need to help you during the healing process.   

In the state of Texas, a hit-and-run is defined as an accident in which – typically – the at-fault party flees the scene of the accident that they caused.  

If an individual is involved in an accident and intentionally leaves, fails to render aid to any injured parties, fails to call for help, or fails to provide their insurance and contact information before leaving, then it is generally considered a hit-and-run accident. 

Examples of hit-and-run accidents can include:

From finding the perpetrator to proving the accident occurred to your insurance company, the investigation process of a hit-and-run accident can require much work and diligence. That is why it is so important to seek the help of a seasoned car accident attorney who can help you with your hit-and-run situation.  

As per the Texas Transportation Code, a driver is legally required to take reasonable steps to address a car accident involving other parties. Actions that must be taken include rendering aid, exchanging contact info and, if necessary, contacting the proper authorities. 

Below are the required actions a driver must take in the different types of scenarios:

Failure to follow the procedures as listed, according to what type of accident has taken place, can result in jail time and fees. Fleeing the scene of an accident can have legal repercussions that depend on the severity of damages, physical injuries, and if there is a death. 

Repercussions can be more severe if the hit-and-run perpetrator was under the influence or had warrants out for their arrest at the time that they committed the crime. 

Aside from the physical injuries and mental anguish one may suffer from a car accident, there is also the emotional stress of seeking compensation to aid in your recovery.

If you are involved in an accident, please consider following these steps: 

Car accidents can be sudden and unexpected. However, in the case that you are able to see the perpetrator’s car, try and gather as much information as possible.

That includes the following information: 

Various emotions can arise in the event of an unexpected accident, making it difficult to process the details of an event. However, if there were people around the area where you crashed, some may be able to provide details about the incident, the at-fault party, and their vehicle.

If possible, move your car out of traffic’s way and to a safer location. Usually, accidents that occur in busy areas will be witnessed by others. Ask witnesses for their contact information. Their testimonies can be used to identify the perpetrator of the accident and help to build a strong claim.

If the crash occurred near a business, school, or government establishment, then there is a great chance that there are surveillance cameras that captured the event.

Surveillance cameras can be the ultimate tool in the event of a hit-and-run accident. Locating nearby surveillance cameras after the accident can be tedious work, but it is worthwhile if it helps to capture the perpetrator. 

If you have been hit by an individual that proceeds to evade the scene, contact the authorities immediately. Seeking help from the authorities at the scene is a useful way to speed up the investigative process. 

The police will file an accident report, documenting the information you can provide about the guilty party. They will help inspect the site of the crash to find evidence that can be used to locate the individual who fled the scene. 

In the case of hit-and-run accidents, sometimes the insurance company will seek proof of the incident, such medical records of the injuries you suffered. The accident report filed by the authorities is one official way to relay information back to the insurance company to hold your claim valid. 

An integral part of a hit-and-run claim is the investigative process. You will need to prove that damage to your vehicle or injuries suffered in a crash are the direct result of a driver’s negligence and that the at-fault driver fled the scene.

Seeking professional legal assistance can relieve some stress associated with the hit-and-run process. The length of time it takes to finalize a hit-and-run claim depends on how long it takes to investigate and find the perpetrator. 

First, seek medical care and the help of the authorities. Then, when you are ready to do so, reach out to an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney who will act fast and with the intention to investigate and build a strong case for you.

Hit-and-Run Investigation Process

Lapeze & Johns