Being involved in a car accident is always stressful. But when the other driver flees the scene, that stress can turn into anger and confusion. You might be wondering who will pay for your medical bills and vehicle repairs if you don’t know who hit you. You are not alone, and you do not have to face this situation by yourself.

At The Super Lawyer, we help victims of hit and run crashes in Houston and across Texas. We understand the frustration of being left behind by a negligent driver. Our goal is to investigate what happened, explore every avenue for compensation, and help you get your life back on track.

What is a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit and run accident occurs when a driver is involved in a collision but fails to stop and fulfill their legal duties. Under the Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550, anyone involved in an accident that causes injury, death, or vehicle damage must stop immediately. They are required to render aid and exchange information.

When a driver leaves the scene, they are breaking the law. This turns a civil traffic matter into a criminal offense. However, while the police focus on the criminal charges, you need a Houston hit and run accident lawyer to focus on your civil claim—getting you the money you need to recover.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit and Run in Houston

The moments after a crash are chaotic, especially if the other car speeds away. If you are physically able, taking the right steps can significantly help your future personal injury claim.

• Prioritize Safety: Move to a safe area if possible and check yourself and passengers for injuries.
• Call 911: Notify the Houston Police Department (HPD) or the Harris County Sheriff’s Office immediately. You need a police report to file an insurance claim.
• Gather Information: Write down anything you remember about the fleeing vehicle. This includes the color, make, model, and any part of the license plate number.
• Talk to Witnesses: If anyone saw the crash, get their names and phone numbers. They may have seen the driver or the license plate.
• Take Photos: Photograph the damage to your car, the accident scene, skid marks, and any debris left behind by the other vehicle.
• Seek Medical Attention: Go to a doctor or emergency room right away. You need documentation of your injuries to prove your case.

Who Pays for My Damages if the Driver is Not Found?

This is the most common question we hear. Many people worry that if the police cannot catch the hit and run driver, they cannot get compensation. Fortunately, that is not always true.

In Texas, you likely have coverage on your own insurance policy that can help. We can help you file a claim under:

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed exactly for this situation. In the eyes of the insurance company, a hit and run driver is treated the same as an uninsured driver. If you have this coverage, your own insurance company steps in to pay for your bodily injury and property damage, up to your policy limits.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays for medical bills and a portion of lost wages regardless of who was at fault. This is a “no-fault” coverage that can provide immediate financial relief while your lawyer investigates the rest of the case.

How We Investigate Hit and Run Cases

Just because the driver fled doesn’t mean they can’t be found. As your attorneys, we launch a private investigation to uncover evidence that the police might miss. We work to identify the liable party so we can hold them accountable.

Our investigation process often includes:

• Pulling the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3).
• Requesting surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or doorbell cameras.
• Interviewing witnesses who may have seen the license plate.
• Consulting with accident reconstruction experts to analyze vehicle damage and debris.
• Checking for nearby police reports of erratic drivers or abandoned vehicles.

Common Injuries and Compensation Available

Hit and run crashes often result in severe injuries because the victim is often left without immediate help. We handle cases involving whiplash, broken bones, head trauma, and other serious conditions. We fight to recover both economic damages and non-economic damages on your behalf.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency room visits and hospital stays
• Ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Property damage repairs or vehicle replacement

In some cases where the driver is caught, we may also pursue punitive damages. These are intended to punish the driver for their gross negligence in fleeing the scene.

Why Drivers Flee the Scene

Understanding why a driver ran can sometimes help us find them. Common reasons for leaving the scene of an accident include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DWI)
• Driving without a valid license or insurance
• Having outstanding arrest warrants
• Driving a stolen vehicle
• Panic or fear of consequences

Regardless of their reason, fleeing is illegal. Under Texas Transportation Code §550.021, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is a serious crime.

The Statute of Limitations in Texas

You do not have unlimited time to take legal action. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, when dealing with insurance claims—especially Uninsured Motorist claims—there may be tighter deadlines for notifying your insurance company.

Waiting too long can result in your claim being denied. It is vital to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure all evidence is preserved and all deadlines are met.

Why Hire a Houston Hit and Run Accident Lawyer?

Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult, especially when you are filing a claim against your own policy. Insurers are businesses looking to save money, and they may try to undervalue your claim or blame you for the accident.

When you hire The Super Lawyer, we handle the entire legal process for you. We communicate with the insurance adjusters, handle the paperwork, and fight for the maximum settlement possible. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing unless we win your case.