Richmond Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Top Richmond Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Injured during a hit and run in Richmond, TX? Contact the top Richmond hit and run accident lawyer to seek compensation and justice.

What Qualifies as a Hit and Run in Texas?

A hit and run happens when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or assist anyone injured. Texas Transportation Code requires all drivers to stop after any collision that causes injury, death, or property damage.

Under this law, you must provide your name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information to the other driver or property owner. If someone is hurt, you also have a legal duty to call for medical help or transport the injured person to get treatment.

The law applies to all types of accidents, whether you hit another moving car, a parked vehicle, a pedestrian, or even someone’s fence. Leaving the scene can result in serious criminal charges ranging from a Class C misdemeanor for minor property damage to a second-degree felony if someone dies.

It’s also essential to understand that your civil claim for damages is completely separate from any criminal case against the fleeing driver. We handle your injury claim to recover compensation while prosecutors pursue criminal charges.

What to Do Immediately After a Hit and Run

The first moments after a hit and run are critical for protecting your health and legal rights. Taking the right steps can make the difference between recovering full compensation and losing your claim.

Call 911 First 

Report the accident immediately and request medical assistance, even if you think you’re not seriously hurt. Some injuries like concussions or internal bleeding don’t show symptoms right away.

Document Everything You Can Remember 

Write down or record details about the fleeing vehicle while they’re fresh in your memory. Note the make, model, color, license plate number, and any damage you saw.

Take Photos of the Scene

Capture images of your vehicle damage, the accident location, skid marks, debris, and any injuries you sustained. This evidence helps prove what happened when the other driver isn’t there to tell their story.

Get Witness Information 

Ask anyone who saw the accident for their name and phone number. Independent witnesses can provide crucial testimony about how the crash occurred.

Preserve Physical Evidence 

Don’t move debris like broken headlight pieces or paint chips from the other vehicle. These items can help identify the fleeing driver later.

How Your Insurance Covers Hit and Run Accidents

Your own auto insurance policy provides the primary source of compensation after a hit and run. In Texas, insurance companies are required to offer Uninsured Motorist coverage, which treats hit and run drivers the same as drivers with no insurance.

Specifically, Uninsured Motorist coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when the at-fault driver can’t be identified. This coverage uses the same limits you selected for liability protection.

In addition, Personal Injury Protection provides immediate benefits for medical expenses and partial wage replacement regardless of fault. PIP benefits are often paid quickly while your Uninsured Motorist claim is being investigated.

Your collision coverage handles vehicle repairs or replacement if you purchased this optional protection. Without collision coverage, you’ll have to pay for vehicle damage out of pocket unless the fleeing driver is found.

Evidence Needed to Prove Your Hit and Run Claim

Winning a hit and run case requires strong evidence since the at-fault driver isn’t available to admit fault. Because of this, insurance companies scrutinize these claims carefully because they can’t recover money from the other driver’s insurer.

To build a strong case, we rely on several key forms of evidence:

• Physical evidence from the scene proves another vehicle was involved in your accident. Paint transfer on your car, broken parts left behind, and damage patterns all help establish what happened.
• Witness statements from people who saw the collision provide independent confirmation of your account. Witnesses can describe the other vehicle and verify that the driver left without stopping.
• Video footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or residential security systems may have captured the accident. We act quickly to request this footage before it gets deleted or recorded over.
• Medical records document the extent of your injuries and link them directly to the accident. Prompt medical treatment creates a clear timeline connecting your injuries to the hit and run.
• The police report serves as official documentation that a hit and run occurred. Officers investigate the scene and interview witnesses to create this important record.

Compensation Available in Hit and Run Cases

Texas law allows you to recover full compensation for all losses caused by the negligent driver. Importantly, your damages aren’t limited just because the driver fled the scene.

Recoverable damages may include: 

• Medical expenses include all treatment costs from the accident, including emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, and future medical care related to your injuries.
• Lost income covers wages you missed while recovering from your injuries and any reduction in your future earning ability due to permanent disabilities.
• Pain and suffering compensates you for physical discomfort, emotional distress, and the impact the accident has had on your quality of life.
• Property damage pays to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the crash.

The amount you can recover depends on your Uninsured Motorist policy limits and the severity of your injuries. We work to maximize your compensation within these limits.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases in Hit and Run Accidents

The criminal case against the fleeing driver and your civil claim for compensation are two completely separate legal processes. Understanding this distinction helps you protect your rights in both proceedings.

Criminal charges are filed by the state to punish the driver for breaking the law, and in cases involving fatalities, families may also pursue wrongful death claims separately from any criminal proceedings. These cases focus on whether the driver committed a crime, not on compensating you for your losses.

On the other hand, your civil claim seeks money damages to pay for your injuries and other losses. You can pursue this claim whether or not the driver is ever caught or convicted of criminal charges.

The burden of proof is lower in civil cases than criminal cases. We only need to show it’s more likely than not that another driver caused your injuries, while criminal conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

When the Hit and Run Driver Is Never Found

You can still recover compensation even if police never identify the fleeing driver. Your Uninsured Motorist coverage is specifically designed for these situations.

The key is proving that an unknown driver caused your accident and left the scene. To establish this, we gather evidence like witness statements, physical damage patterns, and surveillance video to build a strong case for your insurer.

However, your insurance company may try to deny the claim by arguing you caused the accident yourself or that no other vehicle was involved. We fight these tactics by presenting clear evidence of the hit and run.

Additionally, some insurers delay payment hoping you’ll accept a low settlement or give up entirely. We keep pressure on your insurance company to process your claim fairly and promptly.

Why Insurance Companies Fight Hit and Run Claims

Insurance companies often resist paying hit and run claims because they can’t recover the money from the at-fault driver’s insurer. This means every dollar they pay comes directly from their profits.

Adjusters may claim there’s insufficient evidence another driver was involved or suggest you caused the accident yourself. They might also argue your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.

Some insurers use delay tactics, requesting endless documentation or scheduling unnecessary medical exams. These strategies are designed to frustrate you into accepting a low settlement.

We know these tactics and how to counter them effectively. Our experience handling hit and run claims helps us anticipate problems and keep your case moving forward.

Common Challenges in Hit and Run Cases

Hit and run cases present unique obstacles that require experienced legal representation to overcome. Insurance companies exploit these challenges to minimize or deny valid claims.

• Lack of at-fault driver identification makes it harder to prove negligence, but we use physical evidence and witness testimony to establish that another driver caused your accident.
• Limited witness availability can weaken your case if people don’t want to get involved. We work quickly to secure witness statements before memories fade or people become reluctant to participate.
• Disputed accident reconstruction may occur when your insurer questions how the accident happened. We work with accident reconstruction experts to prove the sequence of events.
• Pre-existing injury claims allow insurers to argue your injuries existed before the accident. We gather medical records showing your health status before and after the crash.

Texas Statute of Limitations for Hit and Run Claims

Texas law gives you a limited time to file a lawsuit after a hit and run accident. The statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims.

Your insurance claim doesn’t have the same deadline, but waiting too long can hurt your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and memories fade over time.

We recommend contacting an attorney immediately after a hit and run to protect your rights. Starting early gives us the best chance to gather strong evidence and build a winning case.

Some situations may extend or shorten the deadline, so don’t assume you know how much time you have. Let us review your specific circumstances to determine the exact filing deadline.

How Estes Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Handles Hit and Run Cases

We understand that hit and run accidents leave victims feeling helpless and frustrated. Our approach combines aggressive investigation with  skilled negotiation to get you the compensation you deserve.

Immediate investigation begins as soon as you contact us. We visit the accident scene, interview witnesses, and request surveillance footage before it disappears.

Our team handles all insurance company negotiations to protect you from unfair tactics and low settlement offers. We handle all communications with adjusters so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Expert witness testimony strengthens your case when needed. We work with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts to prove your claim.

Our contingency fee arrangement means you pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows you to get experienced legal representation without upfront costs or financial risk.

Why Choose Estes Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers for Your Hit and Run Case

Hit and run cases require attorneys who understand both the legal complexities and the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying claims. Our experience gives you the advantage you need.

We have successfully obtained compensation for accident victims across Texas, including clients involved in hit-and-run collisions. This track record demonstrates our ability to get results even in challenging situations.

Our Richmond location places us close to Fort Bend County courts and allows us to serve clients throughout the Greater Houston area. We understand local traffic patterns, law enforcement procedures, and court practices.

Every client receives personal attention from our attorneys, not just paralegals or support staff. We believe you deserve to work directly with the lawyers handling your case.

Hit and Run FAQs

Will My Insurance Rates Increase if I File a Hit and Run Claim?

No, Texas law prohibits insurance companies from raising your rates for filing an Uninsured Motorist claim when you weren’t at fault for the accident.

Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Don’t Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

You may still have options through other insurance policies or by pursuing the at-fault driver directly if they’re identified, but recovery becomes much more difficult without UM coverage.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Hit and Run Insurance Claim?

Simple cases may settle within a few months, while complex claims involving serious injuries can take a year or more to resolve fully.

What if the Hit and Run Driver Is Later Identified?

If police find the driver, you can pursue their insurance policy directly, which may provide additional compensation beyond your UM policy limits.

Do I Need a Police Report to File a Hit and Run Claim?

While not always legally required, a police report significantly strengthens your claim by providing official documentation that a hit and run occurred.