Hit and Run Lawyer Houston

October 19, 2023

Navigating the Legal Maze With an Experienced Legal Ally

Imagine being surprised by a collision on the road and seeking legal advice. Enter Leeds Law Firm, your reliable Houston hit and run lawyer, to help you navigate the legal maze after such sad situations.


Our legal experience goes beyond representation. We want to clarify legal issues. Texas hit and run cases require intricacy, and our experienced attorneys come prepared. Leeds Law Firm makes this road less lonely. 


Legal issues shouldn’t be solved alone. We can be the missing link in your case. After a Texas hit and run, take action to resolve your situation. Leeds Law Firm invites you to explore our justice-focused dedication. 


Call us today to discover clarity and closure. Leeds Law Firm—where understanding meets action—can solve your legal problem.


What is Hit and Run?

A hit and run occurs when a vehicle hits another car or object. The motorist purposely flees without leaving their contact information or helping any injured party.


What is the Difference Between Hit and Run and Leaving the Scene of an Accident?

Hit and run and leaving the scene of an accident are similar. This incident can result in a misdemeanor or felony. Damage and injury severity decide the fee.


What Are Texas Requirements to Stop After an Accident?

As per Texas Transportation Code Ann. Section 550.021, after an accident resulting in injury or death, everyone must promptly:

  • Bring their vehicle to a halt at the accident site or as near to it as feasible
  • Stop without causing unnecessary traffic blockage
  • If the vehicle isn’t at the accident scene, go back to it
  • Stay at the accident scene until specific obligations are fulfilled

As per Texas Transportation Code Ann. Section 550.022, right after an accident causing damage to another vehicle, everyone must:

  • Bring the vehicle to a stop at the accident site or as near as possible without causing excessive traffic obstruction
  • Stay at the scene until specific obligations are fulfilled

If both vehicles can be safely driven, drivers must move their vehicles to a safe location after an accident on a main lane, ramp, shoulder, median, or nearby area of a metropolitan zone freeway. This lets them communicate without disrupting freeway traffic.


According to Texas Transportation Code Ann. Section 550.024, it requires the drivers to halt after hitting parked cars. They must next find the car’s owner and provide information or leave a prominent message. The automobile hitter’s name and address should be on this note.


Furthermore, as outlined in Section 550.025 of the Texas Transportation Code, if an accident simply damages a fixture or landscaping near a highway, the party must take reasonable precautions. The property owner or manager must be found and notified. After the accident, they must offer details.


What Information is Required After a Hit and Run Accident?

Under Texas Transportation Code Section 550.023, any driver engaged in an accident in Texas is required to halt and provide the following information to the other driver, occupants of the vehicles, or any individuals injured:

  • Share your name as the vehicle operator
  • Disclose your address as the vehicle operator
  • Provide information about your insurance company
  • Furnish the registered number of your vehicle
  • Display your driver’s license if requested and available
  • Offer assistance to anyone injured in the accident, including transporting them to a hospital or doctor if treatment is necessary or requested


Why Would A Driver Flee an Accident Scene?

After a crash, fleeing can be confusing. Why would a driver disappear, leaving questions and a damaged car?


Let’s examine the causes of this strange behavior by peeling back the layers of hit and run cases.

  • Fear and Panic
  • Fear of penalties, legal implications, and personal accountability drives hit and runs. Panic can cause a quick flight in a crisis. 
  • Avoiding problems is a human inclination, and the fear of the consequences may cloud rational decision-making. In these moments, escaping becomes a reflex, leaving the accident scene empty.
  • Legal Consequences
  • Some drivers run because they fear legal ramifications. Previous legal issues, warrants, or lack of insurance may cause a quick escape. Evasion may be preferred to penalties, fines, or jail. The hasty exit seems like a bet against legal danger to them.
  • Uninsured or Underinsured Dilemma
  • Financial worries typically influence hit and run instances. A driver without insurance or with minimal coverage may fear financial consequences for damages. When facing high repair bills or lawsuits, fleeing becomes a desperate attempt to avoid financial trouble. Fear of economic strain drives this cold calculation.
  • Personal Circumstances
  • Individual circumstances often complicate hit and run stories. From personal issues to mental pain, a driver’s getaway may indicate life challenges. 
  • Mental illness, interpersonal issues, or substance abuse might impair judgment, leading to impulsive escapes. Understanding these human complexity is essential to understanding hit-and-run motives.


What Are the Penalties for Leaving the Scene in Texas?

According to Section 12.34 of the Texas Penal Code, failing to stop after a fatal or serious injury collision can result in a third-degree felony. This violation can result in two to ten years in state jail or a fine of up to $10,000.


Not stopping after an accident causing injury can result in five years in prison, one year in county jail, or a fine not exceeding $5,000. Accidents that harm property have different effects. 


A Class C misdemeanor with a fine of no more than $500 punishment may result from car damage under $200. If the damage exceeds $200, the person may face a Class B misdemeanor with a fine of up to $2,000 or 180 days in jail.


The failure to move automobiles after a freeway collision in a metropolitan region might result in a Class C criminal penalty. 


Hitting a parked automobile without finding the owner or leaving a note is a Class C or Class B misdemeanor for damages under $200 or over $200.


If you hit a highway feature or landscaping, you can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor for under $200 and a Class B for above $200.


What Are the Common Injuries That Result From Hit and Run Accidents?

A hit and run incident can cause several injuries. High-speed accidents can cause life-threatening injuries. Common serious hit and run injuries include:

  • Broken Bones
  • The impact of hit and run accidents can fracture bones. The impact can fracture limbs and ribs, requiring considerable recuperation and possible long-term damage.
  • Lacerations
  • Hit and run accidents can produce significant wounds or lacerations from sharp objects, debris, or contact force. This injury requires prompt treatment and may leave scars and require lengthy medical care.
  • Contusions
  • hit and run collisions can cause contusions, or bruising. Although modest, significant contusions might signal underlying ailments and cause physical suffering.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
  • High-speed hit and run accidents can cause TBIs. Concussions or TBIs caused by abrupt acceleration and deceleration can impair cognitive function and require medical treatment.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • High-speed or force accidents are very dangerous for the spine. Hit and run accidents can cause spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis or mobility issues. These injuries require substantial therapy and lifelong modifications, depending on severity.
  • Hit and run victims should seek medical attention immediately. Accident recovery is faster when you see a doctor quickly.


What Are the Steps to Take After a Hit and Run in Texas?

Texas hit and run continued despite these penalties. After such an accident, you may have to pay for vehicle repairs and medical bills. 


To maximize your chances of holding the other motorist liable for their hurt and damages, take proactive steps. These measures include:

  • Ensure the Safety of Yourself and Everyone in Your Vehicle. You, your passengers, and other accident victims should seek medical assistance immediately.
  • Contact the Authorities Promptly. Involve the police immediately, especially if you plan to sue the fleeing party.
  • Record Details About the Fleeing Vehicle. Gather as much information as possible on the car that left. After an accident, your memory is sharpest, so note the car’s make, model, color, and license plate number. These facts are crucial for identifying and keeping injury perpetrators accountable.
  • Interview Witnesses to the Accident. Some people may have seen the occurrence you missed. Witness accounts of another driver or pedestrian can reveal important information.
  • Consult With a Legal Professional Promptly. While authorities may have trouble finding the fleeing driver, our Houston hit and run lawyer can help. Interviews, surveillance camera investigations, and legal problems like filing within the statute of limitations can be handled by us.


When Should I Contact My Insurance Company?

Texas hit and run victims should notify their insurers immediately. Make sure you’re well enough to call or get a medical clearance. Notifying the police immediately is also vital. 


Their narrative of the collision is crucial evidence against the hit and run driver. Share detailed information about the driver or vehicle with the authorities to help find the criminal. 


Besides reporting the accident to your insurer, contact our experienced personal injury attorney. We can help you build a case or file a claim.


How Long After a Hit and Run Accident Can the At-Fault Driver Be Charged With a Crime?

The time frame depends on whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony charge. In misdemeanor cases, the at-fault party may be charged with leaving the accident scene within two years of the collision. For felonies, the statute of limitations extends to a full three years.


Is It Possible to Recover Damages From My Hit and Run Accident?

After a hit and run accident, many worry about never getting compensation. This is true if the motorist evades capture, but you have other options. These options encompass:

  • Filing a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver
  • The motorist may be arrested for causing an accident and fleeing. Due to reckless driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, further charges may result. Claiming against the driver helps recover some or all of the losses. 
  • If the driver lacks insurance, you may have to sue. Note that the driver may not be able to pay for all damages.
  • Filing a Claim With Your Insurance Provider
  • Per Texas Law, requires auto insurers to give Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist (UM or UIM) coverage. The insurance company must pay for damages if you didn’t decline it in writing. Your claim can be filed even if the motorist is arrested but cannot pay the damages. 
  • The UM or UIM policy may cover lost income, medical bills, pain and suffering, and partial and permanent disability from the hit-and-run. This policy covers you and your passengers and authorized drivers.
  • Type of Damages in a Hit and Run Lawsuit
  • Economic, non-economic, and punitive damages are three types of damages that can be awarded in personal lawsuits or hit and run accident.
  • Economic damages. These are awarded to compensate a plaintiff for their financial losses, such as:
  • Medical Bills
  • Rehabilitation Costs
  • Medical Equipment
  • Lost Wages
  • Loss of Earning Potential
  • Non-economic damages. These are awarded to compensate a plaintiff for their non-financial losses, such as:
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional anguish
  • Humiliation
  • Reputational damage
  • Loss of enjoyment of activities
  • Punitive damages. These are awarded to punish the defendant for their wrongdoing and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct. Punitive damages are only awarded in limited circumstances, such as when the defendant’s conduct was intentional, reckless, or malicious.


Why Do I Need a Hit and Run Lawyer in Texas?

After a Texas hit and run, the complications can be overwhelming. A skilled Houston hit and run lawyer is essential for injuries, property loss, or both. Let’s discuss why legal representation in such cases is not just desirable but often necessary.

  • Understanding Legal Procedures
  • Legal proceedings after a hit and run might be complicated. Texas hit and run rules are familiar to our attorney. From submitting police reports to understanding the statute of limitations, a lawyer helps you navigate the legal maze.
  • Maximizing Insurance Claims
  • Though supposed to help, insurance companies make money. Our lawyers protect you against unfair practices. If insurance companies dismiss or undervalue your claims, we can maximize your compensation to get you what you deserve.
  • Gathering and Preserving Evidence
  • Evidence determines legal case success. Our experienced Houston hit and run lawyer helps gather and preserve evidence. From witness accounts to accident scene analysis, our experience guarantees no important information is missed. Building a strong case for your claims requires this thorough approach.
  • Negotiating With Insurance Companies
  • Negotiating with insurers involves finesse. Our personal injury lawyer negotiates for you. Our experience in such negotiations guarantees you are not taken advantage of, and they fight hard to get a fair settlement for your injuries and damages.
  • Pursuing Legal Action
  • Legal action may be necessary if the responsible party cannot be identified or has inadequate insurance. Legal action is possible with our resources. 
  • We negotiate the legal system, file lawsuits, and represent you in court to ensure you have a powerful advocate.
  • Understanding Victim’s Rights
  • Hit and run victims have rights that must be protected. Our Houston hit and run lawyer fights for your rights throughout the legal process. We fight for proper recompense, medical care, and closure to the horrible experience.


Piecing Together Justice for Hit and Run Cases in Texas

Understanding hit and run causes is just the start. Leeds Law Firm understands the intricacy of these situations and can help you navigate the legal system. Our Houston hit and run lawyer strives to resolve Texas hit and run cases.


Leeds Law Firm offers more than legal services. We’ll help you overcome hit and run issues. We’re here to help with the aftermath, with legal insights and understanding. Leeds Law Firm helps you get justice by knowing your case and creating a solid legal strategy.


After a Texas hit and run, don’t go it alone. Leeds Law Firm invites you to begin resolution. Call today to let our dedicated legal team illustrate how we can help.


We can also represent you in Catastrophic Injuries, Insurance Claims, Medical Malpractice, and Nursing Home Abuse. Justice is not a puzzle. It’s a path, and Leeds Law Firm is here to guide you through it.

A motorcycle has crashed into a car on the side of the road.

First 48 Hours After a Motorcycle Accident and Why You Should Contact an Attorney

December 26, 2024
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In the city of Houston, where rideshare services have become integral to urban mobility, understanding the differences between regular car accidents and rideshare accidents is crucial. As convenient as these services are, they introduce unique legal challenges when accidents occur. For Texans who find themselves entangled in a rideshare accident, knowing how rideshare accident claims differ from traditional car accident claims can be important. We want to highlight some differences so the next steps can be handled confidently. Insurance Coverage Complexities One of the most significant differences between regular car accidents and rideshare accidents lies in insurance coverage complexities. In a typical car accident involving two private vehicles, each driver's personal auto insurance policy usually covers damages up to their policy limits. When a rideshare vehicle is involved, multiple insurance policies may come into play depending on the status of the driver at the time of the accident (i.e., whether they were waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up passengers, or transporting them). Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage that supplements or replaces a driver's personal insurance under certain conditions. Understanding these layers is vital for victims seeking compensation. Determining Liability Liability determination becomes more complex with rideshare accidents compared to regular car crashes. While traditional vehicle collisions typically involve assessing fault between drivers based on traffic laws and eyewitness accounts, rideshare incidents often require additional scrutiny due to corporate involvement. The responsibility might not solely rest on the driver but could extend to potential negligence by the company itself regarding driver screening or vehicle maintenance protocols. Investigating liability thoroughly with legal knowledge can significantly impact case outcomes. Legal Procedures and Documentation Navigating legal procedures after a rideshare accident requires meticulous documentation that surpasses what is generally needed for standard car accidents. Victims must promptly obtain detailed records such as digital ride receipts and app usage data alongside conventional evidence like police reports and medical records. This information helps establish timelines and verify claims about whether a driver was actively engaged with their app during an incident—an aspect critical for pursuing appropriate compensation from corporate insurers. Challenges in Claim Resolution Claim resolution tends to be more challenging in rideshare accidents due to potential disputes over overlapping coverages among involved parties' insurances (driver's personal insurer vs company-provided coverage) coupled with possible delays inherent within large corporations handling numerous claims simultaneously across various jurisdictions including our busy road network. Engaging a seasoned attorney familiar with both local regulations and national precedents concerning shared-economy transportation litigation can expedite resolutions while ensuring fair settlements reflective of all incurred losses ranging from medical expenses through lost wages to property damages. Role of Technology in Evidence Collection Technology plays an increasingly pivotal role when dealing with rideshare related collision cases versus ordinary vehicular mishaps primarily due to its ability to offer verifiable real-time data essential corroborating witness testimonies establishing sequences leading up to events surrounding any given crash scenario. From GPS tracking logs detailing exact locations and times involved parties met impacted areas right down potential accelerometer readings indicating sudden stop-starts, technological inputs bolster arguments substantiate victim narratives which enhances overall credibility before insurers and courts. While the rise of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has transformed urban transportation in cities like Houston, it has also introduced complexities in the event of accidents. Regular car accidents and rideshare accidents differ significantly in terms of insurance coverage, liability determination, and the legal processes involved in seeking compensation. Understanding these differences is crucial for those affected by rideshare accidents. By being aware of the unique challenges these cases present and engaging experienced legal assistance, victims can navigate the complexities and ensure they receive fair and adequate compensation. As technology continues to enhance evidence collection, staying informed about the evolving landscape of accident claims in the rideshare sector is more important than ever.

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