Hit-and-Run Victim Attorney in Dallas
A car accident is always awful; it’s even worse when the other driver flees the scene. Drivers may flee after a car wreck because they are scared, don’t have insurance, or don’t feel like being held accountable for their actions. However, fleeing the scene of a car wreck is never a good idea, and the offending party will often get caught. This will lead to a criminal charge that they would have avoided had they stopped after the wreck.
If you were a hit-and-run victim, contact the Texas car accident attorneys at Hernandez Law Group, P.C., with offices and experienced accident attorneys ready to help you located in Dallas and Amarillo. We’ve successfully litigated vehicle accident cases and will help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our injury attorneys.
What is Considered a Hit and Run?
Any time a driver hits another vehicle, a pedestrian, or another person’s property and flees the scene, it is considered a hit-and-run. A driver who hits another vehicle should stop, check on the occupants of the other vehicle, call the police and wait for them at the scene, and exchange information with the other driver. A driver who hits a pedestrian should stop, check on the pedestrian, call 911, and wait for the police and/or ambulance to arrive at the scene. Drivers must remain at the scene of an accident even if the other person is at fault.
If a driver hits a parked car, they can leave the accident scene as long as they leave their contact information where the vehicle’s owner can find it; otherwise, it is considered a hit-and-run. The same goes for if a driver hits any other property owned by another person, such as a mailbox, fence, or stone retaining wall.
Is a Hit and Run a Felony in Texas?
Whether a hit and run is a felony or misdemeanor depends on the circumstances and outcome of the accident. In Texas, the guidelines for determining what kind of charge a person will get after a hit-and-run are as follows:
- 3rd-degree felony – a hit and run resulting in wrongful death or serious bodily injury.
- State jail felony – a hit and run resulting in injury.
- Class B misdemeanor – a hit and run resulting in damage exceeding $200 and no injuries.
- Class C misdemeanor – a hit and run resulting in less than $200 damage and no injuries.
Even if a driver who hits you is convicted in a criminal courtroom, you must still file a civil suit to recover damages from them. Criminal prosecutors are not responsible for compensating crime victims for damages after a hit and run. If you were the victim of a hit and run, you should call the best car accident lawyers in Dallas at Hernandez Law Group right away. We’ll ensure the responsible party is held accountable for your damages.
How to Report a Hit and Run in Dallas
After a hit-and-run, you should follow the same steps after any accident. The first step is to write down any defining features that may help the police find the perpetrator’s vehicle. Important features include the color, make, model, and license plate of the vehicle. If there were any witnesses, ask them if they noted any defining features.
Your next step in reporting a hit-and-run is to call the police so you can file a police report. You may also be able to request a police report online. Tell the 911 operator your vehicle description so the police can begin looking for the perpetrator. You should also ask for an ambulance if anyone is hurt.
What should I Do if my Car was Hit while Parked?
If your car was hit while parked, you should call the police. Next, see if any witnesses saw the collision or if there are cameras around that caught footage of the accident. The police can take witness statements and, if there are cameras around, request the footage from those cameras.
Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney in Dallas, Texas
Contact Hernandez Law Group today if you were hit by a driver who fled the accident scene. Juan Hernandez is board-certified to practice personal injury law in Texas. Only 2% of attorneys have received this important certification. He and his team are the ones to turn to if you want to receive full compensation after being the victim of a hit-and-run. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We have offices in Dallas and Amarillo.