Fort Worth Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one was injured in a car wreck where the other driver sped away, you probably have a flood of emotions right now: anger, disbelief, helplessness, and confusion. How could someone just take off after causing an accident? Unfortunately, it happens all too often in Fort Worth and the surrounding areas. The Fort Worth hit-and-run accident lawyer at Varghese Summersett understands how devastating these types of wrecks can be.

Not only are you suffering physically, but you are probably wondering how you’ll afford medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost wages and other expenses that come with an accident.

Don’t worry, we won’t leave you holding the bag. Our team will do everything in our power to help you seek justice, fight for the compensation you deserve, and begin healing after a Fort Worth hit-and-run wreck.

In this article, our personal injury lawyers explain your options if a hit-and-run driver has injured you and answer some common questions about these types of cases. We have helped dozens of people in your situation, and we can help you, too.

Best of all, going through this process with our team will not cost you anything out of pocket. You have enough to worry about, and we won’t add to your financial stress. We handle Fort Worth hit-and-run accident cases on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if we win a recovery for you.

What is a hit-and-run accident?

A hit-and-run accident is a car wreck where the driver of one vehicle flees the scene without providing contact or insurance information or helping someone injured. Not only is it illegal, but it can leave crash victims with significant injuries, vehicle damage, and other costs.

Hit-and-run accidents can range from minor fender benders in a parking lot to major collisions resulting in serious injuries or death. Unfortunately, North Texas is no stranger to this type of crash. Our Fort Worth hit-and-run lawyers are committed to helping you seek justice and a recovery when other drivers fail to do the right thing.

Why do people flee accident scenes?

Most drivers who flee accident scenes do so because they are doing something wrong and are afraid of the consequences. They may be driving:

without a license;
without insurance;
under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
while fleeing from a crime;
with an active warrant out for their arrest.

People driving illegally sometimes think speeding away is their best option to avoid criminal prosecution. But this is far from true. Not only will the law catch up with them eventually, but they could also face harsher penalties for fleeing the scene than they would have otherwise.

They could also face civil liability for the personal injuries and other losses caused by a hit-and-run – and that’s where our personal injury lawyers come in.

Is it illegal to leave the scene of an accident in Texas?

Yes, leaving the scene of an accident involving death, injury, or property damage is a crime in Texas. According to Section 550.021 of the Texas Transporation Code, drivers involved in a motor vehicle accident that results in injury or death of another person must:

immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene as possible;
immediately return to the scene of the accident if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene of the accident;
immediately determine whether a person is involved in the accident and whether that person requires aid; and
remain at the scene of the accident until you comply with the requirements of Section 023, which include:

giving your name and address, the registration number of the vehicle, the name and contact information of the insurance company;
showing your driver’s license if requested and available;
providing any injured person reasonable assistance, including transporting or making arrangements to transport the person to a doctor or hospital for treatment if it is apparent treatment is necessary or if the injured person requests transportation.
immediately “by the quickest means of communication” give notice of the accident to law enforcement.

The criminal punishment for failing to stop and render depends on the severity of the accident.

If a death occurred, it is a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.
If it involves serious bodily injury, it is a third-degree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.
If it involves minor injuries, it is punishable by up to five years in prison or confinement in the county jail for not more than a year and a maximum $5,000 fine.

Even though we are personal injury lawyers and deal with civil legal actions, we understand the importance of criminal punishment in these cases. We will do our best to help find the driver and so they can be held accountable – criminally and civilly.

How can I obtain compensation in a hit-and-run accident?

If the driver who caused a hit-and-run accident can be identified, you can file a claim with their insurance which should pay the settlement or judgment. If the at-fault driver cannot be identified, you can seek compensation from your own insurance, as long as you have uninsured motorist coverage (UIM). All insurance companies in Texas are required to offer motorists this type of coverage.

Uninsured motorist claims are a bit tricky. Even though you have faithfully paid your insurance premiums, they will attempt to deny your claim, lowball you, or assign blame. That’s why it’s important to enlist an experienced Fort Worth hit-and-run accident lawyer to handle this process for you. Our legal team will fight to ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve for your losses.

What should I do if I’m involved in a hit-and-run crash in Fort Worth or Tarrant County?

If you are involved in a Fort Worth hit-and-run crash, do not try and chase down the driver. This could exacerbate an already bad situation. Immediately call 911 and report the incident. Stay at the scene and provide information to the police as requested. Getting as much information about the vehicle that hit you as possible is important, including license plate numbers or unique car characteristics such as color, make, and model. If there were any witnesses, make sure to get their contact information.

If you are injured due to the hit and run, seek medical attention immediately. Document any treatments or expenses associated with the injury, as this will help in your claim against the at-fault driver

Finally, it’s important to contact a Fort Worth hit-and-run accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate your case and pursue a claim on your behalf. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner you can receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

What damages can I receive if I was injured in a hit-and-run wreck?

If you’re injured in a Fort Worth hit-and-run accident, you may be able to recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Think of economic damages as specific bills for which you have an exact amount, such as doctor’s visits, hospital stays, medications, and lost wages. Non-economic damages are more difficult to calculate but can be just as important. This includes compensation for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.

Such losses can be difficult to quantify, so it’s important to have a Fort Worth hit and run accident lawyer on your side from the beginning. Our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers team can help you determine the value of the losses you have endured and fight for maximum compensation.

How can a Fort Worth hit and run accident lawyer help me?

At our Fort Worth personal injury law firm, we understand that hit-and-run accidents are traumatic events. Our team of Fort Worth hit-and-run accident lawyers will handle your case with care and compassion as we fight to get you the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.

We will investigate the accident, work to find the driver, gather and analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build a strong case on your behalf. We will then negotiate with the insurance companies to try to reach a fair and just settlement of your claim. We know how insurance companies operate and will fight to maximize your recovery. We will handle every aspect of your Fort Worth hit-and-run accident case. This way you can focus on what’s important — your health and well-being.

What if I can’t afford a Fort Worth hit-and-run accident lawyer?

At our Fort Worth personal injury law firm, we understand that you may not be able to afford a Fort Worth hit-and-run accident lawyer. That’s why we work on contingency without any financial obligation to you on the front end. We only get paid when you do, meaning if we aren’t successful, then we don’t get paid at all.

Speak to a Fort Worth Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Today.

No one should have to endure the pain and suffering of a Fort Worth hit-and-run accident. If you are the victim of an irresponsible driver, you should seek legal help to get the compensation you deserve so you can pick up the pieces of your life. Don’t hesitate. Contact a Fort Worth hit-and-run accident lawyer at Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group for a free consultation. The sooner you get started, the sooner we can get to work on your case. Call 817-207-4878 (HURT).