San Antonio Hit & Run Accident Attorney

Usually when a car accident occurs, determining who is the at-fault driver is a fairly straightforward process—if not a contentious one. However, what happens if a motorist hits you while running a red light only to immediately speed away? Or if you return to your parked car to find a giant scrape that wasn’t there when you left? These are called hit and run accidents and can make the process of determining liability extremely frustrating and tedious.

At The Aguirre Law Firm, our San Antonio car accident attorneys have over two decades of experience in such matters. Our legal team will do whatever it takes to locate the at-fault driver and help you secure the compensation you need to pay for your medical bills, car repairs, and other accident-related expenses.

Call (210) 405-2637 or reach out to us online to schedule your free case evaluation.

Texas Hit & Run Law

In Texas, motorists are required to do the following if they are involved in an accident:

• Stop their vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close as possible without obstructing traffic more than necessary
• Immediately return to the scene of the accident if they did not or were not able to stop right away
• Remain at the scene until they have provided the other motorists involved with their contact and insurance information
• Provide aid to anyone in need of immediate medical attention by calling 911

Any driver who fails to comply with the law can be charged with a misdemeanor. The severity of their punishment depends on the amount of property damage, injuries, and fatalities caused by the car or truck accident in San Antonio. Fatalities prompt the need to file a wrongful death claim, which a San Antonio wrongful death lawyer can assist you with.

For example, leaving the scene of an accident in which no one was injured and property damage totals less than $200 may result in a punishment of up to 6 months in county jail. If a motorist flees from a motor vehicle accident scene in which one or more people have been seriously injured, they could face up to 10 years in prison as well as a significant fine.

Reasons a Motorist Might Leave the Scene of a San Antonio Car Accident

Most people who are involved in car accidents stop in order to render aid and share their contact information as the law requires. This means that if someone is willing to flee the scene of an accident, they probably have a reason for such drastic behavior. For example, maybe they are in a rush or simply didn’t even notice they scraped your car in the parking lot.

Other common reasons a driver might commit a hit and run include:

• They are driving with a suspended license
• They are intoxicated or on drugs
• They don’t have car insurance
• They have too many tickets and don’t want another
• They are driving without a valid driver’s license
• There is a warrant out for their arrest
• They don’t have permission to drive the car
• They have stolen the car
• They are driving a company car and don’t want their employer to find out about the accident

How to Find the Hit & Run Driver in San Antonio

If you are hit by someone who immediately drives away, you might be tempted to go after them. Never chase a hit and run driver in your own vehicle, as this could result in you getting pulled over for speeding or may even lead to another accident.

Instead, remain on the scene and do the following as soon as possible:

• Contact the police to file an accident report and call 911 if you or anyone else has been seriously injured
• Write down any details you can remember about the car that hit you, such as the car’s make, model, color, body type (sedan, SUV, etc.), license plate number (even if you only saw some of it), and anything like bumper stickers or other identifying features
• Write down any details you can remember about the driver of the car, such as their hair color, approximate age, gender, facial features, and anything else that may help identify them
• Take pictures of the accident scene, making sure to capture weather conditions, property damage, skid marks, bodily injuries, and anything else that may act as evidence
• Talk to witnesses and write down their contact information in case they are needed to provide a statement on your behalf
• Go see a doctor even if you aren’t in pain—the adrenaline that kicks in following an accident may mask a serious injury until hours or days later
• Be thorough when describing your accident and symptoms to your doctor—not only will this help you receive the proper treatment, but your medical records can also act as additional evidence
• Contact a hit and run accident attorney in San Antonio

An experienced hit and run accident lawyer in San Antonio can advise you on the next steps to take as well as identify whether you have a case. If you do have a viable claim, an attorney is an incredible asset. Your San Antonio personal injury lawyer will help you with any necessary paperwork, collect evidence that will strengthen your claim, and work with the police to find the at-fault driver. At The Aguirre Law Firm, we will do everything we can to ensure you receive the fair and just compensation you deserve and that the motorist who caused your accident is held responsible for their reckless actions.

If you or a loved one have been in a hit and run accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. Call our injury attorneys or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.