Hit and Run Car Accidents in Parker

One of the most challenging vehicle collision cases is a hit and run car accident. Not only do these result in someone getting hurt, but the person responsible for the collision has fled the scene, making it difficult to hold them accountable for the incident.

If you or a loved one were harmed in a hit and run car accident in Parker, a skilled personal injury attorney could offer legal guidance through this complex process. Well-practiced representation could explain the different options available to you and help you decide which is best for your unique circumstances.

How Can Someone Prove Negligence in a Hit and Run?

According to Texas Transportation Code §550.026, any driver involved in an accident that caused physical injuries or significant damage to a vehicle must make an immediate report to law enforcement. This means, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime.

In Texas, person seeking damages must prove that someone else’s negligence caused their injuries. If the motorist who fled the scene of the accident is caught by local law enforcement, evidence of the driver’s flight demonstrates negligence per se. A knowledgeable attorney representing the Parker crash victim could present the fact that the driver fled the scene to establish the motorist’s negligence.

Recovering Damages in Parker

In some cases, the defendant driver can be caught after fleeing the scene of a wreck. In such cases, the person injured in the hit and run could seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses, as well as punitive damages.

Economic damages could compensate a claimant for their out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, like psychological counseling, time lost from work, medical bills, and vehicle repairs. Non-economic damages, or human losses, compensate for pain, suffering, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.

Fleeing the scene of an accident is almost always grounds for punitive damages in Parker. Therefore, a claimant could seek exemplary damages, claiming the driver acted with reckless disregard for their well-being.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Unfortunately, sometimes a hit and run driver gets away with the crime and is never caught. In a case like this, a claimant could demand payment from their insurer under the uninsured motorist and personal injury protection provisions of their policy. All vehicle insurance policies in Texas include personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist coverage, but a buyer may opt out.

Assuming the injured party has PIP and uninsured motorist coverage, it should cover their financial expenses resulting from the hit and run. If the insurance company does not offer fair compensation, the claimant’s lawyer could negotiate to secure an acceptable offer. However, a claimant who is uninsured or who has opted out of the coverage might be responsible for paying all their accident-related expenses if the driver cannot be located and held accountable.

Seek Assistance for a Hit and Run Car Accident from a Parker Attorney

The complications of pursuing compensation in hit and run car accidents in Parker can be overwhelming, especially if you are recovering from severe injuries. Therefore, it is advisable to get in touch with a legal professional who could handle negotiations with insurers and build a strong case if a lawsuit proves necessary. Call today and schedule your initial case consultation for free.