What if you’re driving on I-30 and get rear ended — and then the other car speeds away?
Don’t think this happens here? Last night a man rammed his truck into another car in north Fort Worth and peeled out only to flip it over and die.
I’ve been representing people hurt in these hit and run cases for 36 years in Fort Worth and this is the craziest ending to one I’ve heard of.
Why do drivers flee the scene of a crash?
They panic. They want to avoid civil liability and criminal prosecution. They know they may be jailed, sued in civil court, cancelled from their insurance policy, and/or pay a higher rate. They may have a prior criminal record, be drunk or stoned, and/or have no insurance.
What You Should Do If You Are Hit
Try to get a description of the other car or truck and license plate number and other driver. If any one witnessed the collision, get their name and identifying information so they can verify what happened.
Stay at the scene. Resist the urge to chase the other driver, as you don’t know if he will retaliate.
Call 911. Tell the police what happened and get a police report number. We will get the report for you if you’d like at no charge or obligation.
If you are injured, go to a hospital for treatment by ambulance or by a family member or friend.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Since Texas is a comparative fault state, the other driver is required to pay your damages. Perhaps he can be located and his liability carrier will pay his entire policy limits since he fled the scene.
Yesterday my firm located a hit and run driver of a SUV who had crashed into my client and her child on foot as they were walking in a crosswalk and made her contact her company and made her company accept liability. Today we were able to chase down an 18 wheeler driver who crashed into my client’s car and took off and make his carrier accept fault.
But if the other driver can’t be found, you may have purchased insurance coverage that you should use such as
- Uninsured motorist
- Personal injury protection
- Medical payments
- Collision
- Rental
- Towing
SInce many people who hit and run do so precisely because they don’t have liability insurance, I recommend that all Texas drivers purchase uninsured motorists benefits. They double as underinsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver’s limits are not sufficient to pay for your damages.
Contact a Good Fort Worth Injury Lawyer
If you have unfortunately been involved in any type of collision with another car or truck, it is a good idea to speak with an experienced Texas injury attorney as soon as possible.
Our legal team knows just how stressful being in a crash is. We work hard building your case for a successful out of court settlement or a jury verdict so that you receive the compensation you deserve. We walk you through every step of the way. Contact us here to learn more.
Related posts:
Fort Worth Hit-and-Run Accidents Are Shockingly Routine
Double Hit-and-Run Drunk Driver Severely Injures Denton Officer
Tarrant County Firefighter Killed by Hit and Run Driver