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Frisco Hit And Run Accident Lawyer
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Hit & Run Accident Attorney In Frisco, TX
A hit and run car accident can have devastating consequences, both physically and financially. It occurs when one party involved in an accident flees the scene without exchanging driver information. When a negligent or reckless driver chooses to abandon the scene of a car or truck accident, the path to recovery becomes significantly more complex.
If you find yourself in a hit-and-run accident, it is crucial to seek the guidance of a skilled Frisco hit and run accident attorney who will vigorously advocate for your rights. Without proper legal representation, you may be left coping with severe injuries and no means to obtain compensation. The feeling of being abandoned after an accident is infuriating, but rest assured, you do have options, and we are here to assist you.
Contact JML Injury Law today at (214) 764-3600 for a complimentary consultation regarding your legal next steps. We are committed to helping you navigate through this challenging situation
What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Texas?
After any car accident, it is imperative for all drivers involved to immediately stop and assess whether anyone requires emergency medical attention. Additionally, drivers are obligated to exchange vital information such as names, addresses, registration numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details with the other party or parties involved. If the other driver leaves the scene of the accident, it is crucial to take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
Call 911
After your accident, it is crucial to promptly notify the police. Typically, upon being informed about the incident, they will initiate a search for the other driver involved.
Take Photos
Gather as much information as possible from the scene of your car accident by using your cell phone to capture photos. If feasible, take a picture of the other vehicle before it departs. Additionally, ensure you photograph your own car and capture images of relevant elements such as road signs, lane markings, debris, skid marks, or tire tracks that may prove beneficial in the future.
Get Witness Information
If there are any witnesses to the accident, make sure to obtain their names and contact information. These individuals will serve as valuable character references in the future, if necessary, and may also provide vital details to help identify the other driver.
Get Medical Attention
It is imperative to seek medical attention after being involved in a car accident, regardless of how you feel. A healthcare professional can thoroughly assess and treat any potential injuries. Additionally, promptly documenting your injuries following the incident is crucial, as it will greatly aid in the process of filing a hit-and-run claim in the future.
Notify Your Insurance Company
In the event of an accident, it is crucial to promptly inform your own insurance company. If contacted by the other driver’s insurance company, exercise caution and refrain from discussing the accident without legal representation. It is advisable to direct them to your Frisco hit and run accident attorney with courtesy and poise.
Common Reasons Why Hit & Run Drivers Don’t Stop
Believe it or not, the United States experiences more than one hit and run car accident every minute. Shockingly, hit and runs have accounted for 20% of all pedestrian deaths in the past decade. You may be wondering why someone would flee the scene after a car accident. There are several common reasons, including:
- Lack of insurance – uninsured or underinsured drivers
- Suspended driver’s license or no license
- Driver has too many tickets
- Driver might not have permission to be using the vehicle they are driving
- Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- On probation for other criminal conduct, including having a warrant out for their arrest
- Driving a company car and does not want to suffer consequences at work
If you’ve fallen victim to a hit and run incident, our Frisco hit and run accident lawyer is here to assist you in seeking legal recourse. In many instances, the court may order drivers involved in hit and runs to pay punitive damages as an additional consequence for their disregard for others. Even if the responsible driver cannot be identified, we can still potentially aid you in recovering financially through your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage or an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy.
Penalties For Hit & Run Accidents In Texas
Hit-and-run accidents in Texas can have varying consequences depending on the extent of damage and injuries caused. The severity of the accident determines the legal implications and potential penalties that may be imposed.
- A 3rd-degree felony hit-and-run is decided when the accident results in wrongful death or serious injury of the other party.
- When a hit-and-run results in the injury of another person, it is considered a state jail felony. The injuries caused by these types of accidents are usually not severe enough to be life-threatening.
- A Class B Misdemeanor is given when a hit-and-run results in damages to property that exceed $200. This class of hit-and-run often does not result in injury.
- A Class C Misdemeanor is issued when a hit-and-run only results in property damage under $200 and there are no injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Leave The Scene Of My Car Accident?
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being involved in a hit-and-run accident in Texas, it is crucial to take immediate action. Contact the police and seek guidance from a skilled hit and run accident attorney in Frisco who can provide insight into your legal options. It’s important to note that Texas law mandates drivers to remain at the accident scene, and leaving could lead to criminal charges. While authorities may pursue a criminal case, victims may also need to consider a civil lawsuit if they have sustained severe injuries as a result of the incident.
With extensive experience advocating for car accident victims and their families, JML Injury Law stands ready to assist you. We understand the significant impact a hit and run incident can have on your life. When you reach out to us, our Texas car accident lawyer will be prepared to discuss your personal injury case during a complimentary consultation. To schedule this consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us either by phone or through our online form.
What Constitutes a Hit-and-Run Accident in Texas?
As outlined in the Texas Transportation Code $550.023, drivers who are involved in an accident resulting in serious injury, fatality, or vehicle damage are required to take the following steps:
- If you’re in a car accident, be sure to get the name and address of the other driver, their registration number, and insurance company information.
- Show their driver’s license if requested
- Provide reasonable assistance to any person injured in the accident, including making arrangements to get them medical assistance
Is A Hit-And-Run Accident In Texas Classified As A Misdemeanor?
If you are the driver involved in a hit-and-run accident that solely results in property damage, such as colliding with an unoccupied vehicle, you may face a misdemeanor charge. A Class C misdemeanor carries a fine of up to $5,000 when the property damage is less than $200. If the property damage exceeds $200, it escalates to a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or a maximum of 180 days in jail.
However, when a hit-and-run accident involves the loss of another person’s life, the charges become much more severe. In accordance with Texas law, you could be charged with a second-degree felony, carrying penalties of up to $10,000 and/or a maximum of 20 years in prison. It is worth noting that a driver who flees the scene of an accident where someone sustained serious injuries may potentially evade a third-degree felony charge by arguing that the injuries did not meet the criteria for “serious bodily injury.” Yet, it remains a criminal offense in Texas to leave the scene of an accident, even if the injuries are minor. The transportation laws stipulate that any hit-and-run accident can result in up to five years of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
Contact Our Frisco Hit And Run Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries or loss of life in a hit-and-run accident, our committed Frisco hit and run accident lawyer at JML Injury Law is here to help you seek justice. Our goal is to hold the responsible driver accountable for their actions, relieving you from the financial burden of medical expenses and other damages.
Rest assured, we will utilize every legal means available to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and any other losses resulting from the accident. Take the first step towards justice by contacting our office today for a free consultation. Our team is ready to assist you and provide further information on how we can support you during this challenging time.