Hit and Run Attorney in Galveston, TX

Terrible Accidents Require Just Compensation

Hit-and-runs are more common than you might think. In fact, thousands happen every year, leaving people like you struggling with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and the financial burden of medical bills and lost wages. It’s important to have a Galveston hit-and-run lawyer to help you through the legal process and make sure you’re treated fairly in court.

Quick Summary:

What is Hit and Run? Hit and run is when a driver leaves the scene of a crash without stopping or giving their information, which breaks the law.
Driver’s Duties: After a crash, drivers must stop, check for damage, exchange info, get help if needed, and call the police.
Fault Doesn’t Matter: In hit and run cases, even if the other driver caused the crash, you must stop.
Consequences: Hit and run can lead to serious charges, from tickets to jail time, depending on how bad the crash is.
Criminal and Civil Penalties: You might have to pay fines and compensate the victim for damages.
Time Limits: In Texas, you have two years to file a lawsuit after a hit and run, so it’s important to act fast.

What is Hit and Run?

A hit and run is when a driver causes a crash and runs away without helping or giving their information. This can happen in many situations, like crashes between cars, accidents with people walking or riding bikes, or when a driver hits a parked car or property.

The problem is, the driver runs away instead of taking responsibility, which is against the law. No matter who caused the crash, the law says everyone involved should stay, make sure everyone is okay, share information, and talk to the police if needed.

According to the Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550, drivers in Galveston and all over Texas must stop after an accident, no matter what kind it is. If they don’t, they could go to jail, especially if someone got hurt or killed. Drivers need to follow these rules to keep everyone safe on the roads in Galveston and the whole state.

What are the Driver’s Responsibilities in a Hit and Run?

In the aftermath of a hit and run incident, drivers have several responsibilities:

Stop at the Scene: Always stop your vehicle after an accident, no matter how small it seems.
Ensure Safety: Make sure everyone involved is safe, and if possible, move the vehicles to a safe spot.
Assess Damages: Check the damage to the vehicles and any property or people involved.
Exchange Information: Share your contact info with others involved, like names, addresses, and insurance details.
Help Injured People: If someone is hurt, try to help them by calling for medical help and giving first aid if you can.
Call the Police: Report the accident to the police, especially if it’s serious.

How is Liability Determined in a Hit and Run?

In hit and run cases, figuring out who’s responsible gets tricky because the driver who ran away isn’t easy to find. But, the process involves a thorough look into many things. Cops and insurance folks check out eyewitness accounts, videos, and even stuff like paint marks left behind. They also try to use any info about the runaway car, like its license plate number or what it looks like. Even if they can’t catch the runaway driver, victims can still try to get help from their insurance or take legal action to get paid for their losses.

What Steps Should I Take in a Hit and Run Case?

If you’re involved in a hit and run case, it’s crucial to handle the situation carefully to minimize potential legal consequences. Here are the steps you should take:

Stop Immediately (if possible): If you realize you’ve been involved in a collision, stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Fleeing the scene will only worsen the situation.
Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. Check on the occupants of the other vehicle(s) involved in the collision.
Call Emergency Services: If there are any injuries, immediately call emergency services (911 in the United States) to request medical assistance. Also, inform them about the accident.
Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party involved in the collision. Get their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance details. Provide your information as well.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, road conditions, and any relevant road signs or landmarks. This documentation can be valuable for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

What are the Consequences for Hit and Run?

After a hit and run, drivers face escalating consequences. These range from traffic citations to severe legal penalties. Minor offenses may incur traffic tickets. More serious incidents can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges. These incidents involve property damage or injuries. The charges depend on the severity.

Particularly grave cases involving fatalities or severe injuries can result in substantial jail time. They can also result in hefty fines. This reflects the gravity with which state laws regard such disregard for human life and safety.

What Penalties are Given Out for Hit and Run?

Leaving the scene of an accident involving hitting an unattended car or fixture can result in:

Class C misdemeanor if damage is less than $200.
Class B misdemeanor if damage is $200 or more.

Failing to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death can lead to:
- Second-degree felony for accidents resulting in death.
- Third-degree felony for accidents causing serious bodily injury.
- County jail felony for accidents without death or serious bodily injury.
Criminal penalties for hit and run incidents may include prison time, jail time, and/or substantial fines, depending on the severity of the offense.

What are the Civil Penalties for Hit and Run?

Civil penalties for hit and run incidents can vary depending on what happened and where it happened. But typically, they might include:

Paying for Damages: If you caused a hit and run, you might have to pay for things like medical bills, fixing things you damaged, money you couldn’t earn because you were hurt, and feeling bad because of what happened.

If you did something really bad on purpose, like running away after hurting someone, you might get extra punishment. This is to teach you a lesson and make sure you don’t do it again.

Paying Legal Costs: You might have to pay for the other person’s lawyer if they had to go to court to get money from you.
Losing Your License: Sometimes, you might not be allowed to drive anymore because of what you did.

The goal of these penalties is to make things right for the person who got hurt and to make sure you learn from your mistake, so it doesn’t happen again.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Hit and Run Accident?

In a hit and run accident, the damages you can recover will depend on various factors, including the extent of your injuries, property damage, and applicable insurance coverage. Here are some common types of damages that you may be able to recover:

Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgery costs, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy.
Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or income during your recovery period.
Pain and Suffering: Damages for pain and suffering compensate you for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries. This can include compensation for pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Property Damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or other property that was damaged in the accident.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, if the hit and run driver’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, you may be awarded punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one was killed in a hit and run accident, you may be able to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of their death.
Other Expenses: Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may also be able to recover other expenses, such as transportation costs to medical appointments or modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate any disabilities resulting from the accident.

It’s important to note that the specific damages you can recover will vary depending on the laws in your jurisdiction, the details of the accident, and the available insurance coverage. To ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and help you navigate the legal process.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Hit and Run in Galveston, TX?

In accordance with Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, car accident lawsuits must be initiated within a two-year timeframe following the crash, even in cases where there are no injuries sustained. However, if the accident results in the tragic loss of life, the timeline adjusts slightly. In such instances, the family of the deceased has a two-year window from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. This ensures they have enough time to pursue legal recourse and seek justice for their loved one.

Are there any exceptions to the hit-and-run statute of limitations in Texas?

In most cases, following the Texas statute of limitations is normal. But some exceptions depend on the situation. These exceptions let you start legal actions after the usual two-year limit. Here are the exceptions:

One exception is for mental disability or incapacity. For example, if the victim is mentally disabled, like being in a coma, the time limit starts when they can make legal decisions again. If the person responsible leaves Texas, the time limit stops until they come back. This gives everyone a fair chance to resolve things.
For minors, the time limit starts when they turn 18. They have until they’re 20 to take legal action, protecting their rights as they become adults.

Why Do I Need a Hit and Run Attorney in Galveston?

Imagine the shock of finding your car damaged in a parking lot. No note was left behind by the responsible party. Hit and run incidents can leave us feeling frustrated and vulnerable. They emphasize the importance of accountability and responsibility on the road.

Hit and run accidents can be confusing and stressful. Having a lawyer can make things easier by:

Legal Help: They’ll represent you legally and fight for your rights.
Investigation: They’ll find evidence to identify the person who ran away.
Insurance: They’ll help you deal with insurance and get the money you need.
Court Support: They’ll stand up for you in court and argue your case.
Negotiation: They’ll talk to insurance companies or the other side to try to get a fair deal.
Advice: They’ll give you advice about what to do next and help you make decisions.

Ready to seek justice after a hit and run incident? Let us help you navigate the legal complexities. Contact an experienced Galveston attorney today. Protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Call our Galveston Hit and Run Attorney Now!

Hit-and-run incidents not only violate legal obligations but also pose serious consequences for victims and perpetrators alike.

At Houston Galveston Injury Attorneys, we guarantee satisfactory outcomes for your personal injury case. Here’s why our firm stands out:

Our attorneys provide tailored representation. Whether it’s a truck accident or medical malpractice, they focus on your case. They carefully review facts and laws. They build a compelling argument for your benefit.
We have a proven track record of securing millions in compensation for clients. We commit to delivering optimal legal representation. You can trust us to ensure you receive the maximum restitution for your injuries and damages.
We understand the emotional toll of personal injury claims. We prioritize empathy, open communication, and continual updates throughout the legal process.

Houston Galveston Injury Attorneys help with many personal injury practice areas.

Car Accidents
Wrongful Death
Nursing Home Abuse

Get in touch with a Galveston hit-and-run attorney right now and get the justice you deserve.