Are you looking for a hit and run attorney to help you file a claim after an accident occurred where the at-fault driver left the scene of an accident? If so, our law firm can help. We provide free consultations for all of our clients to help determine if we can help them get the results they need after the other driver chose to flee the scene of their auto accident. Reach out to us today to learn more about filing an injury claim.
A “hit-and-run” happens when a driver involved in an accident fails to stop at the scene of the crash, share contact and insurance information, and give any needed assistance.
Hit-and-run accidents cause all of the same headaches that typical car accidents cause along with additional burdens. A hit-and-run victim’s injuries might be more severe because it took longer to get medical treatment. And hit-and-run victims are less likely to get compensation for accident-related losses (like car repair and medical bills), especially when they can’t find the driver who hit them.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Hit and Run Accident?
The first thing you should do after a hit-and-run accident is to make sure everyone is safe. Don’t follow the fleeing driver. Instead, call 911 if you or anyone involved in the accident is injured and then call the police. A hit-and-run violation is a crime. The police will write a report and start looking for the driver.
Gather as much information about the fleeing car and driver as you can, including:
- license plate number (even a partial number is helpful)
- make, model, and color
- description of accident-related damage
- description of the driver, and
- the direction the fleeing car was headed.
You’ll also want to:
- find witnesses who saw the car accident (other drivers, people on the street, shopkeepers in the neighborhood)
- look for surveillance and doorbell cameras in the area, and
- take photos of the damage to your car and your injuries.
How Insurance Claims Work After a Hit and Run
If you’re injured in a hit-and-run, insurance might help you cover the cost of car repairs, transportation, medical bills, and other accident-related expenses. Let’s take a look at when you might—and might not—be covered.
At-Fault States
All states require drivers to have insurance. Most states follow an “at-fault” model: The driver who’s to blame for the accident pays for accident-related damages, usually through liability-based car insurance. Of course, if you don’t know who the at-fault driver is, you won’t get compensation from that driver’s insurer.
So, if you’re injured by a hit-and-run driver in an at-fault state, you’ll probably have to rely on your own insurance coverage for compensation (see below) or file a civil lawsuit if you manage to track the driver down. You might also be able to turn to your state’s crime victim compensation board. These government-run compensation programs can help crime victims recoup losses even when an offender hasn’t been convicted.
No-Fault States
If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run in one of the dozen or so no-fault insurance states, your own “personal injury protection” (PIP) car insurance will likely cover your medical bills, lost earnings, and other injury-related expenses like household help. PIP is mandatory in no-fault states (and an optional add-on in most at-fault states). You can make a PIP claim regardless of who caused the accident.
But PIP doesn’t cover vehicle damage after an accident. You’ll need collision coverage to get your car fixed or replaced after an accident.
Your Own Health and Car Insurance
You might be able to make a claim under your own car insurance policy to cover some expenses after a hit-and-run accident. A claim against your own insurance company is called a “first party claim.” You don’t have to know who hit you to make a first party claim. Coverage varies from state to state and depends on the details of your policy. Potential options include:
- PIP or medical payments (Medpay). These no-fault insurance policies cover your medical bills and some injury-related losses whether you’re at fault for the accident or the victim of a hit and run. Learn more PIP and Medpay claims.
- Collision coverage. This kind of insurance typically pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s been damaged in a collision with another car. So, if you’re the victim of a hit and run, you might be able to make a claim on your collision policy even if the other driver isn’t found.
- Uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured or underinsured motorist (UMI) insurance covers your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses from a hit-and-run accident. Learn more about making a UMI claim.
Houston Car Accident Attorney
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury, experienced loss of income, or are unable to work due to a car accident, you can benefit from the services of a Houston car accident expert in your personal injury case. Whether you missed work due to an injury or due to not having access to a vehicle, Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers can help you!
Our team works hard to bring the most efficient and practical solutions to your car accident case. Beverly R. Caruthers proudly serves and defends the Greater Houston area including but not limited to Baytown, Conroe, Crosby, Humble, Huntsville, Lake Jackson, Missouri City, Pasadena, Spring, Tomball.
Caruthers Law Firm
Address: 4141 Southwest Fwy, Suite 400
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 526-9557
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In the aftermath of an accident that leaves you or a loved one injured, it is crucial to know where to turn for support and justice. The Caruthers Law Firm stands as a beacon of unwavering commitment to the cause of pursuing justice for injury victims. With a track record that speaks volumes about our dedication to excellence and passion for our clients, we have garnered recognition throughout the Houston area as a trusted name in the legal community. When you or a family member suffers an injury due to the negligence of another, the need for an attorney who is not just competent but also recognized for their excellence becomes paramount. The Houston personal injury attorney at The Caruthers Law Firm fits that bill precisely. We have earned accolades and trust from our clients because we don not just handle cases; we champion causes. Our cases frequently involve traumatic, life-altering events, such as the loss of a loved one, and our relentless pursuit of justice ensures our clients receive the compensation necessary to secure their financial future. Our dedicated efforts have successfully secured over $50 million in settlements for our clients, and our commitment to excellence has brought us national recognition, particularly in fields like birth injury law. Whether your life has been upended by a tragic accident or the negligence of another party, you can confide in Caruthers Law Firm to handle your case with the utmost skill, dedication, and compassion in your time of need. Every case we undertake is treated with the gravity and importance it deserves, and we strive to provide the best possible representation to our clients. At Caruthers Law Firm, our attorneys boast an impressive array of knowledge and expertise in various practice areas, including personal injury, criminal defense, wrongful death, and more. We fully acknowledge that each case is unique, and we value the individual concerns and needs of our clients. This understanding leads us to craft tailored legal strategies that address each case is distinctive challenges. When you choose Caruthers Law Firm as your legal representation, you can expect a high degree of professionalism, unwavering integrity, and an unparalleled commitment from the beginning of your case to its conclusion. We are not just lawyers; we are advocates for your rights, dedicated to securing the justice you deserve.
For over three decades, Beverly R. Caruthers has been on an unwavering mission to provide her clients with top-notch, tenacious, and compassionate legal services and representation. Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers has not only amassed extensive experience but has also consistently delivered high-quality legal assistance to those who have sought her counsel. Her journey to legal expertise began with academic distinction, having graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Tougaloo College, followed by the acquisition of her Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. With a primary focus on Personal Injury, Criminal Law, and Business Law, Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers has honed her legal acumen in these pivotal areas. Complementing her knowledge and skills, The Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers is fortified by a collaborative team of seasoned and highly qualified attorneys. Together, they work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for each and every client they serve. In the Caruthers family, the pursuit of legal excellence seems to be a cherished tradition. Briona Caruthers, following in the footsteps of her older brother and colleague, hails from Missouri City, Texas, where she graduated from Elkins High School in 2015. Venturing outside her hometown, she spent four years at Hofstra University in New York, where she diligently earned her Bachelor Degree in Legal Studies in Business in 2019. After her academic journey in New York, she returned to her roots in Houston, Texas. There, she attended the same illustrious institution where her mother, Beverly R. Caruthers, and her brothers, Eddie and Parker Caruthers, had studied—the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. In 2022, Briona graduated Cum Laude from TSU, thereby continuing the family legacy. Beyond her legal pursuits, Briona finds solace in retail therapy and enjoys exploring the world through her travels when she is not in the office, fervently advocating for her clients rights. Parker Caruthers, another member of the Caruthers family, was born and raised in Missouri City, Texas, where he completed his high school education at Clements High School in 2012. His educational journey took him to Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing in 2017. Parker commitment to legal studies led him to the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at TSU, from where he graduated in 2021. During his time in law school, Parker legal prowess shone through as he secured victory in the Helen Dawn Williams Mock Trial competition, all while gaining valuable experience through internships at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Opting to take a different path by not pursuing prosecution, Parker joined Caruthers Law Firm in 2021. Beyond the legal realm, Parker passions extend to sports fandom and his role as a proud dog owner. At the Caruthers Law Firm, we take a refreshingly transparent and candid approach when assessing our potential clients circumstances. We believe in clear, honest, and direct communication, leaving aside the legal jargon to speak in terms that our clients can readily understand. Each client is treated as a unique individual, receiving personalized and attentive care throughout their legal journey with us.
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