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Talk With a Texas Hit and Run Lawyer Near You
Were you involved in a hit-and-run in Austin, TX?
Most drivers understand that if they are involved in an accident with another vehicle or pedestrian, they need to pull over and stay at the scene until police or other first responders arrive. They know that they should exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver or anyone else involved before leaving. Not only is stopping, assisting, and remaining at the scene of an accident the right thing to do but it is also required under Texas hit-and-run laws.
But too many drivers fail to follow these obligations, fleeing an accident and disappearing to try to avoid the consequences of their actions. When that happens, injury victims have every right to be outraged. Without knowing who caused their injuries and losses or how to hold the hit-and-run driver accountable, they may also be left wondering if they can obtain compensation or if they will be without a remedy for their suffering.
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident, don’t lose hope. The Austin hit-and-run lawyers Sandoval & James, we never do.
We understand that you may not know what to do or where to turn for help after a hit-and-run accident. When you speak with us at your free initial consultation, we will answer your questions, explain your options, and pursue a strategy that offers the best chance of obtaining compensation for your injuries and losses.
What Is the Penalty for Hit and Run in Austin Texas?
Hit-and-run drivers cause thousands of collisions, injuries, and deaths every year. According to data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than one hit-and-run crash occurs every minute on U.S. roads, accounting for thousands of deaths each year.
Under Texas law, failing to remain at the scene of an accident and failing to render aid after a crash involving injury, death, or property damage is a serious crime.
In 2013, Texas increased the penalties for hit-and-runs, raising the offense from a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison to a second-degree felony which could result in 20 years behind bars. The police want to find the hit-and-run driver who hurt you and prosecutors want to convict them for their actions.
An experienced hit-and-run lawyer will explore all options and exhaust all avenues to deliver fair and just compensation for accident victims.
Can You Sue a Hit and Run Driver in Texas?
Whether you were involved in a pedestrian hit-and-run, or in a crash involving two or more vehicles, in order to sue the responsible driver they first need to be found.
Some hit-and-run drivers in Texas are ultimately found and held accountable, both by the criminal justice system and by injury victims who can sue them for compensation. Many irresponsible drivers, however, disappear completely and are never found. Even in these situations, compensation may still be available, depending on the car insurance coverage you have.
Check your policy. If you have uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage, you may be able to make a claim with your own insurance company. Texas law does not require drivers to have UIM coverage, but if you have it, UIM coverage includes compensation for injuries or wrongful death caused by a hit-and-run driver.
As with all car insurance claims, just because your policy provides coverage for your losses doesn’t mean that your insurance company will pay you what they owe. Many insurers try to find any way possible to either deny a hit-and-run claim or pay as little as they can. They know injury victims need the money and that they may not understand their rights and options.
At Sandoval & James, we protect the rights of hit-and-run accident victims and won’t let insurers take advantage of our clients. We know their motivations and the tactics they use to convince injury victims to accept lowball and unfair settlements. When you hire us as your attorneys, you can rest assured that we will fight to get you the maximum amount of compensation available for your hit-and-run losses.
How a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Are you Googling, “Austin hit by car lawyer” or asking Siri to “find an Autin hit and run lawyer near me?”
At Sandoval & James, our top-rated Austin hit-and-run lawyers help accident victims like you get your life back after a negligent, irresponsible driver turns it upside-down.
To arrange for your free initial consultation with one of our Austin hit-and-run accident lawyers, call us today at (512) 382-7707 or contact us online.
Testimonials About Our Austin Injury Law Firm
“$$$YES, CHECK WAS MORE THAN I EXPECTED$$ HERES MY EXPERIENCE>> hit n run by company truck while my daughter was in the car .Owner wanted to pay me and see me in person. FISHY. So I called. My Attorney Andre MACKEY and Joel Navarro went above and beyond my expectations. The communication with them felt very comfotable. It was like talking to a caring family member. Also taking extra care with my daughter’s side of case because she was 15 at the time was absolutely heartwarming. My case manager Mayra is really amazing. She sometimes shares the hard truths about the steps I cannot skip- that are my responsibility (especially being injured). Some days at the beginning were hard to get through, but her voice was always in my head. I’ve had other attorneys. Go with Sandoval and James”