Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a traumatic and confusing experience. If you’ve suddenly found yourself in this situation, you need a skilled lawyer to protect your rights and help you explore your options for securing the compensation you deserve.
The car accident attorneys at The Wilhite Law Firm have extensive experience with assisting injured people after traumatic crashes, including hit-and-run car accidents in Fort Worth. We’ve been seeking justice for injury victims since 1977. Our track record of success includes many significant verdicts and settlements in auto accident cases. For example, we secured a $2 million settlement for a client who suffered injuries in a crash.
Take a look at our positive testimonials to read more about previous clients’ experiences with The Wilhite Law Firm. For example, Lalon VM wrote, “I am very satisfied with the end result on my car accident case. They genuinely cared about my case.”
Are you ready to find out how you could win big with Wilhite? Contact a lawyer at The Wilhite Law Firm today to discuss your case during a free consultation.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without providing their contact information or offering help to anyone who may have been injured. It is not only illegal but also a breach of moral duty.
Hit-and-run accidents in Fort Worth can be incredibly distressing for victims, both emotionally and physically. They are often left with mounting medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and lost income – as well as the uncertainty of how to pay for those expenses when the responsible party is nowhere to be found. Fortunately, our experienced attorneys can help victims explore legal avenues to pursue compensation.
What Are the Hit-and-Run Laws?
In Texas, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime. Texas law requires any driver involved in an accident to stop immediately, render aid if necessary, and exchange information with others involved in the crash. Failing to do so can result in severe penalties, especially if the accident involves injuries or fatalities.
Under Texas Transportation Code §550.021, drivers involved in accidents that result in injury or death must stop and remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. Those who flee the scene of an accident could face charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the crash. In cases where the accident resulted in serious injuries or death, the penalties could include hefty fines and long-term imprisonment.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen?
There are many reasons drivers may choose to flee the scene of an accident, including fear of legal consequences or an attempt to avoid financial liability.
Some common reasons for Fort Worth hit-and-run accidents include:
Lack of insurance – Drivers without insurance may flee the scene to avoid being held financially responsible for the damage they caused. Texas law requires drivers to carry liability insurance, but not everyone follows the law.
Driving under the influence – Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol may flee the scene to avoid arrest and DUI charges.
Fear of arrest – Drivers with outstanding warrants or driving on a suspended license might panic and leave the scene of a car crash.
Distracted driving – In some cases, drivers may flee because they weren’t paying attention when the accident occurred and don’t want to face the consequences of their negligence.
Hit-and-run accidents are not only reckless but also demonstrate a complete disregard for the safety and well-being of others. If you’ve been injured by a driver who fled the scene, our Fort Worth hit-and-run accident lawyers want to help you hold them accountable and pursue every available resource for compensation.
What Are Common Injuries in Hit-and-Run Accidents?
The injuries sustained in hit-and-run accidents can vary widely, depending on the nature of the collision and the vehicles involved. A few examples of common injuries include:
Whiplash and neck injuries – Sudden impact can cause neck strains and whiplash, leading to chronic pain and mobility issues.
Head injuries – Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, and other head trauma are common, especially in high-speed collisions.
Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spine can lead to partial or total paralysis, requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
Fractures and broken bones – Broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs, are common in serious accidents.
Internal injuries – Internal bleeding and organ damage may not be immediately apparent but, if left untreated, can be life-threatening.
Victims of hit-and-run car collisions in Fort Worth often face an uphill battle in recovering physically, emotionally, and financially. If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, it is crucial that you seek medical attention immediately. Contact our Fort Worth hit-and-run accident lawyer today.
What Can I Do If I Am the Victim of a Hit-and-Run?
If you are the victim of a Fort Worth hit-and-run car accident, there are actions you can take to protect your rights and increase your chances of recovering compensation:
Call 911. Reporting the accident to law enforcement is paramount. By providing a description of the other vehicle and its driver, you could assist the police in finding the hit-and-run motorist. The police will document the scene, gather evidence, and create a report that will be crucial if you decide to pursue legal action.
Seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injured right away, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, like concussions and internal bleeding, may not present immediate symptoms.
Gather evidence. If you can, gather as much information as possible at the scene. That could include taking photos of the damage, getting witness statements, or noting any details about the fleeing vehicle.
Consult an experienced car accident lawyer at The Wilhite Law Firm. Our Fort Worth hit-and-run accident lawyers are ready to help with your claim and explain all available options for compensation.
Can I Still Recover Compensation for My Hit-and-Run Accident Injuries?
Even if the driver responsible for the hit-and-run is never found, you may still be able to recover compensation from your own insurance company. Texas law requires all insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist coverage (UM) with their car insurance policies, which policyholders can reject in writing. So, if you did not do so, you likely have this add-on in your policy, which could cover you in the event of a hit-and-run accident.
Personal injury protection (PIP), collision coverage, and medical payments (MedPay) are other optional add-ons that might provide coverage for a hit-and-run crash in Fort Worth. Our lawyer is here to assist.
Contact a Fort Worth Hit-and-Run Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a driver who fled the scene, you don’t have to deal with the claims process alone. The Wilhite Law Firm is standing by to help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve from every available source.
Our lawyers have decades of experience supporting accident victims and their families after hit-and-run car accidents in Fort Worth. We are committed to providing compassionate, personalized legal representation and will fight to protect your rights.
Contact us today for a free case review to discuss your situation and legal options with an experienced lawyer.
Hands down the best law firm in Colorado. I would highly recommend this law office to friends and family.
Fernanda Vargas
5 star service. They explained the process in detail and got great results. Thanks again!
Merari Hernandez
I’m so glad I reached out to Wilhite Law Firm after I was injured in a car accident. They made the process super easy. Thank you!
Carolay Rodriguez Torres
I had a great experience with Marianella. They got me the maximum out of my case! I would recommend them to anyone!
Beltrán Rodriguez
Great staff! They are always available to answer questions and concerns and care about their clients!
Edna Morán
I was extremely happy with the results that was achieved by my attorney at Wilhite Law Firm. Thanks Marianella!
Cristina Jiménez Durán
Excellent service, very grateful for the professionalism, attention throughout my process and the human quality of Mateo López.
Sebastian Tovar
I would like to thank Marianella from the Wilhite law firm for the hard work in getting a full policy limit from both insurances in my case. Highly recommend!
Alejandro
Marianella helped me get the compensation I deserved for my injuries and also made sure that I received the proper medical care I needed. Thank you!
Jorge Lopez
I had the pleasure of working with Vanessa and Marianella, who handled my case. They were very professional and great at communication.
A Texas native, Rob is the firm’s Managing Partner in charge of Litigation, overseeing all the firm’s cases. He has guided numerous cases to noteworthy conclusions for his clients, including a $9 million recovery for a defective product.