A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling helpless, especially if the driver who caused the crash disappears. You are left with car repairs, medical bills, missed work, and a wave of frustration. So what now? Can you secure damages after a hit-and-run?
You still have options in Texas – even if the other driver is never found. Let’s learn how to protect your rights, file a claim, and seek compensation for your crash-related losses.
What Counts as a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run happens when a driver leaves the crash scene without stopping to provide their name, insurance details, or help if someone is hurt. Texas law requires all drivers to stop, whether the wreck involves another car, a pedestrian, or property.
Hit-and-runs can happen in a variety of ways. An at-fault driver may flee the scene after:
- Hitting a pedestrian in a crosswalk
- Sideswiping a bicyclist
- Colliding with another vehicle in an intersection or on the highway
- Hitting a child in a neighborhood or a school zone
- Knocking a motorcyclist off their bike in traffic
Even if the collision seems minor, leaving the scene is a criminal offense in Texas and often creates serious challenges for those left behind.
Types of Losses You Can Claim After a Hit-and-Run
If the police can’t locate the driver, your recovery may depend on your auto insurance policy. That doesn’t mean you’re out of luck – it just means the process works differently.
Here are the types of losses you might recover after a hit-and-run:
Medical Expenses
Whether it’s an ambulance ride, emergency care, surgery, or follow-up treatment, you can seek compensation for all medical care tied to the crash. These expenses can add up fast, especially if you suffer a long-term injury.
Lost Wages
If your injury forces you to miss work or lose your ability to earn money, you can file a claim for lost income. This includes short-term time off and long-term wage losses tied to serious injuries.
Pain and Suffering
You may also be able to recover from physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the crash. Anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, or a loss of enjoyment in life are common after a traumatic hit-and-run.
Property Losses
Vehicle repairs, towing fees, or even the total replacement value of your car can be claimed under property damage losses. Don’t forget to include damage to items inside your vehicle, like electronics or baby gear.
Punitive Damages (in Rare Cases)
If the hit-and-run driver is later found and they acted maliciously, such as driving under the influence or street racing, you might be able to file a civil claim for extra compensation meant to punish them. This is rare but possible.
Just because the other driver fled doesn’t mean you are stuck covering the costs – these losses can still be recovered through the proper legal or insurance channels.
How to Seek Compensation After the Accident
Here’s what to do right after a hit-and-run to strengthen your claim and pursue recovery.
Call 911 and File a Police Report
A police report is critical because it documents the crash’s time, location, and facts, helps law enforcement investigate, and adds credibility to your hit-and-run accident claim. Even if you don’t have much information, reporting the crash as soon as possible protects your legal options.
Gather Evidence
Take photos or videos of the scene, damage, and debris if you can. Note anything you remember – like the other car’s make or direction. Speak to witnesses and check for nearby cameras before footage is lost.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Let your insurer know what happened, but be cautious and stick to the facts. If the at-fault driver can’t be found, you must likely file a claim under uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). While this coverage isn’t required in Texas, many drivers carry it as a policy. It can help cover crash-related medical bills, compensation for bodily injury, and car repairs after a hit-and-run. If unsure whether you have this coverage, check your policy or speak with your agent.
Document Your Losses
Keep every receipt, bill, and record related to your accident – repair bills, medical costs, pharmacy receipts, and proof of missed work. The more evidence you have, the stronger your insurance or civil claim will be.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
Texas insurance companies don’t always make the process easy – they may try to deny or limit your claim, even if you’ve done everything right. An experienced attorney can help you understand what your policy covers, communicate with the insurance adjuster, estimate the full extent of your losses, and file a civil claim if the driver is found later. Sometimes, the legal system is the only path to fair compensation when someone else’s reckless behavior causes lasting harm.
These steps can protect your rights, strengthen your claim, and give you the best chance to recover what you’ve lost after a hit-and-run.
Can You Still File a Claim if the Driver Is Never Found?
Yes, you can still pursue compensation even if the driver vanishes. You may not be able to sue the individual, but you can file a claim through your policy, assuming you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
Texas drivers who carry this optional coverage are in a much better position after a hit-and-run. Without it, recovery becomes harder, but other parts of your policy, like collision coverage or personal injury protection, might help.
Either way, don’t delay. Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including hit-and-run accidents. Waiting too long can cost you your chance to recover.
Let Gibson Hill Personal Injury Help You Move Forward
If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, you don’t have to handle everything alone. These cases are complex, but you don’t need to untangle the process while recovering from your injuries.
Gibson Hill Personal Injury helps Houston drivers seek compensation for personal injury from hit-and-run accidents. We know how to deal with stubborn insurers and track down negligent drivers when possible. If someone else caused your crash, you shouldn’t have to carry the financial burden.
Call 713-659-4000 today or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We’ll explain your options and fight for the support you need – whether that means vehicle damage compensation, medical care, or relief for emotional distress after a hit-and-run.
