Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney In El Paso, TX

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be shocking and confusing. In El Paso, and in Texas at large, drivers are required to stop, remain on the scene, and provide certain information to the other driver and law enforcement after a crash occurs. Unfortunately, some drivers who cause accidents will flee the scene to escape liability or legal consequences. 

If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in El Paso, contact our knowledgeable car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and legal options for pursuing the compensation you need.

Accident Reporting Requirements in Texas

When an accident occurs, drivers are required by Texas law to stop at the scene of the accident, render aid, if necessary, and provide certain information to others involved in the collision and to law enforcement. If a driver fails to stop and provide this information, that could constitute a hit-and-run, even if the driver wasn’t at fault for the accident. 

After an accident, drivers must provide their: 

• Name and address
• Insurance details
• Vehicle’s registration number
• Driver’s license, if asked

If an accident involves injury, death, or vehicle damage to the extent that the vehicle can’t be driven safely and normally, then the drivers are required to immediately report the accident to law enforcement. However, any driver involved in a hit-and-run should immediately contact the police.

Any motorist who hits a stationary car is required to stop. They must also locate the owner or operator of the vehicle or leave a written notice in a conspicuous place, including their name, address, contact information, and an explanation of the collision. 

Steps to Protect Yourself After a Hit-And-Run Accident

If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in El Paso, you should follow these steps directly after the accident: 

• Make sure that everyone is okay – The first thing you should do immediately after the accident is move your vehicle out of harm’s way and then ensure that no one is injured, including yourself. 

• Call 911 – Call law enforcement to the scene of the accident. Getting law enforcement involved from the outset increases the chance that you will eventually locate the hit-and-run driver. You will also need a copy of the police report when you file a claim with the insurance provider. 

• Write down details you can remember – Make a note of as many details as you can while you wait for the police to arrive on the scene. Write down a description of the vehicle and its license plate number if you saw it.

• Collect information from eyewitnesses – If there are any bystanders nearby who may have witnessed the accident, ask them if they remember anything about the vehicle. Get their contact information in case they remember any more details later. 

• Gather evidence – If you’re able to, take photos or videos of the accident scene. If any parts of the hit-and-run vehicle came off in the accident, document them. There might even be evidence on your own vehicle that can help identify the hit-and run-vehicle, such as paint scrapes. 

• Call your insurance provider – You are likely required to promptly notify your insurance company of the hit-and-run accident. They can also review your coverage options with you.

• Contact an experienced hit-and-run lawyer – A skilled El Paso car accident attorney can begin collecting evidence to support your case for compensation, even if you must turn to your own insurance provider for coverage.

Will Insurance Cover Your Damages?

If law enforcement officers are able to track down the hit-and-run driver, you could file a claim against their liability insurance or a lawsuit against them. However, if you’re not able to track down the driver, or if they don’t have liability insurance, you may have other options. 

As a hit-and-run victim, you can potentially turn to your own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policies to seek compensation for losses you sustained in the accident, such as medical expenses, lost income, car repair costs, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies in Texas are required to offer drivers UM/UIM coverage, though drivers may reject it in writing. 

In addition, your Texas auto insurance policy may include personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage can be used to compensate you for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages you incur because of the hit-and-run accident. 

How An El Paso Hit and Run Lawyer Can Help

If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident here in El Paso, don’t wait to reach out to our car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC. We have more than 30 years of combined legal experience we will put to use to help you after a hit-and-run accident. We will fully explore all of your potential legal options for compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.