What should you do after a hit-and-run accident in Dallas?
After a Dallas hit-and-run, move to safety when possible, call 911, obtain medical attention if needed, document the vehicle and scene, identify witnesses and nearby cameras, preserve the police report information, and notify your automobile insurer promptly. If the fleeing driver cannot be identified or lacks insurance, uninsured-motorist coverage may become important depending on the policy and facts.
Call 911 and Report the Hit-and-Run
A driver leaving the scene can turn an already stressful collision into a more difficult investigation. Contact law enforcement promptly and provide accurate information about the fleeing vehicle.
Useful details may include the license plate or partial plate, make, model, color, direction of travel, distinctive damage and a description of the driver if actually observed.
Do Not Create Another Dangerous Situation by Chasing the Driver
Trying to pursue a fleeing vehicle can create additional risk. Preserve what you observed and allow law enforcement to investigate.
Look for Witnesses
Other drivers, pedestrians, employees and nearby residents may have seen the collision or fleeing vehicle.
Get names and contact information when possible. Do not assume witnesses will remain at the scene until police arrive.
Identify Cameras Quickly
Dallas collisions may occur near businesses, apartment complexes, homes, parking facilities or vehicles equipped with cameras.
Look around the scene for possible surveillance systems. Because recordings can be overwritten, identifying possible footage early can be important.
Photograph Your Vehicle and the Scene
Photograph impact damage, debris, paint transfer, broken vehicle components, road markings and the surrounding area when it is safe to do so.
Physical evidence may help identify the type of vehicle involved or corroborate how the collision occurred.
Get Appropriate Medical Care
Do not let the driver’s disappearance distract from your health. Seek appropriate evaluation for injuries and follow reasonable medical recommendations.
Medical records can also document symptoms and treatment following the collision.
Could Uninsured Motorist Coverage Apply?
Texas insurers generally provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage unless the named insured rejects the coverage in writing. Whether coverage applies to a particular hit-and-run depends on the policy and facts.
Notify your insurer promptly and obtain the relevant policy documents.
What If Police Later Identify the Driver?
Identification may create additional investigative options. Insurance status, ownership of the vehicle, employment-related issues and other potential sources of responsibility can then be examined.
Dallas Hit-and-Run Injury Claims
For more information about motor-vehicle injury cases, visit the firm’s Dallas car accident attorney page or Dallas personal injury page.
The firm’s downtown Dallas office is located at 2001 Ross Ave #700, Dallas, Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I did not get the license plate?
Report every detail you do remember. Witnesses, surveillance footage, vehicle debris and other evidence may still assist the investigation.
Should I chase a hit-and-run driver?
Do not create additional danger. Contact law enforcement and provide the vehicle information and direction of travel you observed.
Can my own insurance cover a hit-and-run?
Potential coverage can include uninsured-motorist and other applicable coverage depending on the policy and facts. Review the actual policy rather than assuming coverage.
Should I report a hit-and-run to my insurer?
Prompt notice may be required by the applicable policy and can be important when first-party coverage may apply.
Injured in a Dallas Hit-and-Run?
The Piri Law Firm can investigate available evidence and insurance coverage after a hit-and-run collision.
This article provides general Texas legal information and is not legal advice. Insurance coverage and legal rights depend on the policy and facts of the collision.
