No one expects their drive to work or to the grocery store to end in a hit and run collision. While this situation can be unsettling, there are still ways to pursue compensation even though the other driver did not stay to take responsibility for their actions. In addition to contacting an attorney, the guide below explains steps you should follow after the initial incident to bolster your case.

What to Do After a Hit & Run in Texas

1. Call the Police

Whether you were struck as a pedestrian or while in your own car, try to remain calm. If you are with others, check on them to ensure they are okay. Do not attempt to chase down or follow the person who hit you.

Stay at the scene and call the police. Even if the damage doesn't seem severe, the police will arrive and file a report that the accident occurred, which will help prove you are not trying to file a false insurance claim.

2. Seek Medical Care

If you or a passenger is severely injured, take an ambulance to the hospital for immediate treatment. If you do not feel hurt, you can wait for the police to arrive; however, you should still seek medical care afterward.

You might not feel some injuries right away due to the adrenaline rush. Whiplash, for example, is notorious for developing symptoms late. Furthermore, this is another way to document the situation and protect yourself against fraud claims. 

3. Document the Experience

Along with hospital records and the police report, document your case by taking photos of your injuries, the car, and the area where the collision occurred. You should also acquire the names and contact information of any witnesses that saw the accident happen.

4. Contact the Insurance Company

After collecting information about your accident and injuries, call your insurance company. One way to be compensated for your troubles is through filing an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim. There’s a $250 mandatory deductible under this type of claim in Texas, but it will cover medical costs for you and anyone else present inside your car at the time of the accident.

5. Hire an Attorney

If you don’t have UM/UIM insurance coverage, you can file a personal injury claim against the driver at fault if they were located through witness recounts or surveillance. Your personal injury attorney will investigate the case, determine who was at fault, and engage in settlement negotiations with the other party on your behalf.

If you sustained injuries from a hit and run, contact the attorneys at Reed & Terry in Sugar Land, TX. With more than 50 years of combined experience, these attorneys work diligently on behalf of their clients and their rights, whether you were injured from a car wreck or a faulty medical device. To learn more about their full list of practices, visit them online today. Call (281) 491-5000 to request a meeting.