The roads of Fort Worth and greater Texas may be populated with drivers who, when they cause an accident, might choose to flee the scene for one reason or another. CBS Dallas-Fort Worth covered the death of a high school student killed by a hit-and-run driver in early June 2020, illuminating how serious and real the consequences of a hit-and-run accident can be.
If you or a loved one was in a collision with a motorist who fled the scene, you may be able to seek compensation from that person and possibly other people through a lawsuit. Loncar Lyon Jenkins can provide you with a free consultation about how a Fort Worth hit-and-run accident lawyer may be of use to you.
Hit-and-Run Accidents Are a Significant Problem
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety describes hit-and-run accidents as accidents where “at least one person involved in a crash flees the scene before offering any (or sufficient) information or aid to the other involved person(s) or fails to properly report the crash.”
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety adds that:
- The rate of hit-and-run accidents is increasing
- 737,100 hit-and-run accidents occurred in the United States in 2015, illustrating how prevalent these accidents are
- Hit-and-run accidents were responsible for the death of 2,049 people in the United States in 2016, which was a national all-time high
- There were 1,980 total fatal hit-and-run accidents in 2016
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 19 percent of pedestrians killed in 2017 were victims of hit-and-run accidents.
These statistics indicate that the toll of hit-and-run accidents is high.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accidents lawyer serving Fort Worth, call 877-239-4878
Why Hit-and-Run Accidents May Occur
The Washington Post delves into why a motorist might flee the scene after an accident. This report cites the following reasons a hit-and-run driver might leave the scene:
- The driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision and feared consequences related specifically to their impairment.
- Perhaps related to impairment, the driver might not have been aware that they were involved in an accident.
- The driver rationalized that the accident was not worth stopping for, let alone reporting.
- The driver had a general lack of “good moral judgment” or emotional empathy.
- The driver had a psychological breakdown, leading them to act as if they were not in an accident, even if a victim was literally on or jutting into their vehicle.
The Washington Post adds that certain conditions—generally those that may make somebody believe they can get away with fleeing—may increase the chances of a hit-and-run. These conditions may include:
- The accident occurred at night and/or in an area where the lighting was poor.
- The accident occurred in a location where few or no witnesses were present.
Regardless of the reason why a hit-and-run accident occurred, it might be grounds for criminal charges and could be a reason for you to pursue compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Loncar Lyon Jenkins can give you a free consultation about the services that a Fort Worth hit-and-run accident lawyer can provide you.
Fort Worth Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-239-4878
A Hit-and-Run Accident Could Cause Extensive Harm
Any car accident can cause significant harm, and a hit-and-run accident may be no exception. In fact, someone who flees the scene of an accident may do so because they fear or know that their actions caused a person’s injuries or death.
Possible outcomes from a hit-and-run accident may include:
- One or more injuries to you or your loved one
- Significant property damage
- The death of your loved one
Suffering an injury could:
- Put you out of work for an indeterminate period of time
- Cause you to sacrifice your income for as long as you are out of work
- Cause serious, and possibly permanent, physical harm
- Cause serious, and possibly permanent, psychological or emotional harm
- Cause you to sustain substantial medical expenses
Wrongful Death Cases
If you lost a loved one in a hit-and-run accident, then:
- You may lose the comfort and other forms of value that your loved one provided to you and others.
- You or anyone who relies on the deceased financially could lose their source of financial support.
- You and others who care about the deceased may experience indescribable grief.
These and any other losses you or your loved one suffered as the result of a hit-and-run accident could be the basis for you to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
Contact our Fort Worth Hit and Run Accident Attorneys today
A Lawsuit Could Restore a Measure of Justice
When somebody fails to take accountability by fleeing the scene of your accident, they may open themselves up to liability beyond their role in causing the accident itself.
In a hit-and-run accident, the police may later identify the driver. If this happens, our team can bring a case against the liable driver. We can seek compensation through this driver’s insurance policy or file a lawsuit against them.
Bringing a claim or lawsuit against the party who fled the scene of your accident may:
- Allow you to restore justice against the person who injured you, injured your loved one, or caused the death of your loved one
- Allow you to seek compensation covering your various losses
- Allow you to hold the responsible party financially responsible for fleeing the scene of your accident
If the liable driver is never identified, we can determine what’s covered through your insurance policy. We may be able to help you use underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage to cover your expenses and losses after the crash.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
How a Lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins Could Help After a Hit-And-Run Accident
A lawyer from our team can handle various aspects of your lawsuit. They may be able to prove the negligence of any defendants named in your suit and obtain the compensation you are entitled to collect.
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, our attorneys can:
- Fully investigate your case’s details
- Determine your options for seeking compensation
- Bring a claim or lawsuit against the liable driver, if police can identify them
- Gather evidence of your damages
- Handle all conversations with third parties for you
- Ensure necessary paperwork is in order
- Protect your rights throughout your case
- Explain how personal injury laws may affect your case
Why Call in the Strong Arm for Your Case?
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, our team stands up for thousands of accident victims across Texas each year. We know how to bring the resources of a law firm to benefit your case—along with the personalized attention your case deserves.
Consider these reasons to choose our team:
- We’ll come to you. If you’re too injured to travel, we can meet you at a convenient place—whether your home, the hospital, or another location.
- We work based on contingency. You don’t have to pay upfront fees to begin your case. We receive payment as a portion of your settlement or award, so we only get paid if you do.
- You can get a free consultation 24/7. We understand you may need flexibility when you call. Contact our team for your free case review anytime, day or night.
You don’t have to be alone in your case. Our lawyers will support you through every step of the legal process.
What You Should Do After a Hit-And-Run Accident in Fort Worth
The aftermath of a hit-and-run could be chaotic. At the same time, taking a few important steps in the days and weeks to come could go a long way for your case.
Consider these tips for protecting your right to compensation:
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
It’s important to see a doctor or get emergency care, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious. You should complete any care or other steps your doctor orders. Whether they advise that you take certain medications, get physical therapy, or schedule follow-up visits, do so.
Having a clear record documenting your injuries is important for your injury case. This record can link your injuries to the accident and show that you took action to prevent your injuries from worsening.
Act Promptly for Your Case
There is limited time to file a lawsuit after a car accident injury. If we need to file a suit against the liable driver, we typically only have two years to do so (per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003).
If you miss this deadline, the law could bar you from seeking compensation in the future. By acting promptly for your case, you give your legal team time to build strong evidence and seek the compensation you need.
Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins Today
Hiring a Fort Worth hit-and-run accident lawyer may allow you to focus on your recovery. Your lawyer can pursue the compensation you may be entitled to collect as the victim of a hit-and-run driver.
Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today at (800) 777-7777 for a free consultation about whether you can initiate a lawsuit against one or more individuals responsible for your accident.
Call or text 877-239-4878 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
