El Paso Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers

When a driver flees the scene after causing an accident, the other party is usually left without the information needed to file a traditional insurance claim. This type of incident is particularly frustrating, as recovery may involve both physical treatment and emotional trauma, and significant legal challenges. Identifying the driver, gathering evidence, and pursuing compensation through all available legal channels requires significant time and effort.

Whether the driver is identified or not, you may have options through your own insurance policy or other avenues. Our El Paso hit-and-run accident lawyers at Flores Mendez Law guide clients through this process, whether the liable party is located or remains unidentified.

Why Do Drivers Leave Accident Scenes?

Drivers flee accident scenes for a variety of reasons. Some may lack insurance coverage or valid licenses. Others may be impaired by drugs or alcohol, or fear arrest for unrelated legal issues. In some cases, the driver may not even realize they caused harm, particularly in minor collisions. Regardless of the reason, the law does not excuse the behavior. The inability to hold a driver accountable can complicate recovery efforts and cause further emotional distress for the injured party. 

What Should I Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in El Paso?

Immediately after any motor vehicle accident, try to snap a photo of the other vehicle’s license plate and record as much other evidence as possible. This includes details such as the make and model of the other vehicle, the direction it was heading, and any identifying features like license plate numbers or vehicle damage. Photographs of the scene, injuries, and property damage can also be valuable. If there are any witnesses, their contact information should be collected.

Call 911 as soon as possible. Medical attention should be sought right away, both for health reasons and to create a record of injuries related to the incident. A police report will document the incident and support a potential insurance claim or legal case. Contacting a lawyer early can also help protect your legal options. Our El Paso hit-and-run accident lawyers can assess the situation, determine liability, and identify potential sources of financial recovery.

Can I Still Receive Compensation If the Other Driver Is Not Found?

Compensation may still be available even if the driver who caused the accident is not located if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which can apply in hit-and-run situations and provide reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. The availability of this coverage depends on your policy’s terms.

To file a UM claim, you must provide documentation like the police report, medical records, and photographs of the scene. The insurer may investigate the claim, but disputes can arise about coverage or the value of damages. 

What Laws Apply to Hit-and-Run Accidents in Texas?

Texas Transportation Code Section 550 outlines the responsibilities of drivers involved in motor vehicle collisions. A driver who causes an accident resulting in injury or death must stop, provide assistance, and share their name, address, and insurance information. Failure to do so can lead to criminal charges, including felonies in serious injury cases. Even if no injuries occur, leaving the scene of property damage is a misdemeanor.

These legal obligations are intended to protect public safety and provide injured individuals with the information necessary to seek compensation. When a driver fails to follow the law, civil liability may follow alongside criminal penalties. A person harmed in such a collision may file a personal injury claim, seeking compensation for financial losses, physical harm, and emotional distress. Our El Paso hit-and-run accident lawyers can explain how these laws apply to your incident and clarify your legal options.

How Long Does Someone Have to File a Hit-and-Run Injury Claim?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. This time limit applies to most car accident cases, including those involving hit-and-run drivers. If a person misses this deadline, they may lose the right to pursue compensation in court.

Exceptions may apply in limited situations, such as cases involving minors or delays in discovering the full extent of the injury. Additionally, pursuing compensation through an insurance policy may involve separate deadlines, which are usually shorter. It is important to gather evidence and initiate the claims process as early as possible.  

Can I Sue a Hit-And-Run Driver if They Are Found?

Yes, a person may file a personal injury lawsuit against a hit-and-run driver if the driver is located. Legal action can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering caused by the collision. The injured party must prove that the driver’s negligence directly caused the harm. In Texas, fleeing the scene of an accident is a violation of the law and may be considered evidence of recklessness, which can strengthen a civil case. 

If the injuries are severe or the conduct was particularly egregious, the court may also award punitive damages. Keep in mind that the allegedly at-fault driver might not have enough funds to adequately compensate for your damages, though; that can be determined during the investigation.

How Can a Lawyer Help With an El Paso Hit-and-Run Accident Case?

An attorney can provide legal guidance on how to pursue compensation through insurance or legal channels. This includes reviewing the facts of the case, advising on coverage options, preparing documentation, and handling communications with insurers. If the driver is identified, an attorney may initiate a personal injury lawsuit seeking financial recovery.

In hit-and-run cases, challenges often arise when dealing with insurance companies or proving damages, but skilled legal representation may help reduce the risk of claim denial or underpayment. Attorneys can also identify whether additional parties may share responsibility, such as businesses that served alcohol to an intoxicated driver. Our El Paso hit-and-run accident lawyers focus on gathering evidence, analyzing legal options, and advocating for fair compensation under Texas law.

Our El Paso Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers at Flores Mendez Law Help Clients Pursue Compensation

Those harmed in a hit-and-run crash deserve a path forward, and legal action may provide financial relief and a sense of resolution after a traumatic experience. For a free consultation, call Flores Mendez Law at 915-308-9999 or submit our online form. Our skilled El Paso hit-and-run accident lawyers are ready to help. Located in El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.