Español Hit and run accidents create a uniquely challenging situation for victims. One moment you are reeling from the shock of an unexpected collision—seconds later, the other driver vanishes, leaving you with vehicle damage, possible injuries, and countless unanswered questions. In these situations, understanding the proper hit and run accident steps is essential to protect your rights, gather critical evidence, and improve your chances of a successful insurance or legal claim.
Through years of helping Texas drivers navigate these incidents, we have seen how disorienting and frustrating it can be to handle a crash without the other party present. When the responsible driver leaves the scene, the burden of managing the legal, medical, and insurance complexities often falls entirely on the victim.
This guide outlines the critical steps to take immediately after a hit and run, including what Texas law requires, how to protect your rights, and what to do when the other driver cannot be located. You will also learn what options may still be available for compensation and recovery—even in the absence of the at-fault party.
Taking the right actions early can make a substantial difference in how effectively you recover—both physically and legally—from a hit and run accident.
Immediate Actions at the Accident Scene
Your safety comes first, even when dealing with the frustration of a fleeing driver. The moments immediately following a hit and run accident are critical for both your wellbeing and your legal rights.
Ensure Safety and Call 911
Move to safety if you can do so without risking further injury. Turn on your hazard lights and move your vehicle out of traffic, if possible. If you cannot move your car safely, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.
Call 911 immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Texas law requires police reports for accidents involving personal injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Many hit and run victims initially believe they are not hurt due to adrenaline, only to discover serious injuries hours later.
Delayed injury symptoms commonly appear within 72 hours after an accident, making early medical evaluation important even when pain is not immediate.
When speaking with the 911 operator, clearly state that you are reporting a hit and run accident. Provide your exact location, describe any injuries, and mention if the fleeing vehicle is still visible.
Document and Collect Evidence
Evidence collection begins the moment you are safely able to do so. Time is your enemy in hit and run cases since physical evidence disappears quickly and witnesses’ memories fade.
Take photographs from multiple angles, including:
- Overall accident scene showing vehicle positions
- Close-up shots of all vehicle damage
- License plate area (even if damaged)
- Street signs, traffic signals, and road conditions
- Any debris from the other vehicle
- Your injuries, no matter how minor
Gather witness information immediately. Approach anyone who saw the accident and ask for their contact details. Many witnesses leave quickly, and you may never have another opportunity to speak with them again.
Look for security cameras on nearby businesses, traffic lights, or residential properties. Note their locations for later follow-up, as footage typically gets overwritten within days.
Reporting and Insurance Requirements in Texas
Texas has specific legal requirements for hit and run accidents that differ from other states. Understanding these requirements protect you from potential legal complications.
Police Reporting Procedures
Texas Transportation Code Section § 550.022 requires you to report any accident to police immediately if it involves injury or property damage over $1,000. You must file this report even when the other driver fled the scene.
When police arrive, provide a clear, factual account of what happened. Describe the other vehicle’s appearance, direction of travel, and any identifying characteristics you noticed. Avoid speculating about why the driver left or making assumptions about their condition.
The investigating officer will assign a case number to your hit and run report. Request this number and ask how to obtain a copy of the police report once it is completed. This document becomes crucial evidence for both insurance claims and potential legal action.
Insurance Notification Process
Contact your insurance company within 24 hours, regardless of fault. Texas requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage, but this does not help when the other driver is unidentified.
Your uninsured motorist coverage becomes essential in hit and run cases. This coverage applies when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or located. Many Texas drivers do not realize they have this protection until they need it.
Here’s what information your insurance company will need:
- Police report number and investigating officer’s contact information
- Photos and documentation from the scene
- Witness contact information
- Medical records after you seek treatment
- Details about the other vehicle and driver (if available)
Be honest but careful in your statements to insurance adjusters. Describe what happened factually without accepting blame or minimizing your injuries.
Protecting Your Legal Rights After a Hit and Run
Hit and run accidents create unique legal challenges that require careful navigation. Your rights extend beyond simple insurance claims, and protecting them requires strategic action.
Medical Documentation Requirements
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline and shock often mask serious injuries that become apparent later. Emergency room visits create official medical records that document the timing and extent of your injuries.
Common delayed-onset injuries from hit and run accidents include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Herniated discs and spinal injuries
Victims who delay medical treatment often face reduced settlement values, as insurers are more likely to question whether the injuries were directly caused by the accident.
Follow all medical advice and attend every appointment. Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, prescriptions, and recommendations. This documentation becomes essential evidence linking your injuries to the hit and run accident.
Evidence Preservation and Follow-Up
Your evidence collection does not end at the accident scene. We have found that successful hit and run cases often depend on thorough follow-up investigation within the first week.
Contact businesses near the accident location to request security footage. Many establishments willingly cooperate when approached properly. Act quickly – most surveillance systems overwrite footage every 3-7 days.
Here’s a quick scenario: After being hit by a fleeing SUV in San Antonio, David visited every business within two blocks of the accident scene. A restaurant’s security camera had captured the collision and the vehicle’s license plate. This footage led to the driver’s identification and prosecution, as well as available insurance coverage for David’s injuries.
Follow up with witnesses you contacted initially. Memory fades quickly, so obtaining written statements within 48 hours significantly strengthens your case. Ask witnesses to describe not just what they saw, but also the sounds they heard, the apparent speed of vehicles, how you appeared after the crash, and the other driver’s behavior.
Consider whether the fleeing driver might return to the area. If the accident occurred near their workplace, residence, or regular route, increased police patrols might locate the vehicle.
When to Contact a Texas Hit and Run Attorney
Not every hit and run accident requires legal representation, but certain circumstances make professional guidance essential for protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.
Signs You Need Legal Representation
Serious injuries automatically warrant legal consultation. Head injuries, broken bones, or any injury requiring hospitalization creates complex medical and legal issues that benefit from professional handling while you are healing.
Insurance disputes also signal the need for legal help. If your insurance company denies coverage, disputes the claim value, or delays the process unreasonably, a qualified car accident lawyer can level the playing field and protect your interests.
Consider legal representation when:
- Your injuries prevent you from working for more than a few days
- Medical treatment extends beyond basic emergency care
- The other driver is identified but disputes fault
- Multiple vehicles were involved in the collision
- You suspect the fleeing driver was intoxicated or engaging in criminal behavior
What to Expect from the Legal Process
Initial consultations typically involve reviewing your evidence, assessing your injuries, and evaluating your case’s strength. Experienced attorneys can often predict likely outcomes based on similar cases they have handled.
The legal process may involve multiple strategies simultaneously. While pursuing insurance claims, your attorney might also coordinate with police investigators and conduct independent investigation to locate the fleeing driver.
Cases that involve legal representation from the outset often result in larger recovery outcomes than those where claimants begin with self-representation.
If the hit and run driver is eventually located, you may face decisions about criminal prosecution versus civil action. These processes run independently—criminal charges do not prevent you from seeking compensation, and declining to press charges does not eliminate your civil rights.
Take Action to Protect Your Rights
Hit and run accidents test your ability to think clearly under pressure, but following these essential steps gives you the foundation for recovery and justice. Your actions in the first 24 hours often determine the ultimate outcome of your case.
Remember these key priorities: ensure your safety first, document everything possible, report promptly to both police and your insurance company, seek medical attention regardless of how you feel, and preserve all evidence while memories remain fresh.
Do not let the shock of a hit and run accident prevent you from protecting your rights. Texas law provides several avenues for recovery, but only if you take the proper steps initially.
The investigation starts now. Contact law enforcement if you have not already, gather your documentation, and consider consulting with a qualified Texas hit and run attorney who can guide you through this challenging process. Every day you wait makes evidence harder to find and witnesses harder to locate.
Your recovery and peace of mind depend on the actions you take today.
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