J. Gonzalez
When you are injured in a car crash due to someone else’s negligence, you can file a claim for compensation to pay for any injuries and other damages you sustained as a result of the crash. The claim can be made against the individual, their insurance carrier, or any other party that shares the blame. But what can you do if the negligent driver flees the scene?
Difficult but not impossible
It might seem impossible to recover damages when the driver who caused the accident flees the scene of the crash. When this happens it’s usually because the driver is:
- Uninsured
- Unlicensed
- Intoxicated
- Has an outstanding warrant for arrest
Dos and Don’ts after your accident
Do not chase the fleeing driver
There is no point in chasing after the other vehicle, even if you can. It could be dangerous to do so (the other driver may be armed or the chase could end in another crash). It’s much more important to deal with any injuries you have, inform the police, and talk to anyone else who saw what happened.
Remember as many details as possible
If you are at all able to do so, the most important thing you can do is to record the license plate details of the driver who has fled. If that’s not possible, you may be able to at least jot down the color and make of the vehicle and any other distinguishing details, such customized body work.
Inform the police ASAP
A prompt phone call to the police might help them locate the fleeing driver and arrest him or her. It is illegal in every state to leave the scene of an accident without stopping. It is also a crime to leave the scene of an accident if someone has been injured.
Get an attorney’s help
An experienced personal injury attorney can explain potential legal options that might be available, depending on the facts of your case. The attorney might be able to find out if there are any nearby security cameras that might have caught the accident on video.
The attorney might also be able to find witnesses that the police may have overlooked. Don’t give up before you have a consultation first. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm will provide a free legal consultation to discuss the details of your accident. Connect with us today via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.
Hit and run accidents happen more often than you might think. Below is a report on the most recent case in Edinburg.
Edinburg police seek hit-and-run suspect
By: Benjamin Treviño
EDINBURG – The Edinburg Police Department is asking the public’s help to locate a vehicle involved in a auto-pedestrian hit-and-run that occurred early February 22.
According to a news release, officers arrived in the 5000 block of West State Highway 107 around 3:08 a.m. in reference to a hit-and-run in the area.
At the scene, authorities found a 23-year-old male victim was transported to Mission Hospital where he is expected to recover, according to the release.
Police said they were informed that the suspect vehicle is an older model (2003-2006) Chevrolet Silverado that is either gray or tan in color.
The vehicle, which also had white front left and right quarter panels, fled the scene traveling eastbound on State Highway 107, police said in the release.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the vehicle’s whereabouts to call the Edinburg Police Department at (956) 289-7700, or submit an anonymous tip by calling the Edinburg Crime Stoppers at (956) 383-8477.
Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2025/02/22/edinburg-police-seek-hit-and-run-suspect-one-hospitalized/
