Austin Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

A hit-and-run crash can leave you feeling overwhelmed, injured, and unsure of where to turn. When the at-fault driver disappears, it’s easy to feel like justice is out of reach. In Austin, victims of hit-and-run collisions have options to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. At Loewy Law Firm, we understand how difficult this experience can be and are here to guide you through every step of the process of protecting your rights and making sure your voice is heard.

If you’ve been affected by a hit-and-run crash, contact the Austin car accident attorneys at Loewy Law Firm today at (512) 280-0800 to explore your options for pursuing justice and recovering compensation.

Hit-and-Run Collisions in Austin

Cities in Texas, including Austin, record high crash figures each year. Busy roads like Interstate 35 (I-35) and U.S. 290 see a steady flow of local commuters, commercial vehicles, and visiting drivers. This mixture can lead to mistakes on the road, and although drivers are required to exchange information after an accident (see Texas Transportation Code § 550), sometimes a driver flees the accident scene rather than face the consequences of an at-fault accident.

Factors that Increase the Risk of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Austin

1. Congestion on I-35: Interstate 35 is notorious for high traffic volume. During rush hour, stop-and-go conditions lead to unexpected lane shifts.
2. Visitor Traffic: Austin draws tourists for music festivals, conferences, and tech events. Some visitors are not familiar with local roads or traffic patterns, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
3. Large University Population: Students at the University of Texas often travel on foot or on bikes. A driver might fail to notice a student crossing the street in time.
4. Urban Growth: New developments have added more vehicles to roads like MoPac Expressway. Construction zones can lead to confusion around temporary lanes.
5. Nightlife Districts: Popular spots such as East 6th Street and Rainey Street attract groups at night. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic can be heavy, and impaired driving is a factor in some crashes.

Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are a regular occurrence in the news, such as the recent, fatal hit-and-run at the intersection of East Stassney Lane and Teri Road.

Reasons Drivers Leave the Scene

Some worry about outstanding warrants, expired licenses, or other legal trouble. Others might be under the influence and fear immediate arrest. There are also those who lack valid insurance or registration. Leaving the crash site makes it harder for victims to identify the driver and seek compensation. Without a name or policy information, the process of filing claims or recovering damages takes more time and resources, which is another good reason to consult an Austin car accident attorney. 

Consequences for Leaving a Crash Site

Texas Transportation Code § 550.021 classifies leaving the scene of a crash without exchanging relevant details as a criminal offense. The severity depends on the extent of damage or if someone sustains a severe injury. Penalties can include fines, jail sentences, and felony charges. Law enforcement officers who respond typically create a crash report, interview witnesses, and collect available evidence. 

Types of Hit-and-Run Collisions

Hit-and-run collisions in Austin cover a wide range of scenarios:

• Vehicle-to-Vehicle: One driver collides with another car, and then departs without sharing contact information. The impact can be minor, such as a fender-bender on a crowded Austin highway, or major, involving multiple cars.
• Vehicle-to-Pedestrian: Pedestrian-involved crashes may happen on roads near entertainment districts, including 6th Street. A driver could make a risky maneuver or run a red light, strike a pedestrian, then speed away.
• Vehicle-to-Bicycle: Cycling is popular in Austin, especially in neighborhoods close to the University of Texas. A distracted driver can drift into a bike lane. When that driver flees, victims face medical bills and property damage without an easy way to recover costs.
• Parked Car Collisions: A driver may strike a parked vehicle and leave quickly. Owners return to find damage but no identifying note. Repair bills become an out-of-pocket expense if no insurance policy covers the incident.

Common Injuries

Hit-and-run collisions carry the same risks as any auto crash, but victims have the added challenge of not knowing who caused the impact. Injuries frequently include:

1. Bone Fractures – Collisions at higher speeds can snap bones in the arms, legs, or pelvis. Recovery may require surgery or physical therapy.
2. Head Trauma – Striking the head on a window, steering wheel, or pavement can lead to concussions or more severe brain damage.
3. Neck and Back Problems – Sudden jolts can affect the cervical spine or lower back, limiting movement. Whiplash and chronic back pain may arise.
4. Spinal Cord Damage – A severe impact might harm vertebrae or nerves. Some survivors face long-term paralysis or mobility difficulties.
5. Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries – Broken glass and twisting movements often cause cuts, muscle strains, or sprains. Though less severe than fractures they can disrupt daily life if the damage is extensive.

Each injury can result in hospital bills, future medical costs, and missed earnings. Those who cannot identify the at-fault driver face an uphill battle without an attorney’s guidance. It is important to document symptoms, treatment plans, and any specialist visits to help build a claim.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash

Your actions after a hit-and-run can affect your ability to recover compensation. If the crash caused only minor damage and no one was hurt, contacting the local police may be enough. When injuries are possible or the situation is unclear, call 911 to report the crash. Emergency responders create records that can verify what happened. Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical attention as soon as possible. A medical exam can uncover injuries that may not appear right away.

Collecting Evidence

If it’s safe to do so, gather evidence at the scene. Take photos of the damage, road conditions, and anything nearby that might be relevant, like street signs or intersections. If anyone witnessed the crash, ask them for details about the other vehicle. Even partial information about a license plate, make, or model can help investigators.

Filing a Police Report

A police report provides a formal record of the crash, including the time, location, and any witness accounts. Ask the responding officers if they will be filing a report and how you can request a copy.

Contacting Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance provider soon after the crash. Many policies include uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which can help when the at-fault driver hasn’t been identified. Be cautious when speaking to your insurer and avoid admitting any fault. Working with a car accident attorney can help ensure the claim is handled properly and that you maximize your potential recovery.

Challenges in Identifying a Fleeing Driver

Identifying the driver in a hit-and-run crash is often the most difficult part of recovering compensation. While law enforcement and insurance adjusters play a role in tracking down evidence, your attorney can take additional steps to build your case. Several resources can help uncover the driver’s identity:

• Eyewitness Accounts: Bystanders can provide crucial details, such as the make, model, or license plate of the fleeing vehicle. Even partial information may lead to valuable leads.
• Traffic Camera Footage: Many busy intersections in Austin are monitored by cameras. A lawyer can request access to footage to identify the vehicle or confirm details about the crash.
• Physical Evidence at the Scene: Vehicle parts, paint chips, or skid marks can reveal information about the driver or the type of vehicle involved.
• Social Media Posts: Witnesses or passersby often share photos or videos online. These posts can sometimes provide valuable information, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic.

If identifying the driver becomes impossible, victims still have options. An attorney can explore alternative strategies to pursue compensation, such as leveraging insurance coverage or investigating whether other parties contributed to the crash. Reviewing available resources and building a thorough case ensures no opportunities for recovery are overlooked.

Compensation in Hit-and-Run Claims

Texas law allows victims of hit-and-run crashes the possibility of recovering damages for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and emotional harm.

Medical Expenses

Crash-related injuries often result in significant medical costs, from emergency care to ongoing treatments. Keeping detailed records of hospital bills, prescriptions, and therapy sessions ensures a complete account of your expenses.

Lost Income

Injuries from a crash can disrupt your ability to work, leading to missed wages or reduced future earning capacity. Employment records and medical statements are critical for demonstrating the financial impact.

Emotional Harm

The psychological effects of a hit-and-run can be significant. Anxiety, emotional distress, and disruptions to daily life are often compensable. The specific amount depends on how the crash has affected your overall well-being.

Property Damage

Vehicle repairs, towing costs, and replacement expenses add another layer of financial strain. Photos of the damage, repair estimates, and receipts provide clear evidence of losses.

Potential Compensation Sources in a Hit-and-Run

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

When the driver responsible for the crash cannot be found, uninsured / underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help cover these costs. UM/UIM insurance can provide a vital financial resource. This coverage typically applies to medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay

In some cases, the injured party’s auto insurance policy includes PIP or MedPay coverage, which can help cover medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault.

Civil Claims Against Third Parties

Attorneys may investigate whether other parties contributed to the accident. For example, poorly maintained roadways, defective vehicle parts, or negligent actions by other drivers may open additional avenues for compensation through third-party claims.

Filing Deadlines: Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

Texas’ statute of limitations for personal injury cases places time limits on filing a personal injury claim, typically two years. The clock usually starts on the day of the crash. Failing to move ahead within the allowable time can block recovery. It is beneficial to begin the process as soon as practical so that evidence remains fresh, witnesses are more likely to recall details, and official documentation remains accessible.

How an Attorney Helps After a Hit-and-Run

After a hit-and-run crash, it’s easy to feel like the odds are stacked against you. The driver is gone, the bills are piling up, and the process for seeking compensation feels overwhelming. An attorney takes on the burden of investigating the crash, dealing with insurers, and making sure you have the strongest possible case. Here’s how they can help:

Uncovering Key Evidence

Finding a fleeing driver requires more than just a police report. Attorneys dig into the details, tracking down witnesses, requesting camera footage, and examining evidence from the scene. They know where to look and how to connect the dots to support your claim.

Taking Over Insurance Negotiations

Insurance companies don’t make things easy, especially when the other driver is unknown. An attorney steps in to deal with the adjusters, presenting a clear case backed by evidence. They push for a settlement that accounts for all your losses, from medical bills to lost wages.

Making Sense of Your Insurance Policy

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage often plays a major role in hit-and-run claims. Attorneys review your policy to determine what’s covered and hold your insurer accountable. If they try to underpay or deny your claim, your attorney will fight for what you’re owed.

Building a Case Around Your Injuries

Your injuries tell part of the story, but an attorney works to show the bigger picture—how those injuries affect your day-to-day life and your future. They collaborate with medical experts to document treatment, calculate future care needs, and highlight the full impact on your health and finances.

Keeping the Case on Track

Legal claims come with strict deadlines and a mountain of paperwork. Missing a step can weaken your case, but an attorney makes sure everything is filed on time and nothing is overlooked. With the legal details handled, you can focus on your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Cases

What happens if a hit-and-run driver is identified later?

If law enforcement identifies the driver after an investigation is underway, you may have additional options for seeking compensation. Your attorney can file a claim against their insurance or, if necessary, pursue a lawsuit for damages. The evidence you collect and the steps you take immediately after the crash will remain critical to the outcome.

Will filing a claim through my insurance affect my rates?

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims typically don’t increase premiums if you were not at fault. However, this depends on the terms of your policy and your insurer’s practices. Reviewing your policy can provide clarity.

Can I still build a case if I didn’t collect evidence at the scene?

Yes. While evidence collected immediately after the crash is helpful, other sources may still be available. An attorney can request police reports, traffic camera footage, or witness statements to fill in the gaps. Acting quickly increases the likelihood of preserving this evidence.

What if I notice injuries days after the crash?

Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage may not show symptoms right away. Seeking medical care as soon as symptoms appear is critical to protecting both your health and your claim. Keep records of every treatment and follow-up to show the extent of your injuries.

Can compensation include long-term medical care?

Yes, long-term medical needs, such as physical therapy or future surgeries, are considered when calculating damages. Attorneys can collaborate with medical experts to calculate future care costs and include them in your claim to capture the complete financial impact of your injuries.

Let Loewy Law Firm Fight for You

Life after a hit-and-run can feel isolating and scary, especially when bills add up and answers seem scarce. Loewy Law Firm builds each case with a focus on the facts that matter most, gathering critical evidence and consulting experts to seek the compensation you deserve. If you’re seeking clarity and a way forward, call (512) 280-0800 or send us an email to schedule a free consultation. You’ll pay nothing unless we win your case. Our team is ready to help you pursue compensation that respects the full impact of your injuries on your life.