Hit-and-run accidents not only leave physical scars but also emotional and financial hardships for victims and their families. Just recently, Houston police began investigating a tragic hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a bicyclist. The incident occurred on Jensen Street on a Saturday night, leaving the victim—a man between 60 and 70 years old—fatally injured. The suspect fled the scene, and the search for justice continues.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by a hit-and-run in Houston, you deserve justice. At The Miller Law Firm, we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and recovering the compensation victims deserve.
Quick Answer
If a driver hits you and flees the scene in Houston, call 911, get medical attention, and file a police report as soon as possible. Texas law requires every driver involved in a crash to stop and exchange information — leaving the scene is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. If the driver who fled is never identified, your own uninsured motorist coverage can often still pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A hit-and-run attorney can help track down the driver, pursue every available insurance policy, and protect your right to full compensation.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents
- Texas Hit-and-Run Laws and Penalties
- How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Can Help
- Common Types of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Houston
- The Role of a Hit-and-Run Attorney
- What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision flees the scene without providing assistance or identifying themselves. These incidents are particularly devastating because they compound the feelings of abandonment and helplessness for victims.
Texas law classifies leaving the scene of an accident as a criminal offense. However, despite the legal repercussions, many hit-and-run drivers are never apprehended. Without legal support, victims often struggle to obtain the compensation needed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, or the immense emotional toll such accidents cause.
Texas Hit-and-Run Laws and Penalties
Under Texas Transportation Code § 550.021, every driver involved in a crash that causes injury, death, or property damage has a legal duty to stop, provide their name, address, and insurance information, and render reasonable aid to anyone who is hurt. Leaving the scene without doing this is a criminal offense in Texas, not just a traffic violation.
The criminal penalties generally depend on the severity of the crash:
- Property damage only: typically charged as a misdemeanor
- Serious bodily injury: can be charged as a felony
- Death: can be charged as a second-degree felony, with the possibility of harsher charges depending on the circumstances
A criminal case against the driver who fled does not automatically compensate you for your injuries — that requires a separate civil claim. Pursuing both often matters, since evidence from the criminal investigation (police reports, citations, witness statements) can strengthen your civil case for compensation.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Can Help
One of the hardest parts of a hit-and-run case is that the at-fault driver is often never found. Fortunately, Texas law lets injury victims turn to their own insurance policy in these situations through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Not sure how much of that coverage to carry? See how much car insurance you need in Texas.
Texas insurers are required to offer UM coverage, though drivers can decline it in writing. If you carry it, your own insurance company may pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering — much like an at-fault driver’s policy would, had that driver been identified.
We’ve put together a full breakdown of how UM/UIM coverage works in Texas, including what happens when the at-fault driver is never found: Texas Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Guide.
Common Types of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Houston
Hit-and-run crashes happen in a range of situations, and the type of crash often affects what evidence is available and how quickly it disappears.
- Pedestrian and cyclist hit-and-runs — among the most serious, since the victim is fully exposed and injuries are often severe
- Parked car hit-and-runs — frequently unwitnessed, making nearby surveillance or dash cam footage critical
- Multi-vehicle pileups — where one driver flees while others remain, complicating who is responsible for what
- Parking lot hit-and-runs — often caught only on store or property surveillance video, which can be overwritten within days
The Role of an Experienced Hit-and-Run Attorney in Houston
Navigating the legal and insurance complexities after a hit-and-run can be overwhelming. This is where a Houston-based hit-and-run attorney becomes invaluable. At The Miller Law Firm, we fight tirelessly for justice for accident victims, providing support in the following ways:
- Investigating the Incident: Our legal team works alongside investigators to gather critical evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports, to strengthen your case.
- Filing Insurance Claims: If the hit-and-run driver is not identified, our team can help you pursue compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage or other applicable policies.
- Pursuing Compensation:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral costs (in wrongful death cases)
- Fighting Insurance Companies:
We don’t tolerate lowball offers. Insurance companies prioritize profit, often undervaluing claims or pressuring victims into quick settlements. We will fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Houston hit-and-run victims need a law firm that won’t back down. Our team understands the challenges you face, and we handle each case with compassion, determination, and unmatched expertise.
What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights and well-being. Follow these steps immediately after an incident:
- Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety come first. Even if injuries seem minor, consult a medical professional to rule out underlying issues.
- Report the Incident
Contact local law enforcement to file an official police report. Be as detailed as possible, noting vehicle descriptions, plate numbers, and witness accounts.
- Gather Evidence
Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any visible damage. Collect the names and contact information of witnesses who may have seen the crash.
- Avoid Speaking With Insurance Adjusters Alone
Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim. Before providing statements or signing documents, consult a qualified attorney.
- Consult a Houston Hit-and-Run Lawyer
Reach out to a personal injury attorney experienced in hit-and-run cases. They’ll guide you through the legal process and advocate for your best interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a hit-and-run accident in Houston?
Call 911, get medical attention even if injuries seem minor, and file a police report. Write down or photograph any details you remember about the other vehicle, and get contact information from any witnesses.
What happens if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
You may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage, if you carry it. An attorney can also help determine whether any other party, such as a nearby business with surveillance footage, may hold useful evidence.
Is a hit-and-run a felony in Texas?
It can be. Leaving the scene of a crash that caused only property damage is typically a misdemeanor, but a hit-and-run involving serious injury or death can be charged as a felony under Texas law.
Does my insurance cover a hit-and-run accident?
If you carry uninsured motorist coverage, it often applies to hit-and-run accidents, since the fleeing driver is effectively unidentified and uninsured from your policy’s perspective.
How long do I have to file a hit-and-run claim in Texas?
Texas generally gives injury victims two years from the date of the crash to file a civil lawsuit. Reporting the crash and starting an insurance claim as soon as possible is still important, since evidence can disappear quickly.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Possibly. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you may still recover compensation as long as you are found less than 51% responsible for the crash. Your recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault.
You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help
The heartbreaking story of the bicyclist killed on Jensen Street serves as a grim reminder of the perils hit-and-run victims face. At The Miller Law Firm, we understand that every case is unique and every client deserves personalized attention. We approach each case with compassion while relentlessly working to secure justice.
Why Choose Us?
- Proven Track Record: With decades of experience in personal injury law, we have successfully represented countless accident victims in Houston.
- Aggressive Advocacy: Known as the Texas Bulldog, we will fight tooth and nail to hold negligent parties accountable.
- Compassionate Support: We know this is a difficult time for you, and we provide unwavering support every step of the way.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, contact The Miller Law firm today for your free consultation. We’ll walk you through your rights, explore your options, and fight to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
📞 Call us at 713-572-3333
📧 Email us at info@texasbulldoglaw.com
Don’t face this fight alone. With The Miller Law Firm in your corner, you’re one step closer to justice. We won’t stop until we win for you.
