When the other driver flees the scene of the accident, you will need first, to contact the police and tend to your medical needs, and second, to contact your auto insurance company. There are specific actions one must take after an accident.
A crash is a hit and run (driver fled after the accident) if these things do not occur.
- No exchange of information
- Driver does not call the police or wait for the police to arrive
- The driver will not render aid: the driver isn’t expected to perform medically, but at the least, should call 911
If nobody can find the driver then your damages may be compensable via your insurance policy if you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), insurance to carry in addition to Texas minimum requirements.
It’s no secret that teen drivers have a risk of accidents. In fact, auto accidents are the leading cause of death for American teens, according to a 2012 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report. The risk of accidents is the highest among teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19, than any other age group in the United States, also according to the CDC.
With those kinds of statistics, it is understandable that you may have concerns about compensation when you are involved in an accident with an underage driver. The truth about teen driver liability is that, as licensed drivers, they are held to the same standards as other drivers on the road.
Operating a car without a driver’s license is against the law in Dallas and throughout Texas. Even so, many people choose to do so every day. In the event of a car accident with an unlicensed driver, you may have questions about how to pursue damages. You may also wonder whether or not the fact that the other driver was unlicensed at the time of the crash will affect your case. Below is information to help you make heads and tails of this frustrating situation.
There are no state laws in Texas that specifically ban texting while driving for truck drivers, or for most other drivers for that matter. Only school bus drivers and drivers under the age of 18 cannot text from behind the wheel.
However, commercial truck drivers in the Dallas area are also included in the truck laws for texting and driving established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These laws prohibit commercial truck drivers from using cell phones or texting devices while they are at the wheel.
Under Texas law, every Dallas motorist is required to purchase and maintain adequate insurance to pay for the accidents they cause. Motorists do that by purchasing auto liability insurance. Such insurance has to cover other motorists involved in an accident, including medical expenses and the cost to replace or repair the other motorist’s car.
The current minimum of Texas car insurance requirements limits is as follows.
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for one injured person.
- A total of $60,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage liability coverage per accident.
That, however, is the Texas minimum car insurance that all drivers must carry under Texas law. Many drivers purchase more than the basic requirements because if the damages in the accident in which you are at fault are higher than minimum coverage requirements, the other Dallas motorist could sue you to collect damages. The additional coverage can help cover expenses up to the higher policy limits.
If you were in a traffic accident in Dallas, you may take legal action against the at-fault driver to recover compensation. However, if you do not file your claim within the Texas statute of limitations for a car accident, you may not be able to recover any compensation for your damages.
This can create financial hardship as medical bills mount and if you are unable to return to work because of your injuries. Many drivers may even experience pain and suffering that might go uncompensated. Thus, be sure to abide by the time limit and file your claim.
Car accidents can shake anyone up. But when the other driver flees the scene, it can leave a victim feeling panicked and outraged. It’s important to set aside those emotions and take some important steps, which may help catch the driver and bring about some justice for the hit and run accident. Learn what to do in these situations.
Like most states, Texas has a financial responsibility law that requires drivers to demonstrate that they are able to pay for damages in accidents they cause. Most drivers in Dallas achieve this by purchasing auto insurance. You must carry at least the minimum coverage limits that the state requires, although you may choose to purchase additional coverage for your protection.
We all face a host of dangers every time we get behind the wheel in Dallas or elsewhere in Texas. Some dangers are the result of other drivers. Some are the result of poor road conditions. Some are the result of hazardous weather conditions. Below is an overview of some of the common types and causes of auto accidents.