When an accident occurs, all parties involved usually stick around until police arrive. But in some cases, the person who causes a serious accident may make a rash decision and decide to bolt. When a driver leaves the scene of an accident, it’s called a hit-and-run. This is a criminal act, but it is also something that an at-fault driver can be held accountable for in a civil claim.
According to CBS Houston, one such hit-and-run accident occurred on May 19 on Hardin Store Road. When emergency responders arrived, they found that a 49-year-old woman had died in the crash. Her teenaged son was still alive, though critically injured. And as for the other driver—he was gone.
Police reports say that the victim’s car was hit by a Chevrolet pickup truck with two men inside. Both of the men ran from the scene of the accident immediately after impact. Because they left their vehicle behind and witnesses saw them leave the scene, there is a good chance that police will be able to identify who was in the vehicle and eventually apprehend them.
Officials spent about five hours at the accident scene, determining what happened and searching for the suspects. They believe that the men in the pickup were speeding and failed to negotiate a curve when the accident occurred. In addition, alcohol and drug use is always suspected when someone leaves the scene of such a horrible accident.
When a wrongful death accident like this occurs, the victim’s family members are often left with huge medical costs and other expenses that were unanticipated before the crash. Fortunately, there are legal options.
The truck that was used in the accident may have been covered by an insurance policy. Likewise, the victim surely had insurance. Both are potential sources of recovery while the at-fault driver is being sought. When the at-fault driver is located, he and his passenger can be approached as the primary sources of recovery. Because they left the accident scene with indifference to the lives of those they affected, their level of responsibility for the aftermath is even greater.
Houston Car Accident Lawyer
If you are involved in a serious car accident, whether it’s a hit-and-run or another type of accident, Kevin Krist may be able to help. Contact his office today to discuss your crash and the legal options available to you. Call 281-677-3966.
