Hit and run accidents in Texas are serious criminal offenses. If a driver causes an accident and flees the scene, the police will interview witnesses, investigate the scene, look for video footage from any nearby security cameras, and do everything they can to find the driver who fled.
Your first step is always to call the authorities, even if you don’t feel like you’re hurt. Describe the vehicle that hit you to the 911 dispatcher in as much detail as you can possibly give. Try to jot down everything you remember, or make a note in your cell phone while the memory is still fresh. Include the details of the accident, what you saw, as well as a description of the other driver and vehicle.
You should also talk to any witnesses or drivers of other vehicles involved in the accident. Collect statements, names, and contact information in case these witnesses leave before the police arrive.
Once the police arrive and all medical emergencies are handled, they’ll begin an investigation of the scene and the accident. They’ll interview you, the witnesses, and other drivers in the area in order to create an official police report. They’ll also visit nearby homes and businesses to see if they have security cameras available. Surveillance footage can often be the key to finding a hit and run driver.
Once the examination at the scene is complete, the police will launch an official investigation, using all the resources, databases, and tools available to locate the driver who fled.
In any hit-and-run case, physical and digital evidence becomes critical. Officers will look for broken car parts left behind at the scene, paint transfer on other vehicles, or debris that may have come from the fleeing car. They may also take measurements of skid marks, review traffic signal data, and photograph the damage pattern of your vehicle. All of this helps paint a clearer picture of what happened—and what kind of vehicle they should be looking for.
Statements from eyewitnesses can be just as valuable. People may remember part of a license plate number, a bumper sticker, or the direction the driver went after impact. That one small detail might help law enforcement narrow down a list of possible suspects.
Police officers use a combination of modern tools and tried-and-true methods to track down hit-and-run drivers:
An attorney can evaluate any evidence the police gather and offer guidance through the complex legal processes that follow. At Felix Gonzalez Law, our attorneys often work closely with police and investigators, taking the time to understand the evidence gathered and the strategies used to build a strong case against the responsible driver.
Time matters in a hit-and-run case. The sooner an investigation begins, the more likely it is that key evidence will still be available. Security footage is often deleted within a few days if not saved. Witnesses may forget important details, or vehicle damage may be repaired before officers can inspect it.
That is why victims should call law enforcement immediately after a crash. A fast response gives investigators the best possible chance of tracking down the driver who fled.
In Texas, under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury date. At Felix Gonzalez Law, we always encourage clients to act quickly—not just for legal reasons, but to help secure any physical or video evidence while it is still available.
As the victim of a hit and run, you do have options, but you should seek sound legal counsel to make sure you understand them all. At the Felix Gonzalez Law Firm, we have a wealth of knowledge that will enable you to seek the compensation you deserve, whether the driver is located or not.
Call us today for a free consultation.
