Getting hit by a car hurts in more ways than one. The pain comes first. Then the shock kicks in. And when the driver speeds off, it leaves a strange mix of fear, anger, and plain confusion. Many people in Houston face this each year, and they ask the same thing: What do I do now? Let’s walk through it step by step. Nothing stiff or cold. Just real guidance you can use when life throws you a mess you didn’t ask for.
First Things First — Make Sure You’re Safe
When a car hits you and keeps going, the scene feels unreal. Your mind tries to catch up while your heart thumps hard. Still, your safety comes before anything else. Check your body. Look for pain you didn’t feel at first. Move slowly. Shock can hide serious harm. If you’re near traffic, step back to a safe spot if you can. If someone nearby saw what happened, ask them to stay with you. People in Houston are pretty good about that. And here’s something folks forget: call 911 even if the driver is long gone. The report matters more than you think.
Why the Police Report Matters More Than You Expect
A police report creates a record that you didn’t cause the crash. It also notes skid marks, witness names, and any camera spots nearby. This helps later, when insurance companies try to point fingers. They do that a lot with hit-and-run cases. If you saw anything at all—color of the car, part of the plate, maybe a bumper sticker—tell the officer. Even tiny details help. Houston has cameras all over the place: corner stores, gas stations, traffic lights, and random homes with Ring doorbells. Officers can pull footage if they know where to look. You know what? People often remember more once they calm down. Don’t worry if your first statement isn’t perfect.
Get Medical Care Even If You “Feel Fine”
Many hit-and-run victims walk away thinking they’re okay. Then the next morning, they can’t turn their neck or lift an arm. The body is a strange machine. It hides its damage when adrenaline is high. Go to a clinic or ER as soon as you can. Doctors in Houston see these injuries often and know what to check. The medical record proves your pain started right after the crash, not days later. This matters because insurers love to claim your pain came from “something else.” A same-day check makes that argument fall apart.
Gather What You Can — Even Small Things Help
You don’t need to play detective, but collect simple things:
- Photos of your injuries
- Damage to your car or bike
- Street signs
- Weather conditions
- Anything left by the other vehicle (glass, paint)
Sometimes people forget that phones pick up sounds too. If someone nearby shouted, “That truck just kept going!” try to get their number. A witness note can make an insurer rethink its stance. I’ve seen cases where one shaky phone photo helped track down a driver weeks later. So don’t judge your photos—take them anyway.
Your Insurance May Cover You
This part surprises people. You can still file a claim even when you don’t know who hit you.
Texas law allows you to use:
- Uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay)
Lots of Houston drivers don’t know they even have these. UM covers your harm when the other driver flees. PIP helps with lost income and medical bills. MedPay helps with medical bills only. Insurance companies may still fight you—even when it’s your own insurer. That’s where a lawyer steps in. They push back when adjusters try to trim down your claim.
Why a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Helps More Than You’d Think
Hit-and-run cases can feel stacked against the victim. There’s no driver to blame. No plates to chase. No one standing around saying, “My bad.” A lawyer steps in to fill that gap. They deal with your insurer, gather evidence, and figure out what your case is worth. They also make sure you don’t miss small things—like street cameras or store footage that gets erased in a few days. People often wait too long because they think they can handle it alone. But these cases move fast. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. A lawyer keeps the pieces together so you don’t have to. And let’s be honest—when you’re hurt, paperwork and phone calls don’t sit well. Pain drains patience. Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP – Accident & Injury Attorneys carries that load.
Why Pain After a Hit-and-Run Feels Different
It’s not just a sore neck or bruised ribs. It’s the feeling of being left behind. Someone chose to hit you and drive away. That sticks in your mind more than you expect. Many victims talk about sleep problems, trouble concentrating, or tension that won’t ease. This matters, because emotional harm counts too. Texas law allows you to seek money for pain, worry, and stress—if it’s documented. So jot down how you feel each day. Even small notes help paint a clear picture later.
What You Can Claim After a Hit-and-Run
People think these cases only cover medical bills, but they offer more:
- Treatment costs
- Future care
- Lost pay
- Pain and stress
- Car or bike repairs
- Long-term harm
- Reduced quality of life
You don’t have to know what each of these means. A good Houston hit and run lawyer explains it in plain English and works through them with you.
When the Driver Is Found
Sometimes HPD or local deputies track down the person. Maybe a witness spotted the plate. Maybe a shop camera caught the make and model. Or maybe the driver gets scared and turns themselves in. When that happens, your case gets stronger. The lawyer can bring claims directly against that driver, their insurer, or both. If criminal charges are filed, the judge’s findings can support your civil claim. It’s not guaranteed, but it happens more often than people think in a city as large and camera-heavy as Houston.
A Few Things You Shouldn’t Do
Let me explain this plainly:
- Don’t chase the driver.
- Don’t argue with insurers before you speak to a lawyer.
- Don’t sign anything without reading it twice.
- Don’t post about your injuries online.
One Facebook post like “Feeling better today!” can ruin a claim. Insurance adjusters check these things. It’s odd, but that’s how it works.
Five FAQs People Ask After a Hit-and-Run in Houston
1. Can I file a claim even if the driver is never found?
Yes. UM, PIP, and MedPay can still cover you.
2. How long do I have to file a claim?
Texas gives two years for injury claims, but evidence fades fast. It’s better to start early.
3. What if I don’t have UM coverage?
You may still claim PIP or MedPay. A lawyer can check your policy for hidden help.
4. Will my premiums go up if I file a UM claim?
Not usually. You didn’t cause the crash. Texas law protects you in these cases.
5. Should I talk to the insurer before calling a lawyer?
It’s better not to. Adjusters ask questions meant to limit your claim. A lawyer guides you through the right steps.
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