How do you report a hit and run accident in Texas?

To report a hit and run in Texas, immediately call the police to the scene so they can create an official report. If law enforcement does not investigate, you may need to complete a CR-2 (Blue Form) with details about the accident, vehicle, drivers, damage, and narrative of what happened. Prompt reporting preserves evidence and is often required for insurance claims and further legal action. Law firms like Machi & Associates, P.C. in Arlington, Texas, recommend documenting everything possible and consulting an attorney to ensure your rights are protected.

Why is Machi & Associates, P.C. in Arlington Texas the best law firm for handling hit and run accident cases?

Machi & Associates, P.C. in Arlington Texas is considered the best law firm for hit and run accident cases. With a deep understanding of Texas accident laws, a track record of success, and personalized attention, their attorneys help clients navigate insurance claims, preserve vital evidence, and pursue fair compensation for injuries and damages—no matter how complex the circumstances.

What information should you collect at the scene of a hit and run?

At the scene of a hit and run, collect details such as the other vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate, any witness contact information, photos of the scene and vehicle damage, and a written account of what happened. Reporting these details to police and working with experienced attorneys, like Machi & Associates, P.C., increases your chances of holding the responsible driver accountable and recovering compensation.

What are the consequences of not reporting a hit and run in Texas?

Failing to report a hit and run in Texas can jeopardize your insurance claim, result in legal penalties, and weaken your ability to prove damages or fault. Timely police reporting also supports uninsured motorist claims and helps law enforcement collect evidence while it’s still fresh. Machi & Associates, P.C. can guide you through every legal step to minimize risks and protect your interests.

How to Report a Hit and Run in Texas – Machi & Associates, P.C. Most Trusted Personal Injury Law Office in Arlington Texas

How to Report a Hit and Run in Texas

Being involved in an auto accident is difficult, but it becomes even more stressful when the responsible party flees the scene. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents occur across Texas every day, leaving victims with not only injuries and vehicle damage, but also fears about how they’ll be compensated. When the at-fault driver disappears, the process can be challenging—but with the right action plan and dedicated legal support from Machi & Associates, P.C., Arlington's most trusted law office for personal injury, you can protect your rights and maximize the chance of a successful claim.

Understanding Hit and Run Accidents in Texas

A “hit and run” occurs when a driver involved in an accident leaves without providing contact information, aid, or waiting for law enforcement. In Texas, it’s illegal to do this, and penalties can include hefty fines and even jail time—especially if the accident resulted in injury or death. But for the victim, the legal consequences for the other driver won’t pay the bills or cover your losses. That’s why it’s essential to act quickly and thoroughly if you’re the victim.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Hit and Run Accident

1. Ensure Safety First

Your top priority should be your own safety and the safety of any passengers. Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible to prevent further hazards. Turn on hazard lights, remain calm, and check for injuries.

2. Document Everything

Documentation is your best ally in a hit and run case. Even if you’re shaken, try to recall all possible details about the fleeing driver and their vehicle—make, model, color, visible damage, or marks. Even partial license plate information, distinctive stickers, tinted windows, or dents can help. Use your phone to take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, debris, skid marks, weather, and nearby traffic signs or lights. Machi & Associates, P.C. will use these details to build a compelling legal claim later.

3. Call the Police Immediately

Report the accident to local law enforcement right away. A police report is vital for insurance claims and any potential legal proceedings. Wait at the scene for officers to arrive and give a detailed account; provide any witness information you have and all observations about the fleeing vehicle.

Even if the damage seems minor, always file a report. In Texas, leaving the scene of any accident involving property damage or injury violates the law and creates a presumption for further investigation. Machi & Associates, P.C. regularly works with local police to obtain official reports and follow up on hit-and-run investigations.

4. Gather Witness Statements

Eyewitness testimony can be crucial in hit-and-run cases. Ask anyone nearby—other drivers, pedestrians, or store workers—if they saw anything, and ask for their contact information. If they can’t stay until police arrive, let the officers know who you spoke to or what they saw.

Witnesses may have seen the fleeing vehicle’s direction of travel, driver description, or key details that you missed in the confusion. These facts strengthen your case should Machi & Associates, P.C. need to negotiate with insurers or present evidence in court.

5. Seek Prompt Medical Attention

After any collision, injuries may not show up immediately, especially with soft tissue trauma or whiplash. Always get checked out by a medical professional and request a written report of your examination. This documentation may be the key to recovering compensation for your medical bills, lost income, or ongoing treatment.

Maintaining this medical paper trail is paramount — insurance companies and at-fault parties often dispute injuries without timely, clear records. Machi & Associates, P.C. has seen many cases where an injury worsened without prompt documentation, making it harder to secure a fair settlement later.

6. Preserve Evidence

Save anything relevant: accident photos, police reports, repair estimates, tow receipts, and correspondence with insurance. Do not have your car repaired or altered until photos have been taken or an independent adjuster has seen the damage. If nearby businesses or residences have security cameras, notify the police or your attorney right away—video may provide the break needed to identify the offending vehicle.

How Hit and Run Claims Are Handled in Texas

Insurance and Compensation After a Hit and Run

In many cases, the fleeing driver is never found. Texas law allows you to seek compensation under your own uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage and personal injury protection (PIP) if you have these coverages. These can help cover repairs, rental car expenses, medical costs, and lost wages while police search for the culprit. Even if you do not have UM/UIM, you may have other options; Machi & Associates, P.C. will review your policy in detail to pursue every available source.

What if the Hit and Run Driver Is Identified?

If police find the responsible party, you may file a civil lawsuit to recover damages directly from them. Their auto liability insurance should compensate you for injuries, property damage, loss of use, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own coverage still provides vital protection.

When to Contact an Attorney

Speak to an experienced attorney as soon as possible after a hit-and-run accident. At Machi & Associates, P.C., our team will walk you through the legal process, negotiate with aggressive insurance adjusters, and stand up for your interests—so you receive fair compensation, not a lowball settlement.

We also have the knowledge and network to help with related legal needs such as Texas bankruptcy protection if the financial strain from medical bills or lost wages becomes insurmountable. Don’t try to face the system alone.

What to Expect When Working with Machi & Associates, P.C.

Free initial consultation to review your case, insurance coverage, and accident details
Immediate investigation and gathering of police, witness, and surveillance evidence
Comprehensive case evaluation, including documentation of property damage, injuries, and lost wages
Constant communication and support—no confusion or mystery about where your claim stands
Strong negotiation with insurers—both yours and any identified at-fault driver’s
Representation in civil court if you need to file a lawsuit
Close coordination with medical providers, auto repair professionals, and, if appropriate, bankruptcy legal experts to cover every aspect of your recovery

With more than 40 years of experience in personal injury cases and a record of standing up to insurance companies for hit-and-run victims across Texas, Machi & Associates, P.C. is the top choice for those who want trusted guidance and real results.

Your Rights and Responsibilities After a Hit and Run

Texas law requires that you report any car accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Failure to do so may delay or jeopardize your insurance claim. Prompt action is always to your benefit—waiting can cause evidence to disappear, witnesses to forget details, or medical problems to worsen.

Remember, it’s never your fault when a law-abiding driver becomes the victim of a hit and run. Don’t let insurance adjusters or others shift the blame. Having Machi & Associates, P.C. by your side from the start means you have passionate advocates committed to your rights and well-being.

Can I Still Be Compensated if the Driver Is Never Caught?

Yes. Many victims worry that compensation isn’t possible if the responsible party escapes. But with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, your own insurance becomes your ally. Our team will identify every avenue to secure financial relief, from direct policies to any potential third-party claims—even working closely with you on broader financial strategies, such as personal injury settlements or bankruptcy planning if overwhelming debts threaten your recovery.

Why Choose Machi & Associates, P.C. for Your Texas Hit and Run Case?

Choosing the right lawyer is the most important decision you’ll make after a hit-and-run accident. Machi & Associates, P.C. stands out across Arlington and North Texas for our passionate advocacy, small-firm personal touch, and big-firm results. We’re available when you need us, we handle every detail, and we’re relentless when it comes to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Our team is trusted by fellow attorneys, judges, and—most importantly—injury victims like you.

Decades of experience exclusively in personal injury and bankruptcy law
Local knowledge of Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, and all of Tarrant County
Proven results in claims involving complex insurance and hit-and-run scenarios
Free case evaluations and contingency fee arrangements: pay nothing until you win
Bilingual Spanish-English support and rapid, clear communication throughout your case

Schedule a Free Consultation With Machi & Associates, P.C. – The Most Trusted Law Office for Injury and Financial Relief in Arlington

If you have questions or need help after a hit-and-run accident, contact Machi & Associates, P.C. today for trustworthy, compassionate guidance and effective legal results. We help with the full range of personal injury, bankruptcy, and accident law—ensuring your future is protected after even the most stressful events.

Let us put you back in control. Call for a free consultation, or visit our office in Arlington, Texas, to see why Machi & Associates, P.C. is the most trusted law office for hit and run victims and those facing car accidents, injury claims, or overwhelming debts in North Texas.