Injured by a hit-and-run driver in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas? Call Rasansky Law Firm at (214) 617-1886 to learn how we can help!

We offer free over-the-phone consultations, and can explain the options available to you moving forward. If we feel that we can help with your case, we'll do so for no cost to you. We only earn a fee if we actually put money in your pocket.

A car accident is a traumatic event for any driver, especially when the person that caused the accident flees the scene. Hit and run accidents occur far too frequently in Dallas and its surrounding cities, and most victims are left with many questions and few answers. Our job is to answer these questions, make sure no stone is left unturned, and to do everything we can to ensure that you are not left in the cold, holding the bill for someone else's negligence.

Regardless of whether or not the driver was located, it may be possible to recover compensation for your accident so you can take care of your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and other related losses. Call our Dallas attorneys today at (214) 617-1886 for your free consultation.

Hit and run accidents and Texas law.

The state of Texas doesn’t take hit and run car accidents lightly. This kind of criminal offense is considered a third-degree felony if the accident involved bodily injury, and a second-degree felony if someone is killed in the crash (which carries the same punitive weight as an intoxicated manslaughter charge). It’s not uncommon for judges across the state to hand out harsh sentences to these offenders in the hopes of sending a message to the community that is not okay to leave the scene of an accident without stopping to render aid.

The levying of criminal charges is completely in the hands of police, but until the at-fault driver is identified, you're unfortunately left holding the bill. The insurance company is not eager to help you or provide meaningful advice, bills are piling up, and police are not likely to share the results of their investigation until it's been completed—which could take months.

Before another day passes, let us look into the facts of your case and see if we may be able to help out. The call is free, there's no pressure to make a decision, and honestly, it never hurts to have a second pair of eyes looking out for your best interests.

Identifying the hit and run driver.

Depending on where the car crash occurred, it may be possible to track down the responsible driver and hold them accountable. For instance, traffic cameras and private security cameras may have captured video of the perpetrator or their vehicle near the location of the wreck, or another driver may have a partial license plate number or dashcam video.

Issuing a press release through local media outlets could lead to viewer tips and more exposure, and alerting area body shops of the suspect's damaged vehicle can result in positive identification.

Here are some of the reasons why some people in Dallas flee the scene of a car accident:

1. They have no car insurance or are woefully underinsured
2. They have prior convictions
3. They were drunk or intoxicated leading to the accident
4. They didn’t have their driver’s license at the time of the accident
5. They aren’t legally permitted to operate a vehicle (such as in the case of an underage teen).
6. They simply don’t want to pay for the damage

Insurance matters in a Texas hit and run accident.

It's estimated that one out of every five Texas drivers does not carry liability insurance. Even if the hit and run driver is identified—but it's discovered that they don't have a valid insurance policy—you will likely never recover a penny from them, even if you win a judgement in court. This is why it's so important to purchase uninsured motorist coverage for your own insurance policy.

Even when the hit-and-run driver or car cannot be identified, it may still be possible to recover compensation by way of filing an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance company. That being said, please be aware that car insurance companies are not in the business of offering anything close to what you're legally owed. Attempting to file such a claim on your own (without an attorney) can put you at a serious disadvantage right off the bat. Remember that their goal is to pay out as little as possible (if anything at all), while our goal is to fight for every penny you deserve.

As you seek treatment for your injuries and wait for the police to do their work, it is imperative that you get in touch with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible in order to make sure you don't get further taken advantage of.

Our Dallas car accident attorneys will get straight to work interviewing any witnesses, collecting any evidence on your behalf, proving up your damages, and compiling a body of evidence that will help ensure you have the best chance at recovering every dollar you deserve. Contact us today by calling (214) 617-1886 (toll-free) or by emailing us using the contact form on this page.

Was your car accident caught on a highway traffic camera?

In this day and age, cameras are everywhere. In fact, you'd probably be surprised by the number of video cameras that catch your commute on a daily basis. But how easy is it to obtain a copy of this footage?

We've all noticed them: video cameras along highways, at red lights, toll plazas, and even on buses. While there are many reasons why these cameras exist (e.g., law enforcement, monitoring traffic congestion, number plate recognition), understand that the entities which own the cameras are not in the business of finding and providing this footage to the general public, so the ease with which one can retrieve this kind of evidence generally depends on a number of factors.

The first thing you'll want to take into consideration is the different potential sources of video, and this depends largely on where your accident occurred. Were you at an intersection equipped with red light cameras? Were you on a highway or major thoroughfare? Were there any nearby businesses which may have outdoor surveillance cameras? If you're unsure, look up the location on Google StreetView and consider all possibilities.

Traffic cameras & red light cameras.

When it comes to highway traffic cameras and red light cameras, your chances of obtaining a copy of the video without the help of an attorney are unfortunately slim. You're most-likely going to be dealing with a number of public and private entities that have specific requirements when it comes to releasing footage. Some highway traffic cameras are owned by TxDOT while others are owned by the toll authority. Click here for a map of State-owned traffic cameras.

There's no harm in asking for a copy of the video, but they will likely deny your request simply because they are not obligated to do so and because they do not want to put the man-hours into tracking down the relevant portion of video.

That being said, if you have an attorney (which is ALWAYS recommended if you've suffered an injury), inform them of this potential piece of evidence as soon as possible. Your attorney can issue a subpoena seeking the release of said footage, but it's important to act quickly as these cameras often erase old data after a certain period of time.

If you do not currently have an attorney, I would advise that you at least discuss your concerns with an attorney through a free over-the-phone consultation. The advice is free, and if you have a potential personal injury claim, most attorneys will handle your case for no cost to you (on a no-win, no-fee basis).

Private business surveillance cameras.

If you have a strong belief that your car accident was captured by a CCTV surveillance camera located on private property (e.g., Walmart, gas station, etc.), you stand a better chance of finding someone who is willing to help. Private businesses also have no obligation to provide this footage to you without a subpoena, but a friendly request can go a long way.

Some businesses and larger stores have strict stipulations on how and when they share this video, and if you run into a roadblock, discuss your options with an experienced car accident lawyer.

Dash cams & other sources.

Everyone knows police cruisers are equipped with dash cams, but personal dash cams have also become increasingly popular in the last few years. Be sure to ask any witnesses to the accident if they had a dashboard camera recording. While admittedly a long shot, some people have even stumbled across footage of their accident uploaded to YouTube mere days afterward.

If you believe the car crash was caught on a nearby police car's dash cam, you may have to jump through a few hoops in order to obtain the video footage. First, you will have to identify the officer(s) by their name, designation and badge numbers, craft a letter explaining your intent, and then send it to the related precinct, after which you will wait for a response.

It is important to note that police dash cams and bus cameras aren’t always recording. Additionally, due to limited resources, it is not uncommon for these entities to record over older footage. This is why it's so important to act fast when attempting to preserve this vital evidence.

Personal dashcams are incredibly cheap nowadays, and if nothing else, this experience should show you that spending $50 on a dash cam now can save you a considerable amount of trouble down the road.

Can a lawyer help?

If you were injured in a car crash, it's definitely worth your while to at least seek out a free over-the-phone consultation with an attorney in your area. While we understand the urge to want to handle your own case, know that the insurance company will not play nice when it comes to your injury claim. While property-damage-only claims are pretty straight forward, accompanying personal injury claims are not!

By hiring an attorney (which, again, will cost you nothing out of pocket), you're ensuring that you have the best chance at a successful outcome. At Rasansky Law Firm, our attorneys will make sure you're not taken advantage of, and will handle your claim from beginning to end. Our job is to make sure you're compensated for every penny you're owed, and we take this responsibility seriously.

When it comes to car crashes, time is of the essence. Getting in touch with a good accident attorney from day one will go a long way in collecting relevant evidence, proving negligence, demonstrating the true value of your case, and winning compensation. Please call us today at (214) 617-1886 for your free consultation.

There are many factors to a motor vehicle accident, and not every type of accident should be handled the same way.

The circumstances of your accident can have a huge impact on how the case should be handled, as well as your ability to recover compensation. To discuss your options with us (for free) today, call (214) 617-1886.

Most of us don’t prepare for an auto accident, simply because on some level we believe that they won’t happen to us. Unfortunately, we live in an imperfect world, and human behavior is largely unpredictable. Motor vehicle accidents are responsible for tens of thousands of deaths on our roads every year. These figures, according to statistics, show no signs of abating.

Today we'd like to discuss the different types of motor vehicle accidents, and how they differ from one another. No two accidents are ever the same, but certain types of accidents (and accidents involving certain types of vehicles) must be handled much differently than normal passenger-car accidents if you want any chance at successfully recovering fair compensation for your injuries.

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The most common types of passenger car accidents.

1. Rear-End Collisions — These types of accidents involve one car colliding into the back side of the car in front of it. Most rear-end accidents can be attributed to following too closely, but there may be other factors at play as well, such as distracted driving. Many people mistakenly believe that, according to the law, the rear-ender is automatically at-fault, but this is simply not true. Sudden deceleration may contribute to these types of accidents, as well as vehicles making unsafe lane changes or entering the roadway.
2. Head-On Collisions — This is one of the most-dangerous types of car accidents simply due to the force with which the two cars collide. These types of accidents involve the front face of one car ramming into the front of another vehicle, often caused by a driver traveling the wrong way. Airbags do offer some kind of cushioning from the shock, and can help prevent occupants from slamming into the interior of the vehicle. That being said, these types of accidents are usually unforeseen, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
3. Vehicle Rollovers — SUVs and pickup trucks are usually designed and manufactured with a high center of gravity. This can make them easy to tip over or violently roll in a serious collision. Accidents of this nature may even lead to a product liability lawsuit against the automobile manufacturer with regard to "crashworthiness" (e.g., roof collapses, doors becoming unlatched, or other ineffective safety features).
4. Side Impact or T-Bone Collisions — Just like it sounds, these accidents involve one vehicle which crashes into the side of another car at a 90 degree angle. These types of accidents often occur at intersections, and usually involve at least one party running a red light, a stop sign, or otherwise failing to yield right of way. The force with which cars involved in these kind of collision experience is often enough to cause serious injuries or wrongful death to the driver being struck, especially motorcyclists.
5. Multi-Vehicle or Pileup Collisions — These accidents involve many cars (usually on a highway) colliding in somewhat of a domino effect. The more vehicles involved in a crash, the more-convoluted the insurance claim process will be (and the more chances you have of being taken advantage). Determining liability could take months, and if you fail to act quickly in filing a claim, the at-fault driver's liability insurance limits may have already been reached. This could potentially leave you with no way to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
6. Hit and Run Accidents — These types of accidents are often the most-traumatic for people, because the victim is left with no clear avenue to pursue compensation for their injuries. There may or may not be witnesses, and it may be difficult to resolve if there were no cameras or witnesses to corroborate personal accounts. That being said, small clues left at the scene (such as parts of the car or tire marks) can all be used by a forensic investigator to track down the perpetrator. Additionally, you may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance company.
7. Sideswipe Collisions — These types of wrecks usually involve two cars traveling in the same direction (sometimes opposite directions), where the side of one car bumps the side of the other. Often caused by an unsafe lance change, sideswipe accidents usually produce minor damages and injuries, but can also result in an underride accident. It's important to understand that if there's ANY doubt regarding fault, the other insurance company will always attempt to blame the accident on you, rather than their insured driver.

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Accidents caused by drunk drivers.

While you might think that a car accident caused by an intoxicated driver would be handled very similarly to a normal car accident, there are some very important things of which to be aware.

If you were hit by a drunk driver and suffered injuries, you need to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. In order to have a strong case, your attorney needs to begin working on your case right away. Evidence needs to be secured, and you need to determine early-on if you may have a potential dram shop claim against the bar or club which over-served the drunk driver.

Texas law allows victims of a DWI accident to pursue a claim against the bar (as well as the drunk driver) if it can be proven that they violated TABC regulations in serving alcohol responsibly. These types of lawsuits are very complex, but our firm has considerable experience and can advise you of your legal options moving forward.

If you were a passenger being driven by a drunk driver, you likely have a claim against the driver's insurance policy, but may also have a valid dram shop claim against the drinking establishment. Even drunk drivers who hurt themselves in an accident after being negligently overserved at a bar may be able to recover compensation through a first-party dram shop claim.

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Accidents involving commercial vehicles.

Commercial vehicles (such as 18-wheeler trucks and buses) can cause serious accidents owing to their sheer size, mass, and potential energy. These types of vehicles use our roads on a daily basis and are responsible for moving both people and cargo from one city to another within as short a time as possible. The problem, however, is when transportation companies push their drivers to a point of exhaustion.

When drivers are allowed (or forced) to drive for extended periods of time, they put other drivers at risk. If your attorney discovers that the company had violated federal hours-of-service rules, you could potentially recover significantly more compensation through a punitive damages award.

The most-important thing to understand about accidents involving a commercial truck (18-wheeler, semi-trailer, big rig or tractor trailer) is that you are going to face an uphill challenge. Semi trucks are often have over $1 million in coverage, and the insurance company is already building their case against you from day one. The insurance company's commercial adjusters and on-staff lawyers have a vested interest in denying your claim or settling for pennies on the dollar before you've completed medical treatment, which is why it's so important to hire your own attorney.

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Accidents involving pedestrians.

A car-vs-pedestrian accident can result in life-changing injuries to those who survive, but oftentimes prove fatal. Resulting injuries can require a lifetime of rehabilitation, and may lead to disfigurement, amputation, or permanent disabilities such as nerve damage, brain injury or paralysis.

In order to recover enough compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future income, pain and suffering and more, you will need to build a strong case against the at-fault driver. Understand that you only get one shot at a lawsuit, so it is very important to hire an attorney in your area who has experience with these type of cases, and who has proven experience in court.

Car-vs-bicycle accidents are said to account for about 600 deaths on our roads each year. While motorists can rest easy in their cars, cyclists usually have no form of protection from these metal machines in comparison to their tiny bikes. Common injuries faced by bicyclists include broken bones, road rash, whiplash, internal organ damage, as well as head injuries.

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Accidents involving motorcycles, scooters or ATVs.

Motorcycle and scooter accidents account for a good fraction of all accidents on our roads, and victims often suffer serious leg and head injuries that can permanently alter their lives. While surprising to many, statistics show that most motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles are caused by the other driver.

ATV accidents are more-common in rural areas, but liability generally works the same way. If someone's actions led to your accident, they are still liable for your damages. Additionally, if the accident occurred on private property, you could have a valid premises liability claim. If the accident was caused by a vehicle defect or poor design, your attorney may be able to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

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Car-vs-train accidents.

Train accidents usually tend to be in a special section due to the fact that the're relatively uncommon. It’s estimated that there are about 3,000 of these accidents every year, and that 1,000 people lose their lives as a result.

Victims usually include drivers, passengers, bystanders, railroad workers (FELA), and even pedestrians. The laws regarding railway crossings, trespassing, and right of way can be very complex, but an attorney should be able to explain the legal options available during your free over-the-phone consultation.

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Accidents on the water.

Watercraft accidents are unfortunately common in Dallas-Fort Worth due to the popularity of our area lakes. Accidents on the water can involve vehicles such as jet-skis and boats, and are often caused by substandard safety training, operating watercraft while under the influence, and sometimes due to poor maintenance or defective parts.

Injuries to jet-ski riders can include whiplash, broken limbs, head injuries, internal organ damage, and drowning. Boat injuries, on the other hand can run the gamut and include things like slipping and falling on wet surfaces, suffering burns, lacerations, and spinal cord injuries.

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The most important thing to remember, regardless of what type of accident you were involved in.

No two motor vehicle accidents are alike, and most people don't realize how much work and preparation goes into a successful personal injury claim. It's not as simple as showing the other motorist was at-fault. In fact, the insurance company legally owes you nothing unless a court of law rules otherwise.

At Rasansky Law Firm, it's our job to prove up your damages and compel these companies to compensate you for your losses. If we cannot negotiate a fair settlement, we are more than willing to take them to court and fight for what you truly deserve.

If you'd like to speak to us about your case for free, call us at (214) 617-1886 and learn exactly how we can help.

Answer:

A “miss and run” car accident is like a hit and run accident – except that the vehicle that causes the accident does not make any visible physical contact with your car before speeding from the scene of the crash. Also known as a phantom car accident, miss and run accidents can still result in serious property damage, life-threatening injury, and even death even though the two vehicles never collide.
What makes a miss and run accident legally different from a hit and run accident? Miss and run accidents often suffer from a lack of evidence, especially if there were no witnesses to the accident other than you. Insurance companies are suspicious of miss and run cases because there is a chance that the person reporting the accident is fabricating the second car to pin fault on someone else.
There are ways to prove a phantom car crash – tire marks on the pavement, cameras in the area, and witness statements can all help support your story. Although phantom car accidents are more difficult to receive compensation for, you should still absolutely speak with a Texas injury attorney if you have been involved in a miss and run crash and would like to seek damages.

A Texas man has filed a Galveston County personal injury lawsuit against a towing company after the man claimed that a tow truck struck his vehicle and then left the scene of the accident.

According to local news sources, Richard Coles, of La Marque, was driving a vehicle on the feeder road alongside northbound I-45 when he slowed for traffic. The truck driving behind him, a Challenger Towing Inc. truck driven by Dickinson resident Grady Bolton, failed to slow down with traffic and rear-ended Coles. He suffered serious injuries and his car was totaled in the crash. Bolton allegedly fled the scene of the Houston truck accident.
The court documents state that Cole is suing for unspecified monetary damages and claims that Bolton failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep a reasonable distance, and failed to brake. The court papers also state that Bolton was speeding in the moments before the crash.
It is unclear how the tow truck was located after the crash or whether that vehicle incurred damage during the collision.
Have you been involved in a semi crash? Be sure to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable Dallas truck wreck lawyer about whether or not you could receive compensation in the wake of your crash.

Hit and run accidents are all too common in Dallas-Fort Worth.

One driver who recently struck a vehicle and fled the scene ended up getting killed in the process, according to WFAA.
According to the report, the woman struck a minivan while she was driving near I-30 in Grand Prairie. She left the scene of the accident, speeding. The driver of a FedEx semi was making a turn off of the road that the fleeing driver took off on and she slammed into the back of him. Her vehicle was dragged and the top of her vehicle was smashed.

The woman was taken to the hospital for her injuries. She died at Parkland Memorial Hospital.

Dealing with hit and run drivers.

The woman whose minivan was struck by the hit and run driver did try to follow, according to the report, but she wasn't fast enough. This is probably a lot of people’s reflex in this situation but remember that you don’t have legal license to speed after a driver if they hit you.
If you can get their license plate number, that’s obviously useful. If not, pay attention to the color and the make of the vehicle. Having the model is helpful, but if you can even tell the police something like “Blue Ford SUV”, it’s usually enough for them to find the driver if the driver is still in the area.
Hit and run drivers may be fleeing for reasons that could be worse than you may expect. They may have felony warrants, for instance, be on probation or have other, very serious, reason that they’re running away. It’s best to let the police deal with it and to call in the accident as soon as you can rather than trying out run the other driver down. If you do run them down, that might only make the situation even more dangerous.
Dallas personal injury lawyers may be able to help you if a hit and run driver hurt you, caused you medical injury or some other hardship. Failing to stop and render aid after an accident is a crime, and you can also file a lawsuit against the driver in civil court. This may win you compensation from a jury award or a settlement, which could help you pay for the costs you incurred as a result of the wreck.

Irving Police are looking for a pickup truck and a suspected hit-and-run driver following a bicycle-vehicle collision on February 24th.

According to the Star-Telegram, 50-year-old Ken Hawkins was cycling westbound down Irving Boulevard just after noon when his bike was struck from behind by a pickup truck which then left the scene of the crash.
Authorities say the vehicle was a blue or grey Ford F150 with tinted windows and orange lettering on the back. They are asking anyone with information about the Texas vehicle accident to come forward.
Seven years ago, Hawkins’ pregnant wife was involved in a Joshua traffic accident. Both she and the unborn baby died, leaving Hawkins to raise his son – now seven – alone. Currently, family members are caring for his son, Kennedy, as Ken recovers.
Hawkins was rushed to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas where he remains in serious condition. He suffered a traumatic brain injury in the hit-and-run accident and is in a medically induced coma for the time being. It is unclear whether the avid cyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
The bike accident lawyers at Rasansky Law Firm wish everyone in Hawkins’ family well and wish Ken a swift and complete recovery.

An Oak Lawn man is in critical condition at Parkland Memorial Hospital this week after being struck by a hit-and-run driver on Cedar Springs Road on Thursday night.

55-year-old Wayne Earl Priest was walking in an unlit crosswalk at the intersection of Reagan Street at nine in the evening when he was hit by a passing car. A witness who saw the accident told police that the man was walking about two feet outside of the crosswalk when he was hit by a maroon four-door vehicle that had just pulled out of a private driveway. The driver of the vehicle did not stop to render medical aid or call for help.
The Dallas Police Department's Traffic Division is asking anyone who has information or saw the accident to call the Vehicle Crimes Unit is 214-670-5817.
This Oak Lawn pedestrian accident spotlights both the dangers of walking at night and the serious consequences of not stopping your car after striking a pedestrian. It is important to remember that crosswalks - especially unlit crosswalks - can be hazardous at night. And always remember that not stopping to render aid after a traffic accident is illegal.
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Dallas, speak to a personal injury lawyer at Rasansky Law Firm today. Call us at (214) 617-1886 to schedule your free consultation.

A Dallas man is recovering in the hospital after being the victim of a hit-and-run motorcycle accident on July 25th.

He and his family are asking that anyone with information regarding the accident contact the police and share what they know.
According to local news sources, 23-year-old Matthew Meyer was riding his motorcycle one afternoon this summer when he was struck by an SUV at the intersection of Lemmon Avenue and Prescott Avenue in Dallas. Instead of stopping to help the man, who was critically injured, the driver fled from the scene of the accident without even calling for help. Meyer was left to die on the pavement, which was so hot that it burned his back and legs.
The motorcycle rider woke up from his coma days later with a broken neck, a punctured spleen, and other broken bones. He was in a world of pain, and it was his birthday. The only evidence that police had of who hit Meyer was the red paint found on his clothing – transferred from the vehicle during the impact.
As Meyer makes his slow and painful recovery, he and his family want justice. They don’t think its right that the person who left a man for dead on the side of the road should walk free. If you have any information about this motorcycle accident, contact the Dallas Police Department immediately.

After one fatal hit-and-run accident in Dallas and another similar deadly incident in Arlington, police are asking the public for help in finding and arresting the two drivers who left pedestrians to die.
In the first fatal traffic accident, 17-year-old Beatrice Johnson was struck and killed while walking on the Great Trinity Forest Parkway with a friend at around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday night. The other teen is recovering from her injuries, and police have few leads on who struck the girls and then fled the scene.
In the second deadly car accident, 20-year-old Sean Huntsman of DeSoto was thrown from a pickup truck after the vehicle was struck by another driver on Interstate 30 in Arlington in the early hours of Thursday morning. The young man died at the scene of the accident. While police have found the sports utility vehicle that was used in the hit-and-run accident, they have not located the person driving that night.
If you have any information about either of these accidents, we encourage you to contact the authorities in your area and help find closure for the families of these victims. If you or a family member have been injured in a hit-and-run accident in the Dallas area, call a Texas personal injury attorney today.