Being struck by a vehicle and left injured on the road is a pedestrian’s worst nightmare. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians are actively increasing. As a pedestrian victim, locating the hit-and-run driver is necessary for holding them responsible and recovering compensation for your injuries and damages. However, this process is often challenging and complicated, especially in the aftermath of such a traumatic event.
This guide by our team at The Payne Law Group will provide tips to help pedestrians in College Station and Brazos County take immediate action and put you in the best position to find the driver responsible.
Tip One: Act Quickly
In the immediate aftermath of a hit-and-run accident, time is of the essence. The more quickly you can gather information and preserve evidence, the better your chances of locating the driver who struck you. Every minute counts as memories fade and evidence disappears.
As soon as you are able, make every effort to document as many details as possible about the vehicle and incident:
- Note the time, exact location, road conditions, and lighting
- Write down the make, model, color, and any distinguishing features of the vehicle
- Record the license plate number if you were able to see it
- Take photos of any debris, skid marks, or damage left at the scene
- Note in which direction the vehicle fled
Even small details that may seem insignificant could become critical pieces of the puzzle when identifying and locating the driver. If you cannot write, write everything down or make an audio recording.
Preserving any physical evidence quickly is also vital. Avoid moving debris, vehicle parts, or other items left behind, as these may be valuable to investigators later. Use cones, markers, or anything available to isolate and protect evidence from being disturbed.
The sooner you can provide authorities and your legal team with a clear record of your recollections and observations, the better your chances of finding answers. Acting swiftly in those first critical moments can make all the difference.
Tip Two: Canvas for Witnesses
Witnesses can provide invaluable information and accounts to aid in locating a hit-and-run driver. As the victim, take steps to identify any potential witnesses in the area.
Start by knocking on doors at residences or businesses near the accident scene. Explain what happened and ask if anyone witnessed the incident or has security or surveillance cameras that may have captured footage of the vehicle or event. Be sure to check with employees or owners of any nearby:
- Restaurants/bars
- Gas stations
- Retail stores
- Office buildings
- Parking garages
Even if they had not directly witnessed the accident, cameras mounted on the buildings could have captured the fleeing vehicle on video. Remember to also check for witnesses in parked cars around the area.
You can also post a request for witnesses on neighborhood social media groups like Nextdoor or community Facebook pages. Provide details on the date, time, location, and vehicle description, and ask anyone who may have witnessed anything to come forward.
The more potential witnesses you can identify, interview, and obtain statements from in the immediate aftermath, the higher the likelihood that critical details about the driver or vehicle will be recalled.
Tip Three: Check for Traffic Cameras
Many major intersections and roadways have traffic cameras installed by city and state authorities. This captured footage could be instrumental in identifying the hit-and-run vehicle and driver.
Immediately after the accident, make note of any nearby traffic cameras you notice. Identify cross-streets and specific locations where cameras are mounted. The more precise you can be about potential camera locations, the better.
Then, contact the local police department or state transportation authority that maintains those cameras. Explain you were the victim of a hit-and-run and request that any footage from the time of the incident be preserved and reviewed. Provide details like:
- Date and approximate time of the accident
- Specific intersection or area where it occurred
- The direction you or the vehicle were traveling
- Vehicle description
Having this detailed information ready can help the authorities locate and access any useful camera footage before it gets discarded. Even if cameras didn’t directly capture the moment of the accident, they may have footage of the vehicle leaving the area. This can provide clues about the make, model, license plate, and driver description.
Don’t hesitate to follow up if your initial requests go unanswered persistently. Remain politely firm about the importance of investigating every potential video source. Traffic camera footage could be the critical evidence needed.
Tip Four: Leverage Technology
In today’s digital world, many different technologies can be powerful tools for locating hit-and-run drivers after an accident. The right apps, databases, and resources could uncover helpful evidence.
If you have a dashcam or home security camera system, immediately review any footage from around the time of the accident. Even if your own cameras didn’t capture the incident, they may have recorded the fleeing vehicle leaving the area, providing details like license plate numbers. Additionally, posting and asking for information from neighborhood apps may be helpful as someone else may have footage of the incident.
Your attorney can also work with private investigators licensed to access certain license plate reader databases and camera networks across the city. Footage from business or residential security systems can fill in missing pieces.
Remember the prevalence of social media and public surveillance, too. Posting clear details about the vehicle description and hit-and-run scenario could lead to tips from residents who spotted something. Rideshare drivers with cameras may have also unintentionally captured evidence.
Using technology to your advantage and exploring every potential digital lead increases the chances of identifying the driver through images, video, or credible witness accounts.
Tip Five: Call The Payne Law Group
Becoming the victim of a hit-and-run accident is an incredibly traumatic and frustrating experience. When the driver flees the scene, you are left injured, overwhelmed, and lacking closure. Locating the driver who caused you harm is crucial for holding them accountable and taking an important step in your recovery.
While the process is difficult and often discouraging, The Payne Law Group can help. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries from a hit-and-run pedestrian accident in the Brazos Valley, Texas, our compassionate team is here to help. Our attorneys have the resources to investigate thoroughly, navigate the complex legal process, and maximize the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.