Legally Reviewed by Kevin Henrichson on July 27, 2026
Hit and Run Attorney in Austin, Tx
The moments after a hit-and-run accident leave victims disoriented, injured, and often with a sense of anxiety concerning their ability to get justice. When another driver flees the scene, they abandon not just their legal responsibilities but also leave you facing medical bills, property damage, and an uncertain path to recovery. Your rights and options in these challenging circumstances matter, and knowing them is essential to securing the fair compensation you deserve for the losses you may have suffered.
At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP, Austin’s oldest and most established personal injury law firm since 1959, we represent hit-and-run accident victims. Our team of experienced trial attorneys brings over six decades of courtroom experience and the reputation that makes insurance companies take notice. When you need an advocate after a hit-and-run accident, our dedicated Austin hit-and-run lawyers stand ready to guide you through every step of the legal process.
⚠ Time-Sensitive — Texas Law Limits Your Window to File
Injured in an Austin hit-and-run? Texas gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wait too long, and your right to recover compensation may be gone for good.
60+ years representing Austin accident victims. Board Certified trial attorneys. No fees unless we recover for you.
Damages You Can Recover After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Victims of hit-and-run accidents in Texas may be surprised to learn they could be eligible to recover significant compensation for their losses. Even though the driver fled the scene, making it more difficult to gather the necessary evidence, with the help of our trusted legal team, it is still possible to build a strong claim.
Texas law allows victims to seek compensation for current and future medical costs, including hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and physical therapy. You may also be able to recover lost wages and any reduction in your future earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work. Additional damages can include the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged property, as well as compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. After your hit-and-run accident, our team of legal professionals will launch a full investigation into your case to help you pursue the best possible outcome for your settlement.
Texas Hit-and-Run Laws: Your Rights After a Driver Flees
Under Texas Transportation Code Section 550.023, a driver involved in an accident that causes injury or death to another person is legally required to stop, provide their name, address, vehicle registration, driver’s license, and insurance information, and render reasonable assistance to anyone who is hurt. A separate provision, Section 550.021, imposes similar duties when an accident causes only property damage. A driver who leaves the scene without meeting these obligations has broken the law, and that violation can serve as powerful evidence of fault in your civil claim, in addition to any criminal charges the driver may face.
How Our Austin Hit-and-Run Attorneys Can Help With Your Claim
When you partner with Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP, our experienced team takes immediate action to protect your rights and pursue the compensation and justice you are owed for your losses after being involved in a hit-and-run. Our approach includes conducting an independent investigation to identify the driver using available evidence, witness statements, and security footage, and exploring every potential avenue for compensation, including your own uninsured motorist coverage and other applicable insurance policies. We document all accident-related damages, negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to maximize your settlement, and represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. As true trial attorneys, we prepare every case as if it will go to court, which often provides the leverage needed to secure fair settlements without trial. However, we always remain prepared to fight for your rights before a judge or jury if necessary.
How to Prove Liability in Texas Hit-and-Run Cases
Establishing liability in hit-and-run cases presents unique challenges, but our Austin hit-and-run lawyers have developed effective strategies to build strong claims. Our team works to collect physical evidence from the accident scene, secure witness testimony, obtain available video footage, and analyze accident reconstruction alongside your documented injuries and the official police report.
Even if the hit-and-run driver is never identified, we can help you pursue compensation through your own insurance coverage, particularly uninsured motorist protection. This coverage can provide compensation for your injuries and damages just as if the at-fault driver had been identified and had minimum liability insurance.
Statute of Limitations for Austin Hit-and-Run Claims
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, injured victims generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a hit-and-run accident results in a fatality, surviving family members have two years from the date of death, not the date of the crash, to file a wrongful death claim.
Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to recover compensation permanently, no matter how strong your case may be. Claims involving a government-owned vehicle often carry a much shorter notice deadline. The safest step is to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your crash so nothing is left to chance.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run in Austin
The steps you take in the minutes and days after a hit-and-run crash can directly affect the strength of your claim. If you are able to do so safely, consider taking the following actions:
- Call 911 to report the crash and request medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at first.
- Try to note the fleeing vehicle’s color, make, and any part of the license plate you can see.
- Photograph the scene, including your vehicle, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the crash.
- Notify your own insurance company and speak with an attorney before discussing fault with any insurer.
Taking these steps early helps preserve evidence that insurance companies often try to dispute later, and an experienced attorney can guide you through each one.
Contact Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP About Your Austin Hit-and-Run Accident Claim
If you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Austin, don’t face this difficult situation alone. Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP brings more than 60 years of trial experience and a reputation for aggressive, effective representation. As Austin’s oldest personal injury law firm, we have helped countless victims recover fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
Our Austin car accident lawyers work directly with clients, returning calls promptly and providing the personal attention your case deserves. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your situation and explore your legal options, and we handle every case on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us nothing unless we secure a recovery on your behalf. Reach out to our team today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward justice.
Frequently Asked Questions to Hit and Run Lawyer in Austin, TX
Do I Have a Hit-and-Run Case in Austin?
If another driver fled the scene of your crash, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim regardless of whether the driver is ever identified. Texas allows you to recover compensation as long as you were 50% or less at fault for the crash. An attorney can review the specific facts of your case and let you know where you stand.
What Is the Deadline to File a Hit-and-Run Lawsuit in Texas?
You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, and two years from the date of death in a fatal hit-and-run case. Claims involving a government-owned vehicle may carry a shorter notice deadline, so it is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your crash.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Hit-and-Run Lawyer in Austin?
Our firm handles hit-and-run cases on a contingency fee basis, so there is no upfront cost to hire us. We only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf, which means you can pursue your claim without added financial pressure.
Can Family Members File a Claim if a Hit-and-Run Crash Causes a Death?
Yes. When a hit-and-run crash results in a fatality, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Texas gives families two years from the date of death to file.
What Should I Do If a Hit-and-Run Happens on I-35 or Another Austin Highway?
Call 911, seek medical attention, and try to note the fleeing vehicle’s description if you are able to do so safely. This applies whether the crash happened on I-35, MoPac, or a quiet residential street. Get witness contact information if possible, and avoid discussing fault with any insurer before speaking with an attorney.