Two people have been pronounced dead at the scene of a fiery hit-and-run crash in Houston, according to ABC 13. They were ejected from their vehicle on Broadway Street. Houston police said the collision happened when two SUVs traveling northbound at high speed lost control and struck each other. Both the driver and passenger were ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. The occupants of the white Infiniti fled before officers arrived, and investigators are working to identify them.
In Houston, high-speed crashes like this one can have devastating and permanent consequences for victims and their families. Reckless driving, street racing, and fleeing the scene are all too common causes of fatal wrecks across Harris County. At Lassiter Law, our Houston car accident attorneys understand the immense pain, loss, and financial burden families face after such tragedies. We are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and fighting for the justice and compensation victims deserve. If you’ve lost a loved one or been seriously injured in a Houston car accident, contact us today at (832) 937-4381 to schedule your free consultation.
Get Relief With a Houston Car Crash Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a serious collision, a Houston car accident attorney can help you take back control of your recovery. Car crashes often lead to complex insurance disputes, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your financial future. An experienced attorney understands how to investigate the cause of the crash, identify all responsible parties, and pursue full compensation for your losses. From gathering police reports and witness testimony to reviewing medical records and accident scene evidence, every detail is crucial to building a strong claim. Having the right legal advocate on your side ensures that your voice is heard and your rights are protected throughout the entire process.
At Lassiter Law, our Houston car crash attorneys have extensive experience representing victims of negligent and reckless drivers. We collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and economists to reveal the full scope of your damages. That includes physical injuries to emotional trauma and lost income. Our firm is committed to providing compassionate, results-driven representation while aggressively pursuing justice on your behalf. Whether you were injured on a Houston freeway, in a neighborhood intersection, or in a hit-and-run, our Houston car crash attorneys have the skill, resources, and dedication to help you get the relief and compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Houston Hit-and-Run Crashes
Hit-and-run accidents in Houston often happen suddenly and without warning. In many cases, they are the result of reckless or illegal driving behaviors that could have been avoided. Understanding what causes these crashes can help victims and families recognize patterns of negligence and strengthen their legal claims.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
High-speed driving is one of the leading causes of serious and fatal collisions in Houston. When drivers lose control, they may panic and flee the scene to avoid arrest or responsibility. Reckless behavior such as tailgating, racing, or weaving through traffic also increases the likelihood of devastating injuries and property damage.
Driving Under the Influence
Impaired drivers are far more likely to cause a crash and to leave the scene afterward. Alcohol and drugs affect judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it difficult for a driver to think clearly in the aftermath of an accident. Many hit-and-run cases are later linked to intoxicated drivers who fled to avoid DUI charges.
Distracted or Fatigued Driving
Texting, adjusting a GPS, or simply being too tired behind the wheel can lead to serious mistakes on the road. Distracted and fatigued drivers often fail to notice signals, other vehicles, or pedestrians. When they cause an accident, their disorientation or fear may lead them to flee rather than take responsibility.
Understanding Your Rights After a Houston Car Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Houston car accident, it’s important to understand that you have clear legal rights. Even if the at-fault driver has not been identified or is disputing responsibility. Texas law protects victims of negligence by allowing them to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by another driver’s actions. Whether your case involves a hit-and-run, distracted driving, or a fatal collision, knowing your rights early in the process can make a major difference in your recovery.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
Texas law imposes a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury or wrongful death claims resulting from a car accident. This means you generally have two years from the date of the crash to take legal action.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
While two years may seem like a long time, key evidence can disappear within days or weeks. Skid marks fade, vehicles are repaired, and witnesses can become difficult to locate. In hit-and-run cases, acting quickly is even more critical, as investigators need time to identify the fleeing driver and gather supporting evidence.
Exceptions to the Rule
Certain circumstances can extend or shorten the filing deadline. For example, if the injured party is a minor or if the at-fault driver cannot be immediately identified, the time limit may pause (known as “tolling”). Consulting a Houston car crash attorney as soon as possible ensures that your claim is filed correctly and within all legal timeframes.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
After a serious crash, the financial and emotional impact can be overwhelming. Fortunately, victims have the right to pursue compensation that covers the full extent of their losses. That doesn’t just include their immediate medical expenses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are designed to reimburse measurable financial losses directly caused by the accident. This typically includes medical bills for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any long-term care required. Victims may also recover lost wages for income missed while they are unable to work or attend medical appointments. In more severe cases, compensation may account for reduced earning capacity if the injuries limit a person’s ability to work in the future.
Property damage, including repairs or replacement of a vehicle and other personal items, can also be recovered. Additionally, victims may seek compensation for future care costs such as ongoing therapy, home modifications, or assistive equipment necessary for long-term recovery.
Non-Economic Damages
Not all injuries are visible. Non-economic damages address the physical and emotional pain that cannot be easily measured, providing compensation for ongoing pain and suffering or chronic discomfort. Victims may also recover for emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress caused by the crash.
When injuries affect quality of life, victims may seek damages for the loss of enjoyment of activities they once loved. Compensation may also include loss of companionship when serious injuries strain or alter personal relationships. These damages recognize the deep, lasting impact that a car accident can have on a victim’s overall well-being.
Wrongful Death Claims
In tragic cases where a collision results in loss of life, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim allows families to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions and pursue compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, emotional suffering, and loss of companionship.
While no amount of money can ever replace a loved one, a wrongful death claim can help provide closure, justice, and financial stability during an unimaginably difficult time. It also serves as an important reminder that negligent driving has serious consequences and that families have the right to seek accountability under Texas law.
What to Do After a Houston Hit-and-Run Crash
A Houston hit-and-run crash can leave victims feeling scared, confused, and unsure of what to do next. When another driver flees the scene, you’re suddenly left to handle injuries, vehicle damage, and unanswered questions alone. Taking the right steps immediately after the crash is crucial, not only to protect your physical well-being but also to strengthen your legal claim. The moments following a collision are chaotic, but calm, informed actions can make a lasting difference in your recovery and your ability to seek compensation later.
Step 1: Ensure Your Safety and Call 911
Your health and safety should always come first. Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible, and call 911 to report the accident. Request emergency medical assistance, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Symptoms from whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma can appear hours later. Promptly calling for help ensures that first responders can begin documenting the scene while providing the urgent care you may need.
Prioritize Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask pain and injury in the immediate aftermath of a Houston hit-and-run crash. Paramedics can identify injuries that aren’t immediately visible and ensure you receive appropriate treatment. Follow up with a doctor within 24 hours and keep records of every medical visit. This will be vital evidence in your case.
Stay Calm and Wait for Help
Avoid chasing or confronting the fleeing driver, as this can put you in additional danger. Instead, remain at the scene, check on any passengers, and stay on the line with emergency dispatchers. Remaining calm helps you remember key details and allows law enforcement to handle the situation safely and effectively.
Step 2: Document the Scene
While waiting for police, gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of your vehicle, the damage, skid marks, debris, and any surrounding property damage. Note the time, location, and any details about the fleeing vehicle, as even partial information can help investigators. Thorough documentation may be the difference between finding the responsible driver and having no leads at all.
Capture Key Details
Photographs and videos help paint a clear picture of what happened. Make sure to include images of nearby intersections, traffic signals, weather conditions, and any vehicle parts left behind by the hit-and-run driver. These small details often become crucial evidence when reconstructing the accident.
Record Personal Notes
Memory fades quickly, especially in the aftermath of trauma. Write down every detail you can recall, such as the direction the other car traveled or any identifying marks like bumper stickers or dents. The sooner you capture this information, the more reliable it will be for both investigators and your attorney.
Step 3: File a Police Report
A formal police report is essential for both insurance and legal claims. Provide officers with every detail you remember, no matter how minor it may seem. Houston police will investigate hit-and-run incidents and may be able to locate the responsible driver through vehicle registration or surveillance footage. Filing the report promptly ensures there’s an official record of your crash, which strengthens your position with both insurers and in court.
Why a Police Report Matters
A police report establishes that a crime occurred and documents your account while it’s still fresh. It provides proof of your efforts to report the incident, which can be especially important when the at-fault driver remains unidentified. Without this report, your insurance claim may face unnecessary delays or denials.
Obtain a Copy for Your Records
Always request a copy of the report or the case number before leaving the scene. Your Houston car crash attorney will need this to track the investigation, communicate with law enforcement, and build your legal claim. Keeping organized records ensures nothing is lost as your case progresses.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the crash. If the other driver remains unidentified, you may still be able to recover damages through your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. An attorney can help ensure your claim is handled properly and that you aren’t pressured into accepting less than you deserve. Reporting quickly also helps prevent insurers from disputing your claim due to delays.
File Promptly and Accurately
Be honest and detailed when describing what happened but avoid speculating about fault or injuries. Stick to the facts, and let your attorney guide the process. Even a simple misstatement can be used by insurance companies to undervalue your claim or shift blame.
Let an Attorney Handle Negotiations
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, even for innocent victims. Having a skilled Houston car accident attorney represent you ensures your rights are protected. Your lawyer will handle communication, provide documentation, and push for the full compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
Texas law imposes strict deadlines on when accident victims can take legal action. These deadlines are known as statutes of limitations, and they determine how long you have to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim after a crash. Understanding and acting within these time limits is essential to preserving your right to compensation.
The Two-Year Rule
In most cases, Texas law gives accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. If the accident results in death, surviving family members generally have two years from the date of the victim’s passing to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Although two years may seem like plenty of time, the legal process can be complex and time-sensitive. Evidence can disappear quickly, witnesses may become difficult to contact, and insurance companies often delay communication. Acting promptly allows your attorney to investigate effectively and build a strong claim while the details are still fresh.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Time is a crucial factor in any car accident case. Important pieces of evidence can fade or be lost within days. In a Houston hit-and-run crash, quick action is even more important, as investigators may need to identify the fleeing driver and preserve proof of their involvement before it’s too late.
Filing your claim early also gives your attorney more time to collect supporting evidence, negotiate with insurers, and ensure all documents are properly filed. Missing the deadline, even by a few days, could mean permanently losing your right to seek compensation.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are limited circumstances in which the statute of limitations may be extended or “tolled.” For example, if the injured person is a minor, the two-year clock may not begin until they turn 18. Likewise, if the at-fault driver cannot be identified or is evading law enforcement, the deadline may be paused until the responsible party is located.
However, these exceptions are rare and often depend on complex legal factors. Consulting a Houston car crash attorney as soon as possible ensures that your claim is filed correctly, on time, and with all necessary documentation to protect your rights.
Understanding Fault and Liability in Texas Car Accidents
Determining who is at fault after a car accident is one of the most important factors in recovering compensation. In Texas, fault is not always clear-cut. Multiple parties may share responsibility for causing a collision. That’s why understanding how liability is determined under state law is essential to protecting your rights and ensuring a fair outcome.
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows accident victims to recover compensation even if they share some degree of fault. However, the amount they receive is reduced based on their level of responsibility for the crash. This legal framework emphasizes fairness. It also makes having strong evidence and legal guidance crucial.
The 51% Bar Rule
Texas’ 51% Bar Rule is a key component of the state’s comparative negligence system. Under this rule, you can still recover compensation as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you lose the right to recover any damages.
This means that even a small shift in liability can make a big difference in your case. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the crash and your damages total $100,000, your compensation will be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $80,000. But if you are found 51% at fault, you would receive nothing. That’s regardless of your injuries or expenses.
Why the Rule Matters
Insurance companies often try to use this rule to their advantage by arguing that victims bear a higher percentage of fault than they actually do. This is why legal representation is critical. An experienced attorney can counter these tactics, present evidence accurately, and ensure that your percentage of fault is assessed fairly. Without strong advocacy, you risk losing valuable compensation due to manipulated fault determinations.
Proving Negligence
To successfully recover damages, you must prove that another driver was negligent and that their actions directly caused your injuries. Negligence means that the other party failed to act with reasonable care. This is the kind of caution that a responsible driver would have used under the same circumstances.
Common Examples of Negligent Driving
Negligence can take many forms on Texas roads. Some of the most common examples include speeding, running red lights, failing to yield, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or using a phone while driving. Reckless behaviors like tailgating, aggressive lane changes, or ignoring traffic signals can also establish fault. Even mechanical failures may qualify as negligence if they contribute to a crash.
The Four Elements of Negligence
In most personal injury cases, negligence is proven by establishing four key elements. These include duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. While these elements may seem straightforward, proving them requires careful documentation and evidence, especially when the other driver or their insurance company disputes liability.
How a Houston Car Crash Attorney Can Help You
After a Houston hit-and-run crash, victims are often left feeling powerless. They face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about who will cover their losses. When the at-fault driver flees, the legal and insurance process becomes far more complicated. A skilled Houston car crash attorney can take immediate action to protect your rights, guide you through every step, and pursue the compensation you deserve. From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, an experienced attorney ensures you’re not left to shoulder the burden alone.
Investigating the Hit-and-Run
When a driver leaves the scene of an accident, uncovering the truth becomes a race against time. Evidence fades quickly, witnesses move on, and video footage can be erased within days. A skilled Houston car accident attorney understands the urgency. They’ll take swift action to gather and preserve every piece of available evidence.
Gathering Critical Evidence
Your attorney will launch an in-depth investigation into the crash, collecting every available piece of evidence. This may include police reports, witness statements, photos, surveillance videos, and accident reconstruction data. In many Houston hit-and-run crash cases, time is crucial. Early investigation increases the chances of identifying the driver who fled the scene.
Working with Law Enforcement
A Houston car accident attorney often collaborates with local police and investigators to share new leads or evidence. By maintaining communication with law enforcement, your lawyer ensures the case stays active and that every effort is made to locate the responsible party. This coordination helps strengthen your claim, even if the driver is never found.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Navigating the insurance process after a Houston hit-and-run crash can be intimidating. Victims are often unsure which coverage applies, how much compensation they’re entitled to, or whether their own insurance will help if the other driver is never found. A Houston car crash attorney can take over these complex discussions, ensuring your claim is handled fairly and efficiently.
Protecting You from Unfair Tactics
Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny claims, especially in hit-and-run situations where the at-fault driver isn’t immediately identified. A knowledgeable attorney will handle all communication on your behalf, ensuring your statements can’t be used against you. This protection is vital to preventing delays or denials that could impact your financial recovery.
Maximizing Your Policy Benefits
Even if the other driver cannot be located, your Houston car crash attorney can help you access benefits under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Your lawyer will review your policy, calculate your full losses, and negotiate aggressively for the highest possible settlement. This includes compensation for vehicle repairs, medical treatment, and emotional trauma caused by the crash.
Filing a Claim for Compensation
Filing a personal injury claim after a hit-and-run can be complex, especially when the responsible party isn’t immediately known. A Houston car crash attorney can help you navigate every stage of the legal process, from gathering evidence to submitting the claim and negotiating a settlement. They ensure your rights are fully protected and that you meet all necessary deadlines.
Building a Strong Legal Case
Once the investigation is complete, your attorney will prepare a detailed claim supported by solid evidence. This may include medical records, expert testimony, and documentation of your financial losses. By presenting a compelling case, your Houston hit-and-run crash lawyer positions you for a stronger settlement or prepares to take your case to court if necessary.
Pursuing Every Available Source of Recovery
Even when the hit-and-run driver isn’t found, there may be other avenues for compensation, such as third-party liability, personal injury protection, or UM/UIM coverage. A dedicated Houston attorney will explore every legal option to ensure you receive the maximum recovery possible, holding negligent parties accountable whenever possible.
Supporting You Every Step of the Way
Dealing with the aftermath of a Houston hit-and-run crash is about finding a way forward. A compassionate Houston car crash attorney provides not only legal guidance but also emotional support during one of the most challenging times in your life. From your first consultation to the resolution of your case, your attorney will be there to answer your questions and advocate for your best interests.
Compassionate Legal Guidance
Recovering from a car accident involves rebuilding your life and finding peace after a difficult experience. A skilled attorney can take the time to understand your situation, explain your rights clearly, and guide you through every step of the legal process. With compassionate support and personalized attention, you can focus on your recovery knowing that your case is in capable hands.
Results and Relief
Experienced car accident attorneys work tirelessly to achieve justice for their clients. With in-depth knowledge of personal injury law and a proven track record of success, they know how to build strong cases and pursue the maximum compensation available. By entrusting your claim to a dedicated legal professional, you can focus on healing and moving forward while your attorney handles the legal details on your behalf.
Contact an Experienced Houston Car Crash Attorney Today
The aftermath of a car crash can be traumatic and life-altering, especially with fatalities. Victims are often left coping with painful injuries, emotional distress, and the overwhelming burden of medical expenses and property damage. Families may also face the tragic loss of a loved one, turning an ordinary day into a lifelong hardship. Navigating the insurance process and determining who is at fault can be confusing and stressful, especially when you’re trying to heal. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. An experienced Houston car crash attorney can provide the guidance, protection, and advocacy you need to move forward with confidence.
At Lassiter Law, our compassionate legal team is ready to stand by your side from the moment you contact us. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions, evaluate your case, and begin pursuing justice on your behalf. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you. With decades of experience fighting for Houston accident victims, we know how to take on powerful insurance companies and win. Call us today at (832) 937-4381 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation. Let Lassiter Law handle the legal battle while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.