What to Do If You Were Injured in a Houston Hit-and-Run

You are driving home on I-45 or the 610 Loop when suddenly another car strikes yours and speeds away into the night. It is a terrifying, isolating experience that leaves you injured, shaken, and wondering who will pay for your medical bills and property damage. You are not alone, and there are concrete steps you can take right now to protect your health and your financial future.

At the Law Office of Kristopher A. Alvarez, PLLC, we know how overwhelming it feels to be the victim of a hit-and-run in Houston. The medical bills pile up quickly, and dealing with insurance companies can be incredibly frustrating when the at-fault driver is nowhere to be found. This guide will walk you through exactly what you need to do to protect your rights and build a strong injury claim.

#The Reality of Hit-and-Run Crashes in Houston

Houston’s sprawling freeways and heavy traffic make it one of the most dangerous cities for drivers in the country. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Houston recorded 67,644 total crashes in 2023. Sadly, the danger on our roads is escalating; as of 2024, Houston recorded an alarming 301 traffic fatalities, marking a record high for the city.

Many of these collisions are hit-and-runs, known legally in Texas as Failure to Stop and Render Aid (FSRA). Under Texas Transportation Code § 550.021, the operator of a vehicle involved in a collision must immediately stop and determine if anyone requires aid. Fleeing an accident that results in serious bodily injury is a third-degree felony, and if it results in death, it is a second-degree felony.

Despite these severe penalties, drivers still flee. Common reasons include driving under the influence, driving without a valid license, lacking auto insurance, or simply panicking. Regardless of why they ran, you should not be left to bear the financial burden of their recklessness.

#Step-by-Step: What to Do Immediately After the Crash

If you are reading this shortly after your accident, take a deep breath. Following an ordered process is the best way to protect your physical health and your future legal claim.

1. Move to a safe location and call 911. If your vehicle is drivable, carefully pull over to the shoulder of the freeway or a nearby parking lot to avoid secondary collisions. Call the police immediately. Tell the dispatcher you were involved in a hit-and-run and request an ambulance if you or your passengers are injured.
2. Document everything you can remember. Write down or voice-record any details about the fleeing vehicle while they are fresh in your mind. Note the make, model, color, and any partial license plate numbers. Look around for witnesses and politely ask for their names and phone numbers.
3. Take photos of the scene. Use your smartphone to photograph the damage to your car, the location of the accident, any debris left by the fleeing vehicle (like broken taillight glass or paint transfers), and your visible injuries.
4. Seek immediate medical attention. Because of the adrenaline rush immediately following a crash, you might not feel the full extent of your injuries—such as whiplash or a concussion—until hours or even days later. Go to an emergency room or urgent care clinic immediately. Delaying treatment endangers your health and gives the insurance company an excuse to deny your claim.
5. Notify your insurance company. Report the accident to your auto insurer as soon as possible, but do not give a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement offer until you have spoken with an attorney.

#How to Get Your Houston Police Department Crash Report

Getting an official police report is a critical piece of evidence for your injury claim. When the Houston Police Department (HPD) responds to a crash involving injury or significant property damage, the investigating officer will file a CR-3 crash report.

As of June 2026, these accident reports typically require 5 to 8 days of processing time before they are available to the public. You can request a copy of your report online via the LexisNexis portal, by mail, or in person at the HPD Records Division located at 1200 Travis St., Houston, TX 77002, for a $6.00 fee.

If the police do not respond to the scene—which sometimes happens during periods of high call volume—you should fill out a CR-2 "Blue Form" for your own records. Note that as of September 2017, TxDOT no longer retains these CR-2 forms, but having a detailed, written record of the incident is still vital when dealing with insurance adjusters.

#How Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage Protects You

If the hit-and-run driver is never identified, how do you pay for your medical bills and car repairs? This is where your own auto insurance policy steps in.

Under Texas Insurance Code § 1952.101, all auto insurers are required to offer Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Unless you specifically rejected this coverage in writing when you purchased your policy, you likely have it. In the context of a hit-and-run, the fleeing driver is treated as an uninsured motorist, allowing you to file a claim against your own UM policy to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

However, there is a critical catch you must understand: Texas enforces a strict "physical contact" rule. For your UM coverage to apply to a hit-and-run, the unidentified vehicle must have made actual physical contact with you or your vehicle. If a "phantom driver" swerves into your lane on US-59 and runs you off the road into a concrete barrier without ever touching your car, your UM coverage typically will not apply. This is why preserving evidence of physical contact—such as paint transfers or vehicle debris—is incredibly important.

#Your Immigration Status Does Not Bar Your Injury Claim

Many hit-and-run victims in Houston neighborhoods like Sharpstown and the East End hesitate to call the police or an attorney because they are undocumented. The fear of deportation keeps them suffering in silence.

We want to be absolutely clear: your immigration status does not prevent you from filing a personal injury claim in Texas courts. You have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, regardless of your status. At the Law Office of Kristopher A. Alvarez, PLLC, your consultation is 100% confidential. Our priority is making sure you get the medical care you need and the justice you deserve, without fear.

#How Our Houston Injury Attorneys Can Help

Handling a hit-and-run claim on your own can be a nightmare. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and they will often look for reasons to deny your UM claim. When you hire our firm, we step in to level the playing field.

We will investigate the crash scene, search for surveillance video from nearby Houston businesses or TxDOT traffic cameras, and track down witnesses. If a commercial vehicle was involved, we understand how to navigate the complexities of a truck accident claim. We handle all communication with the insurance company so you can focus entirely on your physical recovery.

#Contact Our Houston Hit-and-Run Attorneys Today

You do not have to face the aftermath of a hit-and-run alone. The Law Office of Kristopher A. Alvarez, PLLC is here to help you navigate this stressful time. We offer a free consultation for car accident and personal injury cases, and there is no fee unless we win.

Call or text us today at (832) 404-2300 to discuss your situation. You can also schedule your free consultation online. We have offices conveniently located in Montrose and the East End, and se habla español. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.