Officials from the Austin Police Department have reported a serious problem – they see hundreds of hit-and-run cases each month. In fact, the problem has become so bad that the Austin PD is asking government officials for additional help and more detectives to be appointed to specifically investigate hit-and-run accidents.

According to statistics from Austin law enforcement, local authorities see roughly 800 cases involving hit-and-runs each month. Currently, the department has only four detectives investigating hit-and-runs. To help with the heavy load, officials are requesting at least two additional full-time detectives to focus solely on hit-and-runs.

The new detectives would join the 'Leaving the Scene Unit' of the Austin PD, which was created two years ago. The unit also works closely with other detectives to investigate hit-and-run collisions involving serious injury and death. Officials have stated that just two more detectives would help immensely when investigating hit-and-run accidents that range from simple property damage cases to unsolved homicides.

Hit-and-Run Victims in Texas

In Texas, all motorists who are involved in a traffic crash are required by law to stop and remain at the scene. This helps ensure that victims who are injured in an accident are able to receive prompt and necessary medical attention. Under a recently revised state law, any motorist who fails to stop at the scene can face increasingly harsh penalties, especially when a victim dies a result of their injuries.

At The Daspit Law Firm, our Austin personal injury lawyers have helped many auto accident victims recover the compensation they rightfully deserved. If you or someone in your family has recently suffered harm in a hit-and-run accident, our attorneys are available to review your case, explain your rights, and discuss how we may be able to help you secure full and fair compensation for your damages.

To discuss your auto accident case, contact our firm for a free, personalized case review.