It’s illegal to leave the scene of a car accident in Texas, and doing so can result in felony or misdemeanor charges. If you’ve been hurt in a hit and run crash, it’s even more important that you remain at the scene until emergency services arrive so you can receive medical attention and file a police report.
After a hit and run accident, you may not know where to start when it comes to getting fair compensation. The experienced hit and run attorneys at Shamieh Law can help you determine your legal options and fight for the justice you deserve. Call (469) 813-7332 or contact us online to learn more in a free consultation.
Texas Law Requires All Motorists To Stop When Involved in an Accident
Drivers in a crash have specific legal responsibilities under Texas law after any accident in which injury, death, or property damage has occurred. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in misdemeanor or felony charges. Depending on the circumstances, drivers involved in accidents in Texas are required to:
- Stop immediately at the scene of the accident.
- Return to the scene immediately if they did not stop after the collision.
- Immediately determine whether anyone has been hurt and whether they require medical assistance.
- Provide aid to anyone who has been hurt, including transporting them to the hospital if necessary.
- Remain at the scene until they have provided contact and insurance information to other involved drivers, including their driver’s license, if requested.
Can I Still File a Claim for a Hit and Run Accident?
Yes, you can file an insurance claim for damages related to a hit and run accident in Texas. Whether your insurance company will cover those damages depends on the type of insurance you carry. Collision, uninsured motorist (UM), personal injury protection (PIP), and medical payments (MedPay) coverage are all forms of insurance that can cover hit and run damages.
What Should I Do After a Hit and Run Accident?
After a hit and run, there are important steps you should take to protect your legal interests.
- Check for injuries and call 911 – While not all injuries show symptoms immediately after an accident, check if you’ve been hurt and call for emergency help.
- Write down everything you remember – This includes descriptions of the driver and their vehicle, including the plate number if possible.
- File a police report – You can do this with an officer at the scene or at a police department after the crash.
- Gather evidence – Take pictures of your vehicle and injuries, talk to witnesses, and get as much evidence together as you can.
- Document your damages – Having a list of your injuries and property damage is helpful in calculating what you might be owed.
- Call an attorney – A knowledgeable car accident attorney can help you determine how to proceed.
What Is the Difference Between a Hit and Run and Leaving the Scene of an Accident?
A “hit and run” and “leaving the scene of an accident” both occur when a driver is involved in an accident (with another vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, or property) without stopping to provide assistance, exchange information, or report the accident. Though both are illegal, the difference is largely in the timing. A hit-and-run normally involves an immediate flight from the scene, which may aggravate the crime.
What Are the Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident?
The statutory penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in Texas depend on the severity of the accident. Under Texas law, if a driver leaves the scene of an accident in which a person was killed, they can be charged with a second-degree felony. If they leave an accident in which no one was killed but someone suffered serious bodily injury, they can be charged with a third-degree felony.
| Classification | Punishment | |
|---|---|---|
| Death of a Person | Second-degree felony |
|
| Serious Bodily Injury | Third-degree felony |
|
| Any Other Injury | N/A |
|
Contact a Hit and Run Lawyer at Shamieh Law
If you’ve been hurt in a hit and run in Texas, act fast to protect your right to compensation. The personal injury attorneys at our leading firm are ready to evaluate your case in a free consultation and ensure you know your full legal options. Call (469) 813-7332 or contact us online today to schedule your free case evaluation.
