Contents
Failed To Report An Accident In TX
Minor Hit And Run Charges In Texas
Leaving the scene of your accident without giving any personal details or information about your auto insurance is illegal. It is understandable to be anxious in accident situations especially if you have never experienced accidents before. The first instinct is often to run from such situations but you need to calm down and process what just happened.
Can You Get Away With A Hit And Run?
Is A Hit And Run A Felony
Many drivers don’t leave the scene of an accident but others leave thinking that they will get away with it. But all investigators need is witnesses or some piece of evidence found at the scene of the accident that may provide enough clues. There is also a chance that the accident was recorded by a camera installed close to the scene of the accident.
Seek legal representation the moment you realize police are looking for you after you left the scene of the accident. Your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and give you additional information about hit and run laws in Texas.
Why Drivers Do Not Give Information
Hit And Run Texas
There are many reasons why a driver may fail to give information and instead choose to leave the scene of the accident. Most of the time they leave because they fear the consequences of being held liable for the accident. Other possible reasons include:
- The driver did not have a driver’s license or the license was suspended
- The driver is an undocumented immigrant
- The driver had no auto insurance
- The driver was driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- The driver was driving drunk with a DWI conviction in their record
What Texas Law Says About Hit And Run
If You Damage An Unattended Vehicle In TX
The Texas Transportation Code Ann. Section 550.022 indicates that:
The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by a person shall:
(1) immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close as possible to the scene of the accident without obstructing traffic more than is necessary;
(2) immediately return to the scene of the accident if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene of the accident; and
(3) remain at the scene of the accident until the operator complies with the requirements of Section 550.023
According to Section 550.023 of the Texas Transportation Code, the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the injury or death of a person or damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by a person shall:
(1) give the operator’s name and address, the registration number of the vehicle the operator was driving, and the name of the operator’s motor vehicle liability insurer to any person injured or the operator or occupant of or person attending a vehicle involved in the collision;
(2) if requested and available, show the operator’s driver’s license to a person described by Subdivision (1); and
(3) provide any person injured in the accident reasonable assistance, including transporting or making arrangements for transporting the person to a physician or hospital for medical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary, or if the injured person requests the transportation.