Texas has one of the busiest highways and interstates in the country, and with bustling cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, heavy traffic is an everyday thing. The vast road network of the state, mixed with its abundant population and thriving trucking business, creates an environment prone to accidents. When in an accident, the common (and right) thing to do is stop, ensure safety, and call for help; however, this is not what everyone does.
The state of Texas takes hit and run accidents seriously. Fleeing the scene of an accident can result in legal consequences for the fleeing driver. Texas law mandates motorists involved in an accident to stop and provide information, extend required help, and report the crash. The penalties for leaving the scene, a criminal offense, range from fines to lengthy prison terms.
To be very clear, the term “hit and run” describes the scene when an individual leaves the site of an accident without helping the victim or providing their contact information. The fleeing individual is termed as leaving the scene. The perpetrator of the incident is required to extend help and information for the damage caused by the accident, termed as the duty to render aid.
It is important to understand the legal provisions after a hit and run accident in Texas for both drivers and victims.
The Legal Duty to Stop in Texas
As per the Texas law, a driver involved in an accident resulting in injury or death should:
- Stop or return to the scene
- Provide name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance information
- Assisting, such as calling emergency medical services as required
Not complying with these conditions constitutes a hit and run offense. The law requires that if even the crash results in property damage only, the responsible driver should stop and exchange information.
Penalties for Hit and Run Involving Injury or Death
Texas law has enforced penalties to match the severity of the crash:
- Accident resulting in death: Considered a second-degree felony, punished by 2 to 20 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Accident resulting in serious body injury: Third-degree felony, carries a 2 to 10 prison term and a fine of $10,000.
- Accident resulting in non-serious injury: Carries a punishment of up to 5 years in prison or 1 year in county jail, and/or fines up to $5,000.
Fleeing the accident site is viewed as a criminal act, causing aggravation of the injury to the victim.
Penalties for Property Damage Cases
Hit and run cases do not always result in injuries, and leaving the scene after property damage can result in:
- Damages of $200 or more are classified as a Class B misdemeanor and punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
- For damages less than $200, it is a Class C misdemeanor and can be fined up to $500.
Although the punishments are not severe, they have been framed to reflect the minor nature of the damage and to reflect the state’s position that fleeing the accident site is unacceptable.
Long-term Impact of Criminal Penalties
Besides the fines and imprisonment, convicted hit and run drivers face other long-term consequences such as:
• 1 year suspension of driving license or longer if a repeat offender
• Victims can sue for damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Loss of insurance coverage or high premiums
• Criminal record that will impact employment and housing opportunities
The legal provisions have been framed to deter individuals from fleeing the site and to enforce the seriousness with which the state of Texas views hit and run cases.
Conclusion
Under Texas law, hit and run cases are considered a serious offense, with penalties that match the damage, injury, or death. It is required for drivers to remain at the scene to exchange information and provide assistance. It provides for accountability and victim safety.