Texas Hit-and-Run Laws and Penalties Explained
What Happens If You Leave an Accident Scene in Texas?
In Texas, leaving the scene of a car accident – commonly known as a hit-and-run – is a serious crime with severe consequences. State law requires drivers involved in any collision to stop immediately and take specific actions to help and identify themselves. Failing to do so can lead to criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the situation. Beyond potential jail time and fines, a hit-and-run conviction can also result in a suspended driver’s license and a lasting criminal record that impacts your daily life. It’s a situation no one wants to face.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident – whether as a victim or facing charges for leaving the scene, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Contact The Adley Law Firm today for experienced legal guidance and support. Our Houston-based attorneys understand Texas hit-and-run laws and are ready to help protect your rights.
Your Legal Duties After an Accident in Texas
Texas law is very clear about what drivers must do after a collision. Whether you’re in Houston or anywhere in the state, you are legally obligated to take these steps if an accident occurs:
- Stop at the Scene: You must immediately stop your vehicle at the accident scene (or as close as possible without blocking traffic). Never drive away, even if it’s a minor fender-bender.
- Check for Injuries and Help: After stopping, check if anyone is injured. If someone is hurt, you are required to render reasonable aid – this could include calling 911, helping them get medical attention, or even driving them to a hospital if it’s safe to do so.
- Exchange Information: Provide your name, address, vehicle registration number, and insurance information to the other driver(s) and any injured persons. If asked by a police officer or the others involved, show your driver’s license as well.
- Notify Police if Required: In accidents involving injuries, death, or significant property damage, you should notify law enforcement. In a busy city like Houston, police should be called to the scene for any crash involving injury or substantial damage.
Fulfilling these duties is not just the right thing to do – it’s the law. Leaving without doing these things is illegal. Drivers who flee the scene without stopping, helping, or exchanging information are essentially violating Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550. This violation is what we refer to as “leaving the scene of an accident” or a hit-and-run.
Penalties for Leaving the Scene (Hit-and-Run) in Texas
Leaving an accident scene in Texas can lead to harsh penalties, and the severity depends on the consequences of the crash:
- Accidents Involving Death: If someone is killed in the accident and a driver flees, it’s a second-degree felony. This is punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
- Accidents Involving Serious Injury: If a person suffers serious bodily injury and the driver leaves, it’s a third-degree felony. Penalties can include 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
- Accidents Involving Non-Serious Injury: Even if injuries are not life-threatening, failing to stop is a felony-level offense. It can result in up to 5 years in state prison, or up to 1 year in county jail, and a fine as high as $5,000.
- Accidents Involving Only Property Damage: Leaving the scene of a minor collision where there are no injuries is usually a misdemeanor. For crashes causing significant vehicle damage, it is a higher-class misdemeanor (punishable by up to 6 months in jail and up to $2,000 in fines). If the damage is very minor, it might be a lower-level misdemeanor or citation. In any case, driving off after causing property damage (even just a scrape or fender dent) can lead to criminal charges.
These legal consequences reflect how seriously Texas takes hit-and-run incidents. Lawmakers want to discourage drivers from fleeing, especially in cities like Houston where busy roads see many accidents. Besides criminal charges, remember that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) can also suspend your driver’s license if you’re convicted of leaving an accident scene or fail to report the crash properly. In short, a hit-and-run can cost you your freedom, your money, and your driving privileges.
Impact on Your Life and Record
A hit-and-run doesn’t just end with fines or jail time – it can have long-term effects on your personal life. In Texas, any felony or misdemeanor conviction will go on your criminal record. This means:
- License Suspension: As mentioned, your driver’s license may be suspended or revoked, making it harder to get to work, school, or carry out daily tasks.
- Employment and Housing: Many employers and landlords perform background checks. Having a criminal record for leaving the scene of an accident might make it tougher to get a job or rent an apartment. People may view a hit-and-run conviction as a sign of irresponsibility or dishonesty.
- Insurance Consequences: Insurance companies will almost certainly increase your premiums after a hit-and-run incident. In some cases, your insurer might even drop your coverage. You could be labeled a high-risk driver, which is a costly label to bear.
- Emotional and Social Impact: Going through a criminal case and potential punishment is stressful. You might face stigma from your community, friends, or family, especially if the incident involved serious injury or loss of life.
All of these factors show that leaving an accident scene can affect every aspect of your life, well beyond the courtroom. That’s why it’s crucial to take any hit-and-run charge seriously and seek legal help to mitigate these outcomes.
Why You Should Consult a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run
If you’re facing charges for a hit-and-run (leaving the scene), it’s vital to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Texas hit-and-run laws can be complex, and a lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights. Here’s how a qualified attorney can assist you:
- Explaining Your Options: A lawyer will clearly explain the charges against you and what they mean. They can outline the potential penalties and what legal options you have. This might include fighting the charges or negotiating for lesser charges.
- Building Your Defense: Everyone’s situation is different. Maybe you didn’t realize an accident occurred, or perhaps you were in shock and panicked. In some cases, a medical emergency might have forced you to leave. An attorney will gather evidence, such as witness statements or traffic camera footage, to understand what happened and to see if any defense strategy applies to your case. For example, lack of knowledge of the collision or leaving due to immediate danger could be considerations (though not guarantees) in your defense.
- Negotiating with Prosecutors: Often, attorneys can work with prosecutors to reduce a charge or reach a plea deal. For instance, under certain circumstances, a felony charge might be negotiated down to a misdemeanor. Your lawyer’s goal will be to minimize the impact on your life.
- Guiding You Through the Process: Court procedures can be intimidating. A lawyer experienced in Texas law will guide you step by step – filing paperwork, representing you in court, and keeping you informed. This support can greatly reduce your stress during a difficult time.
Remember, if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident (for example, another driver hit you and fled), you should also seek legal advice. A personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation, often through your uninsured motorist coverage or by locating the at-fault driver. The Adley Law Firm assists car accident victims as well, ensuring that those hurt by hit-and-run drivers have someone fighting for their rights and recovery.
Houston’s Trusted Legal Help for Accident Cases
Being involved in a hit-and-run case – whether you left the scene or were the victim – is overwhelming. The aftermath of an accident in a large city like Houston can be chaotic and confusing. That’s why having a knowledgeable attorney by your side is so important. The Adley Law Firm has years of experience handling accident cases across Texas, including Houston, and we understand the nuances of state law in hit-and-run situations. Our team will work tirelessly to investigate the incident, protect your interests, and guide you toward the best possible outcome.
At The Adley Law Firm, we offer free consultations, so you can discuss your situation with a skilled lawyer at no cost upfront. Our attorneys are bilingual (English and Spanish) to better serve the diverse Houston community and clients throughout Texas. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. This applies to personal injury matters – you won’t owe legal fees unless we secure compensation for you. If you’re facing criminal charges for leaving an accident, we’ll clearly explain any fee arrangements before we start. Our priority is to help relieve your stress, answer all your questions, and provide the strong legal representation you need during this challenging time. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your hit-and-run case and start moving forward.
