Hit and Run

Duty to Stop and Render Aid

Under Texas Transportation Code § 550.021, a driver involved in an accident resulting in injury or death must immediately stop at the scene, return to the scene if they left, and remain until they have provided their name, address, and vehicle registration, and rendered reasonable assistance to injured persons.

Penalties Based on Accident Severity

Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage of $200 or more is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine). Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is a 3rd degree felony (2–10 years). Leaving the scene of an accident involving death is a 2nd degree felony (2–20 years).

Hit and Run with DWI

If you were intoxicated at the time of the accident, leaving the scene compounds your legal problems significantly. You can face both DWI charges and hit and run charges simultaneously, each carrying their own penalties. An experienced attorney can help navigate the complex interplay of these charges.

Why People Leave the Scene

People leave accident scenes for many reasons, including panic, fear of DWI charges, lack of insurance, or not realizing the severity of the accident. While these circumstances do not excuse the offense, they can be relevant to the defense and sentencing. An attorney can present mitigating circumstances to the court.

Potential Penalties

• › Property damage ($200+): Class B misdemeanor up to 180 days jail
• › Accident with injury: 3rd degree felony (2–10 years
• › Accident with death: 2nd degree felony (2–20 years
• › Additional DWI charges if intoxicated
• › Driver's license suspension

Possible Defenses

• › You were not the driver
• › You did not know an accident occurred
• › You stopped but were not aware of injuries
• › Mistaken identity
• › Emergency circumstances prevented you from stopping

Frequently Asked Questions