You’re driving in Texas, you get hit by another driver and you think they’re going to stop but they leave. What should you do?
Texas is ranked at #8 among states with the highest number of hit and run accidents in the United States of America according to a press release by AAA as reported by Houston Public Media (Team H.P.M.D., 2018). Hit-and-run accidents leave victims and their families feeling helpless and confused. In the state of Texas, understanding the legal implications and necessary steps to take after these kinds of accidents is crucial. We’re sharing our take on what Texas drivers can do and should know about hit-and-run accidents.
What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Some of you may have already experienced one and know very well what this is.
A hit-and-run accident – is when a driver involved in a vehicle collision flees the accident scene without providing aid or exchanging information with the other party involved.
In Texas, among many other states in the U.S., it’s illegal. Drivers involved have a legal obligation to stop, contact emergency services – if necessary, and exchange contact and insurance information after an accident, regardless of fault.
Texas Laws and Penalties
Texas imposes some of the most severe penalties for hit-and-run offenders. Depending on the severity of the accident, penalties can range from hefty fines to imprisonment. The severity of the penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the law in place that requires drivers to take responsibility for their actions on the road in Texas.
3 Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run
In the chaos of a hit-and-run accident, it’s essential to remain as calm as you can and take immediate action:
- First and foremost, if the accident is serious contact emergency services for medical attention if necessary. Even if it isn’t serious, it’s the law in some states to report the accident to law enforcement for documentation purposes.
- Next, gather witness statements at the accident scene if possible or any other way you can.
- Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and review dashcam footage if you have one. Documenting damages to your vehicle is critical for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings if you pursue litigation.
Key Tip: Some of the drivers we’ve spoken with advised that making a video on your phone explaining what happened as well as capturing the damages to your vehicle helped them document the freshest narrative.
The importance of reporting hit-and-run accidents
Timely reporting is key in hit-and-run accident cases. Texas drivers should report hit-and-run accidents promptly, providing as much detail as possible about the incident and the fleeing vehicle. Contacting law enforcement can aid in investigations and increase the likelihood of identifying and apprehending the responsible party. They can also help gather witness statements.
As the frequency of hit-and-run accidents increases on Texas roads, the breach of trust and accountability worries drivers more and more. By understanding the legal obligations, potential consequences, and steps to take after a hit-and-run accident, Texas drivers can protect themselves and their rights. The most important thing we want you to remember is that reporting the accident to law enforcement and gathering the information that you can is the first line of defense against hit-and-run offenders.
Sources:
Team, H.P.M.D. (2018) Texas ranks 8th in the country among states with the highest hit-and-run crashes, Houston Public Media. Available at: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/2018/04/26/281800/texas-ranks-8th-in-the-country-among-states-with-the-highest-hit-and-run-crashes/ (Accessed: 12 February 2024).
