Houston Hit and Run Accident Attorney

Common Reasons Why a Hit-and-Run Driver Flees the Scene?

It’s normal for an injury victim to have questions about what caused the accident or how it could have been avoided. However, it’s a little more complicated for hit-and-run victims. In addition to the typical questions and the police report, they may also wonder why the perpetrator fled the scene and how they could leave without offering assistance.

For hit-and-run victims struggling to recover from the psychological trauma of the event, it can be helpful to understand that most drivers who commit hit-and-runs aren’t motivated by maliciousness (although the result is much the same). In our experience, most drivers who commit hit-and-runs do so for one of the following reasons:

• They are uninsured or underinsured.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Several traffic offenses on their record.
• The driver doesn’t have permission to use the vehicle they’re driving.
• Operating a stolen vehicle.
• On probation or has a warrant out for their arrest.
• Operating a company vehicle and fears for their job.
• A driver of a large truck like a semi or 18-wheeler may not be aware of the crash.

Make no mistake: No reason could possibly excuse a driver’s decision to commit a hit-and-run. However, knowing that the driver made their decision under duress and for their own set of reasons can help ease the pain that comes along with being a victim of their choice. Call a truck accident attorney near me for a free consultation.

What Are the Texas Laws About Hit-And-Run Accidents?

In Texas, hit-and-run laws are outlined in the Texas Penal Code. It is considered a criminal offense to leave the scene of an accident without providing identification and automobile insurance information and rendering aid to injured parties. The consequences for leaving the scene of an accident, especially when there is an injury involved, are quite severe and can result in significant jail time in a Texas Department of Corrections correctional facility.

Here is a summary of relevant Texas Laws

1. Accident Involving Personal Injury or Death

According to section 550.021 of the Texas Penal Code, if the operator of a vehicle is involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to a person, they are required to:

• Immediately stop the vehicle at the accident scene or as close as possible.
• Return to the accident scene if the vehicle is not initially stopped there.
• Remain at the accident scene until complying with the requirements in section 550.023.

Failure to comply with these requirements is considered an offense, and the severity of the offense depends on the outcome of the accident:

• If the accident causes death or serious bodily injury, it is a third-degree felony.
• If the accident causes injury but doesn’t meet the criteria for a felony, it is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, confinement in the county jail for up to one year, a fine not exceeding $5,000, or a combination of both.

2. Accident Involving Damage to Vehicle

Section 550.022 of the Texas Penal Code covers accidents that result in damage to a vehicle and do not involve personal injury or death. In such cases, the operator of a vehicle must:

• Immediately stop the vehicle at the accident scene or as close as possible without obstructing traffic more than necessary.
• Return to the accident scene if the vehicle was not initially stopped there.
• Remain at the scene until complying with the requirements in section 550.023.

When an accident occurs on a freeway in a metropolitan area, there are additional considerations. Suppose all vehicles involved can be safely driven. In that case, operators are expected to move their vehicles to an accident investigation site, a suitable cross street, or another designated location to complete the requirements and minimize interference with freeway traffic.

Non-compliance with these requirements is an offense, with the severity of the offense varying depending on the damage caused:

• If the damage to all vehicles involved is less than $200, it is a Class C misdemeanor.
• If the damage to all vehicles involved is $200 or more, it is a Class B misdemeanor.

It’s important to note that a vehicle can be considered normally and safely driven if it does not require towing and can be operated without causing additional damage or hazards to the vehicle, other traffic, or the roadway.

In Texas, hit-and-run laws are outlined in the Texas Penal Code. It is considered a criminal offense to leave the scene of an accident without providing identification and automobile insurance information and rendering aid to injured parties. The consequences for leaving the scene of an accident, especially when there is an injury involved, are quite severe and can result in significant jail time in a Texas Department of Corrections correctional facility.