![]() Sometimes in a hit and run case, people flee from the accident in order to hide their blood alcohol content. The legislation was intended to encourage people to do the right thing by complying with the law by remaining at the scene. Reasons for the New Hit and Run Law in Texasīecause drunk driving offenses involving death carried heavier penalties than the law against fleeing the scene of an accident, making the punishment for failing to stop and render aid in the event of a death equivalent to the penalty for intoxication manslaughter would remove that incentive.īy matching the penalties for these two offenses, the Texas Legislature sought to remove the current situation in which people are rewarded for fleeing the scene of a crime. The new law for leaving the scene of an accident was intended to reduce the incentive for drunk drivers to flee the scene of an accident. The new law took effect on September 1, 2013. ![]() If the accident results in serious bodily injury or death, then the failure to remain at the scene, provide information, or render aid was designated as a third-degree felony, punishable by two to 10 years in prison and an optional fine of up to $10,000.Ī new law passed in 2013, House Bill 72 and Senate Bill 275 increased the penalty for failure to stop and render aid in an accident resulting in the death of a person to a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Leaving the Scene Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury or Death If a person does not stop their vehicle after an accident involving injury, then the person can be charged with a felony that is punishable by up five years in prison or up to one year in county jail and/or a fine not more than $5,000. A conviction for a Class B misdemeanor can result in a fine not more than $2,000 and/or a jail sentence up to 180 days. If the vehicle damage is $200 or more, the individual can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. Class C misdemeanor offenses can result in a fine not more than $500. If a person does not stop after an accident involving property damage, then the person can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor if the vehicle damage is less than $200. If a person who is involved with an accident resulting in property damage on a freeway in a metropolitan area where the vehicles are able to be driven to a suitable location, but does not do so, then the person can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. If a person who hits a parked car, but does not find the owner or leave a note, the person can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor if the damage to the vehicle is less than $200 or a Class B misdemeanor if the damage is $200 or more. If a person hits a fixture or landscaping on a highway, the person can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor if the property damage is less than $200 or a Class B misdemeanor if the damage was $200 or more. Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Texas Let us put our experience to work for you. Whether you hit unattended property or were involved in a crash that caused serious injury to anther person, we can help. We are experienced in fighting both felony and misdemeanor cases for leaving the scene. If you were involved in an accident and left the scene, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you protect your rights. ![]() ![]() Attorney for Hit and Run in San Antonio, TX Whether you are accused of hitting unattended property, a parked vehicle, or an occupied vehicle, contact an attorney to discuss your case. You need a San Antonio criminal defense attorney who can help you at every stage of the case. Leaving the scene is a criminal offense that comes with criminal penalties. Texas law is often unforgiving when it comes to the penalties for a person who left the scene of a crash, even when only property damage occurred. provide reasonable assistance, including arranging for transportation to medical treatment if necessary or upon request.provide identifying and insurer information to other parties in the accident and.550.021 requires drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to immediately stop or return to the scene of the accident and remain at the scene until they have discharged their duties to: Home » Criminal Traffic Offenses » Hit and Run Hit and Run ![]()
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