The Criminal Penalties for a Hit & Run Criminal Charge in Texas

Motor vehicle accidents are usually a civil matter. However, if a driver causes or is involved in a car wreck and then flees the accident scene, that driver has committed a serious error and will be criminally charged when found and arrested.

The crime of “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” occurs when a driver hits another motor vehicle, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or someone else’s property, then flees the scene by vehicle or by foot. In Texas, drivers who are involved in an accident must provide contact information, exchange insurance details, and check for injuries. Moreover, all drivers involved in a Texas motor vehicle accident legally obligated to stay at the accident scene unless severely injured.

In Texas, a hit-and-run with property or vehicle damage that is under $200 is a Class C Misdemeanor criminal charge. The defendant, if found guilty, will be fined $500.

For hit-and-run accidents causing more than $200 in damage to another’s vehicle or property, the at-fault driver will charged with a Class B Misdemeanor. Class B Misdemeanors are punished with no more than six months in jail and/or fine of up to $2,000.

If the hit-and-run accident involves non-life-threatening injuries, the crime is charged as a felony offense and carries up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000. If a hit-and-run accident involves a severe injuries or death, the crime is charged as a third-degree felony. Third-degree felonies in Texas are punished with up to ten years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

A Few Potential Legal Defenses to Hit-and-run Criminal Charges in Texas, include:

Medical Emergency – The driver was responding to a medical emergency and was heading to the emergency room.

Unaware of the Crash – The hit-and-run driver did not know they were involved in the accident.

Involuntary Intoxication – The hit-and-run driver was drugged without their knowledge and was involuntarily intoxicated while driving.

If you or a member of your family have been charged with “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” with our without injuries or death in Texas, contact The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. at (903) 753-7499 for your free case review with our legal team.

The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C.
211 E. Tyler Street #521
Longview, TX 75601
(903) 753-7499