It is a criminal offense (crime) for the operator of a motor vehicle involved in an accident to leave the scene of the accident. Leaving the scene of an accident is commonly known as hit-and-run, and may be charged as one of a few criminal offenses—and as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the state’s statutes.
For example, it is a crime to leave the scene of an accident involving another vehicle when there is damage to an occupied vehicle. The operators of the vehicles in such an accident must stop and exchange relevant information, such as name, address, vehicle make and model, license plate number, and insurance information.
If the operator of a motor vehicle is involved in an accident with an unoccupied parked vehicle, the operator generally must stop and find the owner of the vehicle that was hit, or leave a note with the operator’s name, address, telephone number or e-mail address, and insurance company and policy number.
Similarly, if the operator of a motor vehicle is involved in an accident with unattended property, the operator must stop and make a reasonable effort to find the owner of the property and leave the operator’s name, address, telephone number or e-mail address, and insurance company and policy number.
And if the operator of a motor vehicle is involved in an accident that involves bodily injury or death, the operator must stop and, if able, render aid to any injured persons. The failure to do so is a felony offense in many states, and may be punished by jail or prison time, fines, and the revocation of driving privileges.
Hit-and-run and failure-to-stop-and-render-aid laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—usually in the vehicle code, transportation code, or penal or criminal code.
In Texas, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident is a serious offense, commonly referred to as 'hit-and-run.' Texas law requires drivers involved in accidents resulting in vehicle damage, injury, or death to stop and fulfill certain obligations. If the accident involves another occupied vehicle, the driver must stop and exchange information such as names, addresses, vehicle details, and insurance information. In incidents involving an unoccupied vehicle or other property, the driver must attempt to locate the owner or leave a note with their contact and insurance details. Most importantly, if the accident results in injury or death, the driver is legally obligated to stop and render aid. Failure to stop and provide assistance in such cases is a felony in Texas. The severity of the charges for leaving the scene—whether a misdemeanor or felony—depends on the extent of damage or injury. Penalties for hit-and-run offenses in Texas can include fines, imprisonment, and revocation of driving privileges. These regulations are outlined in the Texas Transportation Code and the Texas Penal Code.
