Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Failure to Stop & Render Aid

What is it? Failing to stop at scene of accident, also called hit and run arrest or leaving the scene of an accident, is where the driver of a motor vehicle has an accident, where upon the driver leaves the scene of the accident and fails to stop to notify the other party or property owner of any damage or of the accident.

What makes it illegal?  The Texas Transportation Code Sec. 550.022. ACCIDENT INVOLVING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE indicates a person commits an offense if the person fails to immediately (as reasonably possible) stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close as possible to the scene of the accident without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

What are the Punishments? An offense under subsection (a) is: (1) a Class C misdemeanor, if the damage to all vehicles is less than $200; or (2) a Class B misdemeanor, if the damage to all vehicles is $200 or more. An offense under subsection (b) is a Class C misdemeanor. More serious offenses with injury, damage, or death, may be filed as a felony Failure to Stop and Render Aid.

Common Criminal Cases Involving Hit and Run Arrests: The most common Failing to stop at scene of accident, also called hit and run arrest or leaving the scene of an accident arrests involve a person hitting a parked car and driving off, thereby failing to leave a note or otherwise contact the owner of the parked car's involvement in an accident.

TEXAS TRANSPORTATION CODE, TITLE 7.  Sec. 550.022. ACCIDENT INVOLVING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.

Sec. 550.022. ACCIDENT INVOLVING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by a person shall: (1) immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close as possible to the scene of the accident without obstructing traffic more than is necessary; (2) immediately return to the scene of the accident if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene of the accident; and (3) remain at the scene of the accident until the operator complies with the requirements of Section 550.023. (b) If an accident occurs on a main lane, ramp, shoulder, median, or adjacent area of a freeway in a metropolitan area and each vehicle involved can be normally and safely driven, each operator shall move the operator's vehicle as soon as possible to a designated accident investigation site, if available, a location on the frontage road, the nearest suitable cross street, or other suitable location to complete the requirements of Section 550.023 and minimize interference with freeway traffic.

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