Last verified: January 2026. This page reflects current Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550 and applicable penalty classifications.
Table of Contents
Overview of Texas Hit and Run Laws
Under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550, drivers involved in accidents must stop immediately, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance to injured persons. Leaving the scene without fulfilling these obligations constitutes a criminal offense, with penalties ranging from a Class C misdemeanor to a second-degree felony depending on the severity of the accident.
Quick Summary:
- Property damage under $200: Class C misdemeanor (fine up to $500)
- Property damage $200 or more: Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
- Serious bodily injury: Third-degree felony (2 to 10 years prison, $10,000 fine)
- Death: Second-degree felony (2 to 20 years prison, $10,000 fine)
- You must report accidents involving death, injury, or property damage over $1,000
- Statute of limitations: Two years for personal injury and wrongful death claims
- Texas is an at-fault state with modified comparative negligence rules
Primary Statute Reference: Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550, Sections 550.021 through 550.067
Driver Duties After an Accident
Section 550.021 of the Texas Transportation Code establishes specific obligations for drivers involved in accidents. You must:
- Stop immediately at the scene or as close as possible without obstructing traffic
- Return to the scene if you do not stop at the exact location of the collision
- Investigate whether anyone requires assistance
- Provide information including your name, address, vehicle registration number, and insurance information to the other party or law enforcement
- Show your driver’s license upon request
- Render reasonable aid to anyone injured, including transporting them to a medical facility if necessary
Section 550.023 specifically requires you to render reasonable assistance to injured persons. This may include arranging transportation to a hospital if it is apparent that medical treatment is necessary or if the injured person requests it.
Unattended Vehicle Collisions
Under Section 550.024, if you strike an unattended vehicle, you must make a reasonable effort to locate the owner. If you cannot find the owner, you must leave a written note in a conspicuous place on the vehicle containing your name, address, and a statement of the circumstances.
Reporting Requirements
Section 550.026 requires immediate reporting of any accident that results in death, injury, or damage to a vehicle that cannot be safely driven. You must report to:
- The local police department if the accident occurred within a municipality
- The sheriff’s office or nearest Department of Public Safety office for accidents outside municipal limits
A reportable accident in Texas is any collision resulting in death, injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
When Hit and Run Is a Misdemeanor
Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage is a misdemeanor under Texas law:
- Class C misdemeanor: Property damage below $200, or unnecessarily blocking traffic when the vehicle was operational
- Class B misdemeanor: Property damage of $200 or more
A Class C misdemeanor carries a maximum fine of $500 with no jail time. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to 180 days in county jail and a fine up to $2,000.
When Hit and Run Is a Felony
Under Section 550.021, leaving the scene becomes a felony when the accident involves injury or death:
- Third-degree felony: Accident resulting in serious bodily injury (injuries creating substantial risk of death or causing permanent disfigurement or disability)
- Second-degree felony: Accident resulting in death
Intoxication Manslaughter
Under Texas Penal Code Section 49.08, operating a vehicle while intoxicated and causing a death constitutes intoxication manslaughter, a second-degree felony. Section 19.05 addresses criminally negligent homicide, classified as a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Penalties Summary
| Offense | Classification | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Property damage under $200 | Class C Misdemeanor | $500 fine |
| Property damage $200+ | Class B Misdemeanor | 180 days jail, $2,000 fine |
| Serious bodily injury | Third-degree Felony | 2-10 years prison, $10,000 fine |
| Death | Second-degree Felony | 2-20 years prison, $10,000 fine |
| Intoxication manslaughter | Second-degree Felony | 2-20 years prison, $10,000 fine |
Additional consequences: The state may suspend or revoke your driver’s license upon conviction. Each person struck or injured may constitute a separate offense, potentially resulting in consecutive penalties.
Texas Crash Statistics
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) 2024 Crash Facts report:
- 4,150 traffic fatalities occurred in Texas in 2024, a 3.29% decrease from 4,291 in 2023
- 768 pedestrian fatalities were recorded in 2024
- Texas continues to have one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the nation due to its large population and extensive road network
Hit-and-run crashes remain a significant concern across the state, with law enforcement actively investigating these cases regardless of property damage amounts.
Notable Cases
Harris County Murder Conviction (2025): A hit-and-run driver in Cypress was sentenced to 50 years in prison after being convicted of murder in connection with the death of 20-year-old Destin Quintero. The driver was initially charged with failure to stop and render aid but was later upgraded to murder and aggravated assault charges in 2024, demonstrating how hit-and-run cases can escalate to more serious charges.
Southeast Texas Probation Case (2025): De’Andre Smith pleaded guilty to collision involving death and received a probation sentence from Judge Raquel West in the 252nd District Court. This case illustrates that outcomes vary significantly based on circumstances and judicial discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do police investigate minor hit-and-run accidents in Texas?
Yes. Leaving the scene of any accident without fulfilling statutory obligations is a criminal offense in Texas. Police investigate hit-and-run cases regardless of the damage amount. If you are the victim, collect as much evidence as possible, including witness information, dashcam footage, and vehicle descriptions.
Can I leave the scene to help an injured person?
Yes. Section 550.023 specifically permits you to transport an injured person to a medical facility if they request it or if immediate treatment is clearly necessary. However, you should report the accident as soon as possible.
What if I feared for my safety at the scene?
Fear for your safety may be a valid defense, but you must still report the accident immediately using the quickest means of communication available.
How long do I have to file a civil lawsuit after a hit-and-run?
Under Texas law, you have two years to file a personal injury claim, wrongful death claim, or property damage claim from the date of the accident.
Will a hit-and-run conviction affect my insurance?
Yes. A hit-and-run conviction will likely result in significantly higher insurance premiums, and some insurers may refuse to provide coverage. Additionally, your insurer may deny claims related to accidents where you failed to follow legal requirements.