The Short Answer…
In a hit-and-run accident, prioritize safety and gather as much evidence as possible. Check for injuries and call 911 right away if anyone is hurt. Do not chase the fleeing driver. Instead, report the incident to the police, collect witness information, take photos of the scene, and contact your insurance company. It’s also wise to speak with a lawyer to understand your rights and options for recovering compensation.
Read on to learn about what to do in a hit and run accident, how to report the incident, what evidence can help your case, and when to call an attorney.
Key Takeaways
- Texas law requires drivers to stop, exchange information, and offer aid after any crash involving damage or injury. Failing to do so may lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
- You should always report a hit and run accident, either by calling 911 at the scene or filing a report at a police station.
- You can file a claim even if the other driver is unknown, using uninsured motorist or collision coverage, depending on your policy.
- Hiring a lawyer is especially helpful in hit and run cases, where proving fault, navigating insurance obstacles, and seeking compensation can be more difficult.
- Braker White offers legal support with no upfront cost, helping car accident victims in Odessa and Midland recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and more.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Hit and Run?
- What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Texas
- 1. Prioritize Safety
- 2. Call 911 and Report the Accident
- 3. Gather Evidence
- 4. Contact Your Insurance Company
- 5. Seek Medical Attention
- 6. Speak With a Lawyer
- How to Report a Hit and Run in Texas
- Texas Hit and Run Laws
- Should I Get a Lawyer for a Hit and Run?
- FAQs About Hit and Run Accidents
- Get the Support You Deserve After a Hit and Run
- Related Articles & Info
What Is a Hit and Run?
A hit and run happens when a driver causes an accident and leaves the scene without stopping to provide their contact information or help anyone who might be hurt. This includes:
- Crashing into a moving vehicle and fleeing
- Hitting a parked car and driving away
- Striking a pedestrian, cyclist, or property and not reporting it
Important: In Texas, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, whether the damage is to a person, vehicle, or other property.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Texas
Being involved in a hit and run is frustrating, frightening, and often leaves victims feeling powerless. But the steps you take immediately afterward can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation. Whether you were struck while driving or returned to find your parked car damaged, here’s exactly what to do after a hit and run accident in Texas.
1. Prioritize Safety
- Check yourself and passengers for injuries. Call 911 immediately if there are injuries.
- Move to a safe location away from traffic, if possible.
- Don’t chase the other driver. It’s dangerous and can put your safety at risk.
2. Call 911 and Report the Accident
- Contact the police and report the accident.
- Provide as much detail as you can, including the time, location, and a description of the car or driver.
3. Gather Evidence
The more details you collect, the stronger your claim.
- Take photos of your car, the scene, skid marks, and any damage.
- Look around for security cameras or businesses that might have footage.
- Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
- Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.
- Share your police report and any documentation.
- File a claim under your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if the other driver isn’t found.
5. Seek Medical Attention
- Even if you feel fine, still prioritize getting medical care.
- Some injuries (like whiplash or internal bleeding) don’t show up immediately.
- Documenting medical care also strengthens your case.
6. Speak With a Lawyer
- An experienced car accident attorney can help you file claims, deal with insurers, and pursue legal action if needed.
- At Braker White, we work with hit and run victims across West Texas to help them recover medical costs, lost income, and more.
How to Report a Hit and Run in Texas
Reporting a hit and run accident in Texas is essential not only for legal compliance but also to protect your right to file an insurance claim. Whether you were involved directly or your vehicle was struck while parked, knowing the proper steps to file a police report can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
How Do I Report a Hit and Run?
The first step is to call 911 immediately if there are injuries or significant property damage. For minor collisions, you can call the non-emergency number for the local police department. When speaking with authorities, be clear and concise. Provide:
- The time and location of the crash
- Any details about the other vehicle (make, model, color, license plate)
- Witness information, if available
- Photos or video evidence from the scene
How to File a Police Report for a Hit and Run
To file a hit and run police report in Texas, you can:
- Call local law enforcement to come to the scene and complete a report
- Visit your nearest police station and file a report in person (especially if the accident occurred on private property or you discovered the damage later)
Be prepared to present your ID, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. Request a copy of the report, which you’ll need for your insurance claim.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Hit and Run?
In Texas, you are legally required to report a car accident immediately if there are injuries, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. While there’s technically a 10-day window to submit a formal crash report (via Form CR-2), most insurance companies require you to report a hit and run within 24–72 hours to remain eligible for coverage. The sooner you report, the better your chances of a successful outcome.
Texas Hit and Run Laws
Under Texas Transportation Code §§ 550.021–550.024, drivers must:
- Stop immediately at the scene of an accident
- Exchange information (name, contact, insurance)
- Provide reasonable help to anyone injured
- Report the crash to police if there’s injury, death, or property damage
Is a Hit and Run a Felony in Texas?
Yes, a hit and run can be a felony in Texas. Here’s what Texas law says:
- Property damage only: Leaving the scene is typically a Class C or B misdemeanor, depending on the cost of the damage.
- Injury involved: Failing to stop and render aid becomes a third-degree felony.
- Death involved: It can be prosecuted as a second-degree felony, carrying serious prison time.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Hit and Run?
Yes, you should consider getting a lawyer for a hit and run accident, as these cases can be legally complex and emotionally overwhelming. Whether the other driver is identified or not, a skilled attorney can help protect your rights, guide you through insurance claims, and pursue maximum compensation.
At Braker White, we help hit and run victims:
- Handle communication with insurers who may try to reduce or deny your payout
- Gather evidence and build a strong case using witness statements, photos, and expert analysis
- Pursue legal action if the other driver is located or if your insurance company acts in bad faith
- Recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, car repairs, and pain and suffering
Our experienced car accident attorneys offer personalized legal support, aggressive representation, and you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Schedule a free case review with a member of our team today.
FAQs About Hit and Run Accidents
Any accident where a driver does not stop to provide contact and insurance information is a hit and run, whether the damage is to a car, person, or property.
- Police will investigate and may use evidence or witness statements to find the driver.
- Your insurance claim will proceed based on your policy’s coverages.
- If the driver is caught, you may pursue compensation through a civil claim.
If your parked car was hit and the driver left the scene, take clear photos of the damage and surrounding area, check for notes or surveillance cameras, and file a police report. Then, notify your insurance company and provide all documentation to begin the claims process.
Yes, depending on your policy. Key coverages include:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM): Covers injuries and property damage if the at-fault driver isn’t identified.
- Collision Coverage: Pays for vehicle damage, minus your deductible.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical bills regardless of who caused the crash.
Always check your policy and ask your insurer about coverage for hit and run accidents.
Yes. If the driver is found, you can sue for damages, including medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
You can prove a hit and run by gathering physical evidence at the scene, such as vehicle damage, paint transfer, debris, or surveillance footage. Witness statements, dashcam videos, and detailed photos can also help link the fleeing vehicle to the crash and support your claim.
Our hit and run lawyers at Braker White work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe a fee if we win your case. Your consultation is free, so reach out today.
Get the Support You Deserve After a Hit and Run
Getting hit by a driver who flees is an extremely frustrating experience. But with the right steps and the right legal team, you can take back control. If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run accident in West Texas, you’re not alone. Contact Braker White today for a free consultation and let us fight for your peace of mind.
