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Hit-and-Run Accidents in Texas: What to Do If It Happens to You

Hit-and-run accidents in Texas are, unfortunately, all too common, and they leave victims feeling confused and unsure of what to do next. Being involved in a car accident is already stressful—but when the other driver speeds away without stopping, it can feel overwhelming. If this happens to you, knowing your rights and taking the right steps can make a big difference in both your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation.

Is a Hit-and-Run Illegal in Texas?

Absolutely. Texas law requires any driver involved in a crash that results in property damage, injury, or death to stop and provide their information. Failing to do so can lead to serious criminal charges, including felony offenses in cases involving injury or death.

Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Hit-and-Run

1. Don’t Chase the Driver
As tempting as it may be, never try to follow the fleeing vehicle. It’s dangerous and can put you at greater risk. Instead, focus on staying safe and gathering details.

2. Call 911 Immediately
Report the crash right away. Give the dispatcher as much information as you can, including:

• The make, model, color, and license plate of the fleeing vehicle (if available)

• Direction the driver was headed

• Any injuries you or others may have

3. Document the Scene
While waiting for the police, take photos of:

• Your vehicle’s damage

• The surrounding area

• Skid marks or debris

• Any surveillance cameras or witnesses nearby

4. Speak to Witnesses
If anyone saw the crash, get their contact information. Witness statements can help police track down the fleeing driver—and strengthen your case.

5. File a Police Report
A police report is essential. It serves as a formal record of the incident, which your insurance company and attorney will need later.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Texas is an at-fault state, but you can still file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage if the hit-and-run driver isn’t found. This coverage can help with:

• Medical bills

• Car repairs

• Lost wages

If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, your collision coverage might still assist with vehicle repairs, though you may have to pay a deductible.

What If You Were Injured?

If you were hurt in the accident, get medical attention right away. Even if you feel okay, symptoms like whiplash or internal injuries may not appear immediately. Prompt care also documents your injuries, which is important for your claim.

Can a Lawyer Help with a Hit-and-Run Case?

Yes—especially if:

• The driver is unidentified or uninsured

• Your insurance company offers a low settlement

• You suffered serious injuries or financial loss

A personal injury lawyer can help investigate the case, identify potential sources of compensation, negotiate with your insurance, and represent you in court if necessary.

Prevention Tips: How to Reduce Your Risk

While hit-and-runs are unpredictable, you can take steps to protect yourself:

• Avoid distracted driving and stay alert

• Use dash cams to record your surroundings

• Park in well-lit areas with cameras when possible

• Always wear your seatbelt and follow traffic laws

Final Thoughts

Hit-and-run accidents are frightening, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. In Texas, you still have legal options, even if the at-fault driver isn’t found. By acting quickly, documenting everything, and speaking with a trusted attorney, you can improve your chances of recovering the compensation you need.

What Is the Texas Dram Shop Law and Why Does It Matter?

This is known as the Texas Dram Shop Law—and it plays a crucial role in many drunk driving personal injury claims. When a person is injured or killed in a drunk driving accident, most people think the impaired driver is the only one responsible. But in some cases, Texas law allows victims to hold bars, restaurants, or alcohol-serving establishments accountable too.

Understanding the Texas Dram Shop Law

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 2.02 (commonly referred to as the Dram Shop Act) allows injured individuals to pursue damages against a business that over-served alcohol to a clearly intoxicated person who then caused harm to others.

To win a dram shop case, you must prove:

• The bar, restaurant, or alcohol provider knowingly served alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated to the point that they presented a clear danger to themselves and others.

• The intoxicated person’s actions caused the accident or injuries.

Why the Dram Shop Law Exists

The purpose of the Dram Shop Law is to encourage alcohol-serving establishments to act responsibly and avoid contributing to dangerous situations. If a bartender keeps pouring drinks for someone who is clearly impaired—and that person later causes a crash—the establishment may share legal liability.

Common Examples of Dram Shop Liability

• A bar serves shots to someone slurring their speech and stumbling, who then drives and crashes.

• A nightclub keeps refilling drinks for a patron who has already passed out and later assaults someone.

• A restaurant knowingly serves a visibly drunk customer who later causes a multi-car accident.

Why This Law Matters to Victims

Dram shop liability can be a powerful tool for accident victims. In cases where the drunk driver has minimal insurance coverage or no assets, holding the establishment accountable can provide additional avenues for recovering damages such as:

• Medical bills

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases

It also sends a message to businesses to take their responsibilities seriously when serving alcohol.

How to Prove a Dram Shop Claim

These claims require strong evidence, including:

• Surveillance footage from the bar or restaurant

• Witness testimony from servers, patrons, or staff

• Receipts or bar tabs showing how much alcohol was served

• Police reports and toxicology results

A skilled personal injury lawyer will know how to gather and preserve this evidence to build a solid case.

Dram Shop Law Also Applies to Social Hosts (Sometimes)

While Texas law generally protects private party hosts, they may still be held liable if they provide alcohol to a minor under 18 who then causes an accident. Parents or guardians who knowingly allow underage drinking can face serious legal consequences if harm results.

Final Thoughts

If you were injured in a drunk driving accident in Texas, you may have more legal options than you think. The Texas Dram Shop Law holds irresponsible businesses accountable for serving alcohol to clearly intoxicated individuals who go on to cause harm.

Consulting an experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine whether a dram shop claim applies to your case—and maximize the compensation you deserve.

Important Texas Driver Statistics Every Motorist Should Know

Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a new motorist, these numbers highlight why awareness and caution matter. Driving in Texas is a daily necessity for millions, but it also comes with real risks. Understanding the most recent driving statistics can help you make better decisions behind the wheel—and possibly save your life.

1. Texas Has One of the Highest Numbers of Traffic Fatalities in the U.S.

Texas consistently ranks among the top states for fatal motorist accidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):

• In 2023, over 4,000 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in Texas.

• On average, one person was killed every two hours and nine minutes on Texas roads.

• There were no deathless days on Texas roadways throughout the entire year.

2. Distracted Driving Is a Leading Cause of Crashes

Despite public awareness campaigns and new legislation, distracted motorist continues to be a major problem:

• Nearly 1 in 5 crashes in Texas involves distracted driving.

• Cell phone use, eating, adjusting controls, and talking to passengers are all common distractions.

• TxDOT reports that thousands of serious injuries and hundreds of fatalities each year can be traced back to distracted drivers.

3. Drunk Driving Remains a Serious Threat

Alcohol-related crashes remain a troubling issue across the state:

• In 2023, more than 25% of traffic fatalities involved a driver under the influence of alcohol.

• Major holidays like New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, and Labor Day see spikes in drunk driving incidents.

• Texas’ Dram Shop Law also holds bars and establishments liable if they over-serve visibly intoxicated patrons who go on to cause crashes.

4. Rural Roads Are Especially Dangerous

Even though rural areas have fewer cars, they often see more fatal accidents:

• Rural crashes in Texas make up over 50% of all traffic deaths.

• Long stretches of unlit roads, higher speeds, and delayed emergency response times contribute to the risk.

5. Pedestrian and Cyclist Fatalities Are on the Rise

As more Texans choose to walk or bike, fatalities involving non-motorists have increased:

• In 2023, there were over 800 pedestrian fatalities in the state.

• Cyclists are also vulnerable, especially in cities that lack bike lanes or safe road-sharing measures.

Why These Stats Matter to You

These statistics are more than just numbers—they’re a wake-up call. Every crash represents a life changed or lost. By understanding these patterns, drivers can take steps to protect themselves and others:

• Always stay alert and avoid distractions.

• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Watch your speed, especially on rural or unfamiliar roads.

• Share the road responsibly with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

Final Thoughts

Texas roads can be dangerous, but informed drivers are safer drivers. By knowing the risks and staying vigilant, you can help reduce accidents and save lives.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Texas car accident, our personal injury lawyers are here to help. We’ll fight for your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Accident vs. Crash: Why the Words We Use Matter

When you hear about a collision on the road, do you automatically call it an “accident”? Most people do. It’s the term we’ve used for decades. But increasingly, safety advocates, legal professionals, and even government agencies are encouraging people to use a different word: crash. Why? Because the language we use shapes how we understand responsibility, blame, and even justice.

The Problem with the Word “Accident”

The term accident implies that something happened purely by chance or without fault. But in reality, the vast majority of vehicle collisions are preventable. They’re caused by things like:

• Distracted driving

• Speeding

• Drunk or drugged driving

• Running red lights

• Driver fatigue

When we use the word accident, it subtly suggests that no one is responsible—that it was unavoidable. This can minimize the impact on victims and shift focus away from the need for accountability and prevention.

Why “Crash” Is a More Accurate Term

Calling it a crash acknowledges that the incident resulted from specific behaviors or conditions. It shifts the narrative toward cause and responsibility, which is crucial in both legal and safety discussions. After all, if someone is texting while driving and rear-ends your car, that wasn’t an “oops”—it was the result of a choice.

Safety advocates argue that the term crash encourages more responsible behavior, stronger policies, and better enforcement. It also validates the experiences of victims, especially in severe or fatal cases.

Legal Implications of Word Choice

In legal cases, language matters. Calling a collision an accident can downplay liability in front of a jury or adjuster. It can frame the event as bad luck instead of negligence. Personal injury lawyers know that using the right language—accurate, specific, and responsibility-focused—can influence the outcome of a claim or lawsuit.

Courts, insurers, and media outlets are becoming more aware of this distinction. Some agencies, like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), have already moved away from using the term accident in official communications.

Changing the Conversation for Safer Roads

Changing how we talk about traffic collisions is more than just semantics. It’s about building a culture that values responsibility, justice, and prevention. When we say crash, we recognize that lives were changed—not by chance, but by decisions.

Educating the public, journalists, and even law enforcement about the power of words is part of creating safer communities. It helps reinforce that traffic crashes are serious and preventable—and that drivers have a duty to act responsibly.

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Final Thoughts

Next time you hear about a traffic incident, pause before calling it an accident. Consider the real impact of that word. At our firm, we take these situations seriously because they’re rarely just “accidents.” They’re crashes that deserve accountability, justice, and care for the people involved.

If you’ve been involved in a crash and need legal support, our experienced attorneys are here to help. You don’t have to face the aftermath alone.