Read this to learn about Texas car crash laws and how they apply to you, as well as what you need to do if you’re involved in an accident.
Even minor car crashes can be traumatic and confusing. That’s why it’s so important to know your responsibilities after an accident ahead of time so that you can protect yourself legally.
In this article, we’ll explore your legal duties as a driver under Texas car accident laws. You can also read Chapter 550 of the Texas Transportation Code for more information.
1. Texas Driver Exchange of Information Law
After a car accident in Texas, you are obligated by law to immediately stop and exchange information with the other parties involved. This means you must give them your name, address, vehicle registration number, and insurance information. You must also show them your driver’s license if they request it.
The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident that results or is reasonably likely to result in injury to or death of a person shall:
- immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene as possible;
- immediately return to the scene of the accident if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene of the accident;
- immediately determine whether a person is involved in the accident, and if a person is involved in the accident, whether that person requires aid; and
- remain at the scene of the accident until the operator complies with the requirements of Section 550.023.
The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death or damage to a vehicle shall give the operator’s name and address, the registration number of the vehicle, and the motor vehicle liability insurer to any person injured or the operator or occupant of or person attending a vehicle involved in the collision [and] if requested and available, show the operator’s driver’s license.
2. Texas Car Accident Injury Law: Duty to Render Aid
Under Texas law, you have an obligation to render aid if you are involved in an accident. This includes providing reasonable assistance to any injured parties and either transporting them directly to a medical facility or arranging for transportation if they need treatment or they ask to go.
The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident shall provide any person injured reasonable assistance, including transporting or making arrangements for transporting the person to a hospital for medical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary, or if the injured person requests the transportation.
3. Texas Law on Reporting a Car Accident to Police
As a Texas driver, the law requires you to report any car crash you are involved in that results in injury or death, or renders a vehicle inoperable. You must immediately notify the appropriate Texas authorities of any reportable accidents.
The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death or damage to a vehicle to the extent that it cannot be normally and safely driven shall immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of the accident to the local police department, sheriff’s office or the nearest office of the department.
What if I Fail to Report an Accident in Texas?
Failing to report a car accident when you are required to do so is a misdemeanor offense in Texas. It is publishable by a maximum fine of $200.
A person commits an offense if the person performs an act prohibited or fails to perform an act required by this subtitle. Except as otherwise provided, an offense under this subtitle is a misdemeanor.
A person convicted of an offense that is a misdemeanor under this subtitle for which another penalty is not provided shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1 or more than $200.
4. Texas Car Accidents With No Injuries: Your Legal Duty
Even car accidents with no injuries in Texas create legal obligations you must meet. First, you must immediately stop your vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close as possible without obstructing traffic. You then need to exchange information with the other people involved in the collision and provide your driver’s license if requested.
The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle:
- 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;
- immediately return to the scene of the accident if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene of the accident; and
- remain at the scene of the accident until the operator complies with the requirements of Section 550.023.
The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death or damage to a vehicle shall give the operator’s name and address, the registration number of the vehicle, and the motor vehicle liability insurer to any person injured or the operator or occupant of or person attending a vehicle involved in the collision [and] if requested and available, show the operator’s driver’s license.
5. What if I Hit a Parked Car in Texas?
If you hit a parked car in Texas and damage it, you must immediately stop. Then, you must either locate the owner of the vehicle you struck and provide your name and address or you must leave a note containing this information and the details of what happened.
The operator of a vehicle that collides with and damages an unattended vehicle shall immediately stop and:
- locate the owner of the unattended vehicle and give that person the name and address of the operator and the owner of the vehicle that struck the unattended vehicle; or
- leave in a conspicuous place in the unattended vehicle a written notice giving the name and address of the operator and the owner of the vehicle that struck the unattended vehicle and a statement of the circumstances of the collision.
Before you get behind the wheel in Texas, it’s vital to understand the steps you must take following an accident. Failing to comply could result in serious consequences, including fines and even possible criminal charges. So make sure you know the law and follow it should you get into a car crash.
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