Hit and Run in Texas: Laws, Penalties, and What to Do (2026)

# Hit and Run in Texas: What You Need to Know

> **KEY FACTS:**
> – Hit and run is a **criminal offense** in Texas — misdemeanor to felony
> – Penalties range from **fines to prison time** depending on injury severity
> – **UM/UIM coverage** is your primary claim option as a victim
> – Statute of limitations: **2 years** for civil claims

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## Texas Hit-and-Run Laws

Texas law (Tex. Transp. Code §§ 550.021-550.025) requires every driver involved in an accident to:
– **Stop** at the scene
– **Provide** identification and insurance information
– **Render reasonable assistance** if anyone is injured

Leaving the scene without doing so is a criminal offense.

### Criminal Penalties

| Scenario | Classification | Penalty |
|———-|—————|———|
| Property damage only | Class C misdemeanor | Up to $500 fine |
| Injury | Class A misdemeanor to 3rd degree felony | Up to $10,000 fine + up to 5 years prison |
| Serious bodily injury | 3rd degree felony | 2-10 years prison + up to $10,000 fine |
| Death | 2nd degree felony | 2-20 years prison + up to $10,000 fine |

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## What to Do If You Are a Hit-and-Run Victim

### At the Scene

1. **Stay at the scene** — do not chase the other driver
2. **Call 911 immediately** — report the hit and run to police
3. **Note everything you can** about the fleeing vehicle:
– License plate (even partial)
– Make, model, color
– Direction of travel
– Driver description
4. **Get witness information** — witnesses who saw the plate or vehicle are critical
5. **Photograph the scene** — your vehicle damage, road conditions, debris left by the other vehicle
6. **Check for cameras** — traffic cameras, business security cameras, dashcams from other vehicles

### After the Scene

7. **Get the police report** — this is essential for your insurance claim
8. **Contact your insurance company** — report the hit and run
9. **Seek medical attention** — document any injuries immediately
10. **File the CR-2** with TxDOT within 10 days if $1,000+ damage

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## Filing an Insurance Claim After a Hit and Run

### Your Primary Option: UM/UIM Coverage

Since the other driver fled, you typically cannot file a third-party claim. Your **Uninsured Motorist (UM)** coverage is your primary path to recovery.

– **UM coverage** treats the hit-and-run driver as an uninsured motorist
– Covers medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering
– You file with **your own insurance company**
– Most Texas UM policies require a police report

### Other Coverage Options

| Coverage | What It Covers |
|———-|—————|
| UM/UIM | Bodily injury by the unidentified driver |
| Collision | Your vehicle damage (minus deductible) |
| MedPay/PIP | Medical expenses regardless of fault |
| Comprehensive | Only if the vehicle was parked and hit |

### If You Do Not Have UM Coverage

Without UM coverage, your options are limited:
– **Collision coverage** for vehicle damage only
– **Health insurance** for medical bills
– **Lawsuit against the driver** — if they are identified
– **Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation** — may cover some costs for serious injuries

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## If the Driver Is Found

If police identify the hit-and-run driver:
– You can file a **third-party claim** against their insurance
– You can **file a lawsuit** for damages
– Their **criminal penalties** are separate from your civil claim
– The fact that they fled can **strengthen your civil case**

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is hit and run a felony in Texas?
It depends on the severity. Property damage only is a misdemeanor. If injuries are involved, it can be a felony with up to 20 years in prison for cases involving death.

### What if I only got a partial license plate?
Report it to police. Even a partial plate, combined with vehicle description and location, can help law enforcement identify the driver. Traffic and business cameras may also help.

### How long do I have to file a claim?
**2 years** from the accident date for civil claims. Report to police immediately and notify your insurer promptly.

### What if I do not have UM coverage?
Your options are more limited. Collision coverage covers vehicle damage. Health insurance covers medical bills. If the driver is identified, you can file against their insurance or sue them directly.

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## Related Guides

– [What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas](/texas/car-accident-guide/)
– [Texas Car Accident Laws](/texas/car-accident-laws/)
– [How to File an Insurance Claim in Texas](/texas/insurance-claim/)

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**DISCLAIMER:** This website is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This page provides general educational information only. Always consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice specific to your situation. This is not medical advice. If you have been injured, seek immediate medical attention. Last updated: March 2026.