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Written by TK Injury Lawyers, reviewed by Trent Kelly on June 26, 2025
What are the consequences of not stopping if you are involved in an accident? Texas law leaves no room for doubt: failing to stop can trigger serious criminal charges, driver’s license loss, and overwhelming financial penalties. The aftermath of a car accident already brings enough stress and confusion—leaving the scene only compounds the damage. At TK Injury Lawyers: Austin Personal Injury Lawyer, we know how quickly a situation can escalate and how crucial it is to act within the law to protect your future after a crash.
Not stopping after a crash can lead to felony or misdemeanor charges, depending on the damage or injuries involved. If you hit another car, pedestrian, or object and flee the scene, you could be charged with a hit and run—known in Texas as “failure to stop and render aid.”
Here’s what you risk by leaving the scene:
These penalties are based on Texas Transportation Code, Section 550, which outlines your duty to remain at the scene and exchange information.
In addition to legal punishment, the Texas Department of Public Safety may suspend or revoke your driver’s license. For many, this adds a layer of daily disruption on top of already severe consequences.
In Texas, every driver involved in an accident is legally obligated to stop, check for injuries, and provide specific information.
Under the law, this includes:
If the crash causes injury or death, failing to meet these obligations can result in a third-degree felony. If the crash involves only a parked car or object, and you don’t attempt to leave a note or contact the owner, you may still be charged with a misdemeanor offense.
It’s worth noting that “rendering aid” doesn’t necessarily mean physically helping the injured but calling emergency services when needed and remaining at the scene.
Law enforcement agencies use traffic cameras, witness statements, and forensic data to track down drivers who flee. If you are located after the fact, and especially if someone was hurt or killed, the situation becomes much more serious.
From a civil perspective, fleeing the scene often leads to fault assumptions. Insurance companies may deny your claim or reduce payouts. Victims may also file lawsuits against you directly.
Some judges may even take fleeing as proof of reckless behavior. That can sway how much you owe in court. What starts as a fender bender can snowball into a life-altering legal battle.
What’s more, even if you later return or try to report the accident after the fact, the damage might already be done. No matter how brief, that decision to leave becomes part of the official record—and it’s hard to undo that impression.
Failing to stop doesn’t just affect your criminal record—it also impacts your finances, your insurance, and your long-term reputation.
Here’s how:
The ripple effects are long-term. A moment of panic or poor judgment can lead to consequences that take years to undo.
If you’ve been hit by someone who fled the scene, we’re here to help you move forward. In Austin, car accidents happen daily, but every situation is unique. An experienced Austin car accident lawyer enables you to navigate both sides of hit-and-run cases, including injury claims, insurance disputes, and legal defense coordination.
Contact TK Injury Lawyers: Austin Personal Injury Lawyer, and we’ll explain your rights, help you make informed decisions, and work with you every step of the way. Your next move matters. Let’s make sure it’s the right one. Schedule a free consultation today.
Trent Kelly obtained his law degree from the University of Arkansas in 2007. He is licensed to practice law in Texas and regularly assists clients with their legal matters. Trent’s practice is primarily focused on personal injury matters – particularly those involving motor vehicles (such as cars, commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and motorcycles) and wrongful death – but he also handles various business litigation matters as well. Click here to take a look at some complex cases Trent has resolved.
Years of experience: +15 years
Location: Austin, TX
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Trent Kelly, who has more than 15 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury trial attorney.
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