Legally Reviewed by Dale R. Rose on August 17, 2026
A hit-and-run accident leaves you with an injured vehicle, possible injuries, and no clear way to identify who is responsible. Texas law still gives you options in this situation, through your own insurance coverage, law enforcement’s efforts to locate the fleeing driver, and, in some cases, a claim once that driver is identified.
Your actions in the hours after the crash can shape how strong those options are. What you document at the scene, how quickly you notify your insurer, and when you speak with a Texas hit-and-run accident lawyer all affect how the claim unfolds from there.
Responsibility of the Driver After an Accident
Texas has laws that require drivers to stop and stay at the scene of an accident. Under Texas Transportation Code Section 550.021, a driver involved in a collision that causes injury or property damage must stop immediately, without obstructing traffic more than necessary, and remain at the scene until certain duties are met. Leaving before doing so is what makes an accident a hit-and-run.
Besides stopping immediately, a driver involved in a Texas accident is required to:
- Render reasonable aid to anyone injured in the accident
- Share their name and address, and the vehicle’s registration number
- Share their insurance and driver’s license details, if requested
- Remain at the scene until police arrive, if officers are on the way
Failing to stop and complete these steps is a criminal offense in Texas. Depending on the severity of the injury caused, a driver who flees can face misdemeanor or felony charges, in addition to civil liability for the damage caused.
What Happens if the Vehicle Was Unattended?
Even if your car was parked and no one was present when it was struck, the other driver is still required to leave identifying information behind before leaving the scene. Unfortunately, parked-car hit-and-runs are among the most common type of these accidents, since the driver responsible may assume there is no way to trace the damage back to them.
Proving to your insurer that your car was struck in a hit-and-run can be more difficult without a police report, photos, or witness information. Enlisting a skilled Collin County personal injury attorney can help you assemble that evidence and pursue the compensation available to you.
5 Steps to Take Following a Hit-and-Run Accident
If the driver who hit you speeds off, resist the urge to chase them. Stop your vehicle safely and follow these five steps instead.
Safety First
Safety is your top priority. If possible, move your car out of traffic and stop at a safe location. Then check yourself and any passengers for injuries before doing anything else.
Call 911
Contacting emergency services brings police to the scene, and if anyone is injured, an ambulance as well. Officers can help locate the hit-and-run driver quickly and collect evidence while it is still fresh. The resulting police report often becomes your strongest piece of evidence when filing a claim.
Gather Information and Evidence
While you wait for emergency services, write down everything you remember about the accident. Useful details include the other vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate, even a partial plate number helps. Nearby witnesses may be able to identify the vehicle, and dash cam footage, if you have it, can preserve details you might otherwise forget.
Contact Your Insurance
Notifying your insurer promptly after a hit-and-run accident starts your claim process and lets you learn which coverages apply to your situation.
Speak With Your Lawyer
Talk with a Texas personal injury lawyer for guidance on your specific situation. An attorney can help you deal with your insurance company and pursue fair compensation if your policy covers the loss.
Will My Insurance Compensate Me for Damages After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Coverage depends on the policy you carry. If the hit-and-run driver is later identified, their insurance may cover the damages the same as in any other accident. Until then, your own policy typically determines what is available.
If you or a passenger was injured, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage may help pay medical expenses, lost wages, and related out-of-pocket costs. Texas law automatically includes this coverage in your auto policy unless you rejected it in writing, so it is worth checking your policy declarations page to confirm.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, often shown as UM/UIM, is another option. If you carry this coverage, it may pay for your damages after a hit-and-run accident, even when the responsible driver is never found or carries no insurance of their own. This coverage works similarly to the protection discussed in our guide on handling hit-and-run accidents involving uninsured motorists. Collision coverage, if you carry it, can also pay for vehicle repairs regardless of who was at fault.
Reporting Deadlines and Why Timing Matters
Texas law requires drivers involved in a reportable crash to notify police, and most insurers require prompt notice of a claim as a condition of coverage. Waiting too long to report a hit-and-run to your insurer, or delaying medical treatment for injuries, can give an adjuster grounds to question whether the crash caused your damages. Reporting quickly, and keeping records of every call, form, and repair estimate, strengthens your position from the outset.
Consult an Experienced Texas Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
No accident is desirable, no matter how minor it may be. Getting involved in a crash where the other driver flees the scene adds uncertainty on top of an already stressful situation. Leaving the claim to a Texas hit-and-run accident lawyer at Rose Knows Law can take some of that uncertainty off your plate while you focus on recovering.
Our firm has represented clients across McKinney, Bonham, and the surrounding North Texas communities for nearly 33 years. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Texas, reach out through our contact form for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Accidents in Texas
What should I do if I cannot find any witnesses after a hit-and-run?
Call 911 and file a police report even without witnesses, since officers may be able to identify the driver through nearby traffic cameras, paint transfer, or vehicle debris left at the scene. Your own uninsured motorist coverage can also provide a path to compensation when the driver is never identified.
Is leaving the scene of an accident always a crime in Texas?
Yes, if the accident caused injury or property damage. Texas Transportation Code Section 550.021 requires drivers to stop and exchange information, and leaving before doing so can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity of the injury.
Do I still need a police report if my car was only damaged and no one was hurt?
Yes. A police report documents the incident, which most insurers require before processing a hit-and-run claim. Even minor property damage benefits from an official record, especially if you later discover injuries that were not apparent right after the crash.
Will my insurance rates increase after a hit-and-run claim that was not my fault?
Insurers vary in how they treat not-at-fault claims, including hit-and-run claims filed under your own uninsured motorist coverage. Reviewing your policy or asking your agent directly is the most reliable way to understand how a specific claim may affect your premium.
What if the hit-and-run driver is identified after I already filed a claim with my own insurer?
If the responsible driver is later identified, you may be able to pursue a claim against their insurance policy, and your own insurer may seek reimbursement through subrogation for amounts it already paid. An attorney can help sort out how the two claims interact so you are not shortchanged.
About the Attorney
Founder, Dale R. Rose, PLLC
Dale R. Rose is a civil trial attorney with over 165 first chair jury trials and nearly 33 years of experience practicing law across Texas. A graduate of Texas Tech School of Law, he has represented individuals, small companies, and corporations in personal injury matters throughout North Texas.