If you get involved in a car accident in the state of Texas, there are certain state laws you must comply with. For instance, if the auto accident you are involved in results in a personal injury or death, you must:
- Immediately stop your vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene as possible.
- Return to the scene of the accident immediately following it if your vehicle is not stopped at the scene of where it transpired.
- The operator of the vehicle must stop their vehicle without obstructing traffic more than necessary.
- Determine if someone else was involved in the accident and if so, determine if that person requires aid.
- Provide the necessary information to the driver and make aid arrangements so that the individual who did sustain an injury can receive the treatment they require.
[Source: Chapter 550. Accidents and Accident Reports Sec. 550.001.].
Our accident lawyers in College Station, Texas point out that if you fail to comply with these state mandated laws, there are certain consequences you will be faced with. For instance, if:
- The accident resulted in a death of a person and you failed to follow the requirements stated above, you could be charged with a felony of the second degree.
- If the collision resulted in serious bodily injury to a person, you could be charged with a felony of the third degree.
- If the accident resulted in an injury and you aren’t charged with a felony of the second or third degree, you might be placed in prison in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for up to five years or confinement in the county jail for no more than one year. You may also incur a fine up to $5,000 and be held responsible for the corresponding fine for imprisonment or confinement.
If you engaged in an accident in which there was only damage to the vehicle and no injuries were sustained that you are aware of, you are still required to follow the same steps as mentioned above. You still cannot flee the scene of the accident nor can you fail to provide the other driver with the necessary information that is required by law.
What information am I required to give at the scene of the accident?
After engaging in an auto accident in Texas where injury, death, or damage has occurred, you must provide the following information:
- Your name
- Address
- The registration number of the vehicle you were driving.
- The name of your motor vehicle liability insurance company.
- If it is requested of you, you must provide your driver’s license if you have it on you.
In the event you were recently involved in an auto accident in the city of College Station, Texas, and have questions or concerns regarding your accident, the claims process, or how to file a lawsuit, you can contact USAttorneys.com now. Our accident and injury lawyers in College Station, TX are ready to assist you and provide you with the information you are seeking.
