When can a driver be criminally charged for a car accident that occurs in San Antonio, Texas?
A large percentage of the motor vehicle accidents that transpire on Texas roads are caused by driver error. This means that in most collisions, there is at least one driver who was engaging in careless or negligent behavior. Speeding, texting while driving, and making an unsafe lane change are just a few examples of negligent behavior.
When any of the above-mentioned actions serve as contributing factors in a crash, the driver is more likely to be ticketed for their behavior as these are considered traffic infractions. However, there are also other types of behavior a driver can display that may not only result in them being ticketed, but also criminally charged. Some examples of those include:
- Failing to remain at the scene of a crash.
All drivers in the State of Texas are required to stop and remain at the scene of an accident they are involved in that results in property damage, injuries to another, or death, or the incident is likely to have resulted in any of the following, according to Texas Transportation Code § 550.001. If a driver fails to stop at the accident scene that has resulted in an injury to another or death or it was likely to have resulted in injury or death is guilty of a felony of the third degree when it involves injuries and a felony of the second degree if the incident resulted in a death.
Drivers who neglect to remain at the scene where property damage was sustained could be charged with either a Class B misdemeanor or Class C misdemeanor depending on the value of the damage.
If a driver was recently involved in a hit-and-run accident in San Antonio, Texas, and they are looking to recover compensation for the damages they suffered, the TX accident attorneys at The Texas Law Giant are available to help them understand how they can do this.
- Driving while intoxicated.
It is illegal for drives in the State of Texas to operate their motor vehicle while intoxicated or with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08 or higher. The State has lowered the level for those who are under the legal age or are operating a commercial motor vehicle. When a driver is found guilty of causing a drunk driving accident, they will likely be charged with DUI and any other crimes they were committing at the time of the crash.
- Reckless driving.
If a driver operates their vehicle “in willful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property,” they may be charged with reckless driving which is considered a misdemeanor [Source: Texas Transportation Code § 545.401].
A San Antonio, TX Accident Attorney is Ready to Provide Legal Assistance to Those Who Have Been Injured in a Car Accident
If another driver’s reckless behavior caused an accident that left another person injured, they may be entitled to recover compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and more. If a driver would like to find out how much they may be entitled to collect, they are encouraged to contact The Texas Law Giant for a free consultation.
The Texas Law Giant can be reached at:
5826 W Interstate 10 Ste 102
San Antonio, TX 78201-2852
Phone: (210) 944-4103
Website: www.texaslegalgroup.com
