Your first instinct following a Texas car accident may be to quickly drive away, especially if the damage seems minor. However, not contacting the police after an accident in Texas can actually cause much bigger problems down the road. Here’s an overview of what happens if you don’t call the police after a car accident in Texas, including the potential consequences if you leave the scene, and your options if you’ve already made this mistake.
Why You Should Call the Police After Any Car Accident
There are several important reasons why you need to call the police and file an official report for any auto accident in Texas, no matter how small it may seem.
- It’s the law. Texas state law requires drivers to stop and exchange information after a crash. Not doing so can result in fines and criminal charges.
- To get compensation. The police report is crucial evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit to recover accident-related expenses. Without it, you’ll have no proof the accident even happened.
- To avoid fraud. Other drivers may lie and try to blame you if there are no police at the scene to determine fault and take statements from both parties.
- For safety. Police need to be notified in case anyone is injured and requires medical assistance. Leaving the scene could show negligence.
Even exchanging information with the other driver does not remove your obligation to report the accident. The only situation where you may not have to call the police is if the crash occurs on private property and results in less than $1,000 in damage to each vehicle. But it’s still a good idea to call just in case.
What Happens If You Don’t Call the Police After a Car Accident in Texas?
So, you were in an accident but left the scene without contacting law enforcement. Maybe you thought the damage looked minor, or you were overwhelmed in the moment. Unfortunately, this decision can carry serious penalties in Texas. Here are some potential legal and financial consequences of leaving after a car crash without calling the police:
- Traffic citation and fines. Leaving the scene of an accident is against the law in Texas. It’s a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to $200 in fines. More severe penalties apply if anyone was injured or killed in the crash.
- License suspension. The Texas DMV can suspend your driver’s license for up to one year if you fail to stop and/or report an accident. Subsequent offenses can result in further suspensions or revocation.
- Hit-and-run charges. Prosecutors can charge you with a hit-and-run, which is a much more serious criminal offense. Depending on any injuries or fatalities, this can potentially be prosecuted as a felony with hefty fines or jail time.
- Limited insurance claim. Without a police report, you’ll have very little evidence to back up an injury or property damage claim following the crash. The other driver’s insurance company could deny your claim altogether.
- Civil liability. The other driver may sue you to recover their uninsured losses. If it turns out the accident was your fault, you could end up owing for their medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and more.
- Increased insurance rates. Once your insurer learns you failed to report an accident, they may deem you high-risk and raise your policy premiums. Too many violations could even get your policy dropped.
As you can see, leaving the scene without notifying the police can end up costing you big time down the road. It eliminates your ability to establish fault and seek compensation while opening you up to tickets, fines, and lawsuits. So, even if you’ve already made this mistake, it’s in your best interests to act quickly to get it sorted out.
What to Do If You Left the Scene of an Accident
Don’t panic yet if you’ve realized your mistake and are now wondering what happens if you don’t call the police after a car accident in Texas. You may still be able to mitigate the damage by taking the following steps:
- Consult a car accident lawyer Corpus Christi. They can walk you through the process of contesting any citations, fines, or charges to reduce penalties. A lawyer may also help negotiate a civil settlement and preserve your driving privileges.
- Contact your insurance company. Notify your agent about the accident and why you left the scene. They may advise you on the next steps to take.
- Track down the other driver. If you have their license plate number or any other identifying details, try to obtain their insurance information. This shows you’re making an effort to comply with the law.
- Report the accident ASAP. Call the police non-emergency number and explain you were just in an accident that went unreported. Provide specific details to get an official report filed.
- Review your policy. Make sure you have adequate coverage in case the other driver pursues a claim against you for their uninsured collision damages or injuries.
By being proactive and transparent, you may be able to avoid some of the harshest consequences of leaving an accident scene in Texas without contacting the police. Don’t let fear of penalties stop you from coming forward – the repercussions will likely be much worse if you continue hiding it.
Protect Your Rights After a Texas Car Accident
Any auto accident can leave you navigating a complex web of insurance claims, medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost income, and other expenses. But making the mistake of leaving the scene without reporting it can add layers of legal and financial liability on top of everything else. Let our experienced personal injury attorneys help simplify the process while protecting your rights.
At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, our sole focus is helping Texas crash victims recover the maximum compensation they deserve after an accident – even when there are complicated circumstances like an unreported crash. We handle every aspect of building a persuasive claim for damages so you can concentrate on getting your life back on track.
Don’t leave your family’s security at risk because of uncertainty over what to do following an uninsured loss. We offer free case evaluations to discuss your options at no obligation. Call Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys today at 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946) or contact us online to schedule a consultation. A Corpus Christi personal injury lawyer is ready to answer your questions and start fighting for the outcome you deserve.
