I know a couple who live near downtown Dallas and their home is near a busy intersection. On weekends, they say there are a lot of car accidents in that intersection late at night. Sometimes when the crashes occur, it jars them from a deep sleep. They wake up, look out the window and sometimes there is only one car ripped apart in the intersection and the other car is long gone. Other times, they look out the window and both cars are gone. Leaving the scene of an accident that involves death or serious injury is considered a third-degree felony with a penalty of possible imprisonment for two to ten years. If the injury is not a serious one, the offense is still a felony that is punishable by up to one year in a county jail or up to five years in a state prison. Leaving the scene of an accident that does not result in injury, but only results in property damage is a misdemeanor with fines around $1,000 and possible jail time of up to one year.
If you are the victim of a hit and run, it’s good to know how uninsured motorist coverage works. Texans are required to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, in addition to liability insurance. Still, of course, not everyone is insured. That’s one reason for them to hit and run. Another reason is perhaps they’ve been drinking alcohol. Or they simply don’t have the financial means to pay for damage to another car. Uninsured motorist coverage is just what it sounds like, insurance to cover you in the event that you are hit by a motorist that either does not have insurance, or if you are hit by someone who leaves the scene.
Failure to render aid is a crime, as is failure to give information in an accident. That’s why you should always try to get an accurate description of the car and the license number a.s.a.p.!! Calling the police immediately will also help broaden your chances of catching your hit and run criminal.
Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Artist / Commedienne
Hit And Run – Comedy Defensive Driving School