In Texas, the consequences of a DWI hit-and-run escalate heavily based on how badly other people are hurt. Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550 and the Texas Penal Code break these injuries down into three specific legal categories. Here is what qualifies as a minor injury, a serious bodily injury, and a fatality, along with the penalties for leaving the scene.
Minor injury
This category covers bodily injuries that do not threaten a person’s life or cause permanent damage. Examples include:
- Cuts
- Bruises
- Minor concussions
- Sprains
If you leave the scene of an accident where someone suffers a minor injury, Texas law classifies it as an enhanced offense. You can face up to one year in a county jail, up to five years in a state prison, and a fine of up to $5,000.
Serious bodily injury
According to Texas penal code, this classification involves any harm posing a significant threat to a person’s life. It also includes injuries that cause serious, permanent disfigurement, or the extended loss or impairment of any bodily member or organ. Examples include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of a limb
Fleeing a scene with a serious injury escalates the charge to a third-degree felony. This carries a penalty of two to ten years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Fatality
This applies when a collision results in the death of a human being, either immediately at the scene or later on due to injuries sustained during the crash. Leaving the scene of a fatal accident is the most severe hit-and-run offense in Texas. The state charges you with a second-degree felony, which carries a penalty of two to twenty years in a state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
If you find yourself in this stressful situation, you should seek legal help immediately. A criminal defense attorney understands the complex details of Texas traffic and intoxication laws. A lawyer can protect your constitutional rights, speak to the police and insurance companies on your behalf, and help you build the strongest possible defense to minimize the damage to your future.