Mark Anderson | August 1, 2025 | Car Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents in Fort Worth, TX, can leave you with many questions, including the statute of limitations for this type of vehicle collision. These cases can be challenging and take time to resolve, so it is important to consult a hit-and-run accident lawyer about your options right away.
Texas law generally provides two years from the date of the hit-and-run accident to pursue compensation. Once this time limit expires, you may not be allowed to pursue legal action. Imposing a time limit ensures that cases do not drag on unnecessarily and cannot be brought up many years after the event occurred.
Drivers Involved in Crashes Have a Responsibility to Stop at the Scene
When an accident occurs, drivers involved in the crash have a responsibility to stop and take certain actions. According to the Texas Transportation Code, they are obligated to stop their vehicle and see if another person is involved in the crash.
These drivers are also obligated to see if the other driver is injured and provide necessary aid. If possible, drivers must exchange contact and insurance information to use when filing insurance claims.
When a driver hits another vehicle and fails to stop and take the abovementioned steps, it is considered a hit-and-run accident. Failure to take these steps is illegal and subject to serious punishment when prosecuted.
Driver Accountability and Punishments for Hit-and-Run Accidents in Texas
In most vehicle collisions, victims can file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance to recover their losses.
One of the biggest challenges with a hit-and-run accident, though, is that this is not an option unless the other driver is found. The more information you can provide police and your lawyer about the vehicle that collided with you, the better your chance of holding them accountable.
Hit-and-run accidents are serious offenses. If convicted, an offender could face felony charges in the third degree if they caused injury, and felony charges in the second degree if their actions resulted in death. Depending on the situation, drivers who committed a hit-and-run could also face up to five years in prison, up to a year in county jail, and/or up to $5,000 in fines.
Common Reasons Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur
Hit-and-run accidents can happen when a driver panics or fears the potential outcome of hitting another vehicle or pedestrian.
Fleeing the scene of an accident commonly occurs when a driver is uninsured or underinsured and knows they are violating the law or cannot compensate the victim. Drunk drivers or those avoiding law enforcement may also fail to stop after causing an accident.
Quick Action Is Crucial After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Even if you do not have much to go on initially, acting quickly after a hit-and-run accident is important. Time is of the essence and can impact your legal options, claim process, and outcome. Whether you can file a claim against the driver who hit you or your own insurance, you must remember the statute of limitations.
Even though two years seems generous, you have to consider the time it takes to settle a car accident. Hit-and-run accidents are likely to take longer to resolve since the at-fault party must be found in order to take action against them. Additionally, evidence deteriorates over time, so the sooner you can resolve your case, the better.
Contact Our Fort Worth Car Accident Attorneys at Anderson Injury Lawyers for Help After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth, Dallas, or Austin and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900
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6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
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408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
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811 Nueces Street, Austin TX, 78701
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