Hit and Run

Houston Hit and Run Attorney

It is the law in Texas for a person to stop his vehicle immediately if he becomes involved in any kind of accident. Failure to adhere to this law is a crime known as a hit and run and can result in some serious consequences. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, a hit and run driver can be charged with a felony or misdemeanor.

Call Shahin Zamir at 713-223-8900

What is Hit and Run?

A hit and run is a crime in which a driver collides with another vehicle, a pedestrian or personal property and fails to stop. They leave the scene without offering help or waiting for law enforcement to arrive. In Texas, anyone who causes a vehicle accident is legally required to stop and identify themselves to the other party and law enforcement officers.

As stated previously, hit and runs can be either misdemeanors or felonies depending upon the circumstances surrounding an accident. Typically, if there is only property damage, the crime is a misdemeanor. On the other hand, if there is an injury or death, it is often considered a felony. While there are many reasons why people may flee an accident, the most common reasons are listed below:

• Intoxication
• Panic
• Road Rage
• Avoiding Arrest
• Lack of insurance

Common Punishments for Hit and Run

The punishments for a hit and run may vary depending on the individual case. At the least, hit and run drivers will have points recorded on their licenses. At the worst, they may have to pay fines as high as $10,000 and even face imprisonment. Another common punishment is license suspension.

It is essential to note that a driver’s car insurance rates will rise significantly after a hit and run conviction as well. Finally, if someone dies after the accident, the driver can also be charged with much more serious offenses such as homicide or vehicular manslaughter.

Preparing a Defense

Of course, the best defense in a hit and run case is to avoid it altogether. People should never leave the scene of an accident. However, for those people who do, they should consult legal council immediately. No matter whether a driver is truly guilty of the crime or has been wrongly accused, a knowledgeable attorney can help.

Meet With a Houston Hit and Run Lawyer

Shahin Zamir is a veteran criminal attorney who can help people with hit and run and many other charges.

To learn about the possible defenses for a hit and run charge, call the Law Office of Shahin Zamir at 713-223-8900.