DFW hit-and-run: What to do if you're the victim and how to find the driver

Texas leads the nation in hit-and-run fatalities. Source: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. If you're hit, here's the step-by-step.

At the scene:

1. Call 911 immediately, even for minor damage.
2. Do NOT chase the other vehicle.
3. Note everything you can: color, make, model, license plate (even partial), direction of travel.
4. Look for witnesses. Ask for their contact information.
5. Check for cameras: traffic lights, nearby businesses, Ring doorbells.

After the scene: 6. File the police report. In Texas, you MUST report any accident with injury or property damage exceeding $1,000 under Texas Transportation Code 550.026. 7. File a crash report with TxDOT within 10 days if no officer responded (CR-2 form at txdot.gov). 8. Contact your insurance. Uninsured Motorist coverage pays for hit-and-run damage. If you don't have UM coverage, you're paying out of pocket.

Finding the driver:

• Ask responding officer about traffic camera footage (TxDOT and city cameras at major intersections)
• Post on Nextdoor and neighborhood Facebook groups with the description
• Check nearby businesses for security camera footage within 48 hours (many systems overwrite after 72 hours)

Legal note: Leaving the scene of an accident in Texas is:

• Class C misdemeanor: property damage only (Transportation Code 550.022)
• Class B misdemeanor: injury (Transportation Code 550.021)
• 2nd or 3rd degree felony: serious injury or death (Transportation Code 550.021)

Sources:

• AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety — hit-and-run data
• Texas Transportation Code 550.021, 550.022, 550.026
• TxDOT — CR-2 crash report form

Get Uninsured Motorist coverage. It's cheap and it's the only thing protecting you from hit-and-run costs.