How Common Are Hit and Run Accidents in the United States?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that over 737,000 hit-and-run accidents occurred in 2015. This number of accidents means a hit-and-run occurs every 43 seconds in the United States. The Automobile Association of America (AAA) reported 1,980 fatal hit-and-runs in 2016, which resulted in 2,049 total fatalities. Part of the report that AAA released showed higher numbers of hit-and-run related accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, making up 70% of the fatalities from 2016. As larger cities are encouraging residents to walk or ride bikes to decrease traffic, this, unfortunately, puts those individuals at risk of being involved in an accident.

Blog

Home » Blog » How to Report a Hit and Run in Texas

How to Report a Hit and Run in Texas

Name: Janicek Law
Address: 1100 NE Interstate 410 Loop #600, San Antonio, Texas, 78209
Telephone: 210-366-4949

September 7, 2023
Car Accidents

Many drivers involved in a hit-and-run may not know that they still have the ability to pursue legal action, even when they don’t know who the driver is. In Texas, a person guilty of a hit and run can face both criminal and civil charges for fleeing the scene.

If you were involved in a hit and run, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and property damage. Following your accident, you’ll want to seek representation from an experienced San Antonio hit-and-run lawyer. One of our knowledgeable attorneys from Janicek Law will evaluate your claim and help you proceed with legal action against the responsible party. To talk with a San Antonio car accident attorney, call 210-366-4949 today.

What is a Hit and Run Accident?

When a driver leaves the scene of a car accident before calling the police, talking to the other driver, or helping anyone injured, they’ve committed a hit and run. According to Texas Transportation Code Chapter 550, drivers are required to stop when involved in an accident. These accidents can involve a driver hitting a parked vehicle without waiting to meet with the other driver or a driver striking a pedestrian, bicyclist, other motor vehicles, or a piece of property. Any driver who does not stop following an accident could be charged with criminal penalties. If the accident resulted in injury or death, the driver who fled the scene could face prison.

When you’ve been involved in a hit and run, call car accident attorneys at Janicek Law as soon as possible. Even though you don’t have information about the other driver, our attorneys can still help you seek financial compensation for any injuries or damages caused by the accident.

How Common Are Hit and Run Accidents in Texas?

Hit-and-run incidents are a significant concern in Texas, with the state ranking among the highest for such fatalities. According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Texas averaged 181 fatal hit-and-run crashes per year over a recent period, placing it eighth nationally. According to another source, between 2018 and 2021, the city experienced 631 fatal motor vehicle crashes resulting in 661 deaths. Notably, in 2022, San Antonio recorded 39,355 motor vehicle collisions, including 186 fatal crashes leading to 199 deaths.

These alarming statistics highlight the critical need for enhanced traffic safety measures and public awareness to address the growing problem of hit-and-run accidents in Texas and its major cities.

What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Texas

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident, there are specific steps that you should take to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers. Following these steps is also important if you want to seek a hit-and-run claim against the other driver involved, who fled the scene.

Call 911

Your first step after being involved in a hit-and-run is to call the police. When you call 911, make sure to report any injuries and if they may need medical treatment. Even if you don’t feel like you’ve been injured, it’s important to seek medical attention. Many injuries related to car accidents can show up later. Other catastrophic injuries you may not realize you’re suffering from, like nerve and organ damage, can be life-threatening. Seeking medical attention is also crucial if you want to seek compensation for your injuries by pursuing an accident claim. Your San Antonio hit-and-run attorney will use your medical records as part of their evidence proving that the accident led to your injuries and other damages.

If you sustained a permanent injury, call our San Antonio catastrophic injury attorneys for a free consultation.

texas department of transportation accident report

Collect Evidence

While you wait for law enforcement to reach the scene, it’s important to document any critical information related to the driver who fled the scene. Write down a description of the motor vehicle, license plate number, bumper stickers, damage, make, model, color, and any other identifying information that can help law enforcement find the missing driver.

Once on the scene, the law enforcement officer will interview witnesses and collect evidence for the hit-and-run crash report. The information you provide the officer regarding the other vehicle, eyewitness accounts, and accident photos will all be compiled into an official accident report. This police report will help your personal injury attorney in San Antonio if you pursue an accident claim against the other driver.

Ask the law enforcement officer for a copy of the police report, as most insurance companies require this documentation when filing your claim.

Don’t Admit Fault

When you contact your insurance company notifying them about the accident, do not provide them with any information about the accident or your injuries. You can inform them that you’re seeking legal representation by contacting an attorney and seeking medical treatment.

It’s recommended to wait until after you’ve consulted with your attorney at Janicek Law before giving your insurance company an official statement. Any information you provide your insurance agency can be used against you when pursuing your claim.

Contact Your Auto Insurance Company

It’s still important to contact your auto insurance company following your accident. You can provide them with the information outlined above, but avoid giving details related to injuries and other information related to how the accident happened. Your hit-and-run attorney will advise you on what to provide the insurance company with that will not affect your accident claim.

Your auto insurance company will be able to explain things like will your insurance cover a hit and run, if you have uninsured motorist coverage, and more. You could risk losing your insurance policy if you don’t call your auto insurance following your hit and run accident.

If you don’t have auto insurance, we cover “Is it illegal to drive without insurance in Texas.”

Report the Hit and Run to TxDOT

Following a hit-and-run car accident in Texas, residents must file a report to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). If the accident resulted in injuries, death, or property damage over $1,000, you must report the accident to the TxDOT if the police did not visit the accident scene and file their own crash report. Those involved in hit-and-runs have ten days to file their report. If your accident resulted in injuries, death, or property damage over $1,000 and you do not file within the ten-day window, you could have your driver’s license suspended.

Hire a Hit and Run Lawyer

In typical car accident cases, the drivers involved will exchange information like driver’s licenses, insurance company details, and more which can help when you’re pursuing an accident claim. However, with a hit and run, you often don’t know anything about the driver of the other vehicle involved.

Hit and Run Involving Pedestrians

If you are a pedestrian injured because a missing driver hit you, seek medical attention and move to a safe location if possible. Try to remember details about the vehicle involved, such as the color, make, model, or license plate number. Call the police to report the crash, providing any statements from eyewitness accounts or nearby surveillance footage if available. Document the scene, take photos of injuries, and keep records of medical expenses. Since auto insurance claims for pedestrians can be legally complex, consulting a San Antonio pedestrian accident lawyer can help you explore options for compensation.

Hit and Run Involving Cyclists

If you are a cyclist injured in a hit-and-run accident, move to a safe location and call the police to make a crash report, providing a description of the vehicle, such as the color, make, model, or license plate number. Look for witnesses and ask if they saw the collision, as their eyewitness accounts may help identify the missing driver. Take photos of your bike, injuries, and the scene to document the damage. Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, as some may worsen over time. Call a San Antonio bike accident lawyer who can help you pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or legal action if the driver involved is located.

How to Report a Hit and Run to TxDOT

To report a hit and run on the TxDOT portal, visit their website to find the CR-2 Form, also known as “The Blue Form.” You will be required to submit information that includes the following:

Date of the accident and time, if available
Where the hit and run happened
Cars and individuals involved
Damaged vehicles and what that damage is
Injuries
A narrative of what happened (do not include accident photos)
Signature

The information in the CR-2 form can hurt your hit-and-run claim. It’s recommended to review the form with your attorney from Janicek Law before submitting it to ensure no information can be held against you.

Compensation in a Hit and Run Claim

While no amount of financial compensation can undo the damage done by your car accident, it can remove the financial responsibility from you and place it on the at-fault driver. The financial losses that you can claim for a car accident in Texas include:

Medical expenses
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
Vehicle damage
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Counseling expenses
Mobility aids, like wheelchairs and walkers
Loss of consortium
Loss of enjoyment of life
And more

If your hit-and-run car accident resulted in losing a loved one, you could have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. The compensation for this type of lawsuit will cover funeral costs, burial costs, loss of benefits, and more. Contact a San Antonio fatal car accident lawyer.

Personal Injury Lawyers For Hit and Run Accidents in San Antonio

Any type of car accident can have devastating results. If you were a hit and run victim, it can be even challenging to recover compensation since the at-fault driver is often unknown. You should not be held financially responsible for your injuries and other damages that a negligent driver caused. To learn more about your legal rights surrounding your hit-and-run accident claim, contact the attorneys at Janicek Law by calling 210-366-4949. The sooner you schedule your free initial consultation, the sooner we can help you along your road to recovery.

Practice Areas

Multi-Million Dollar Results For Over 30 Years

Schedule a Free Consultation

    
 
 
        
   Yvette Ramirez 
 1 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Andrew Skemp and Gabby his assistant are the best. Very knowledgeable and were amazing in my case. I am very pleased and thankful of the outcome. If I could give more stars I would. I extremely and  highly recommend them.
  
 
       
   Natasha Garza 
 31 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing experience with Janicek Law from beginning to end. Karen Rangel recommended us to Cassidy Muniz, and we are so thankful she did. Cassidy assisted myself, my husband, and our two daughters, and all four of us are extremely happy with the experience and outcome.

Cassidy truly went above and beyond for our entire family. She was always responsive, patient, professional, and helpful, and she kept us informed throughout the entire process. Everything went smoothly, we had no issues, and she made what could have been a stressful situation so much easier for us.

The entire team at Janicek Law is amazing, and we felt like we were in great hands from start to finish. We are incredibly grateful to Karen for recommending Cassidy and especially grateful to Cassidy for everything she did for our family.

We would 100% recommend Cassidy and Janicek Law to anyone looking for a team that truly cares about their clients. Thank you all so much for everything! ❤️
  
 
       
   Alex McWhirter 
 18 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were referred to Janicek Law firm from a lawyer in Brownsville, who pointed out that they are experts in the field of medical malpractice and I am so grateful. We worked with Andrew and Gaby and they were dedicated and worked hard to get us the best possible outcome. They kept us informed and updated through every step of the process, always with a friendly and very professional disposition. Despite language and distance challenges, they accommodated all of our needs, and I would highly recommend Janicek Law Firm. They made a bad situation better by listening to our concerns, helping us through a sorrowful time for my family, and advising on how to defeat our opponent. For any families that have a beloved and elderly relative who suffered in the hands of callous and neglectful medical institutions, Janicek Law Firm were amazing in advocating for our relative and making these corporate entities accountable. Thank you, Andrew and Gaby, we really appreciated your help!
  
 
       
   Heidi Soto 
 8 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr Bernal and Karen were great. They always kept me up to date on all that was going on at all times. When it came down to mediation Mr Bernal knew exactly what to do and say to make things clear with the insurance company who wanted to take advantage of me. I highly recommend Mr Bernal if you ever are in an accident. He will definitely take care of you.
  
 
       
   Lucy 
 30 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am beyond thankful for everyone at Janicek law for the professionalism, dedication, and support you all have showed throughout my lawsuit. From the very beginning, you all made a difficult and stressful situation much easier to navigate! Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, keeping me informed every step of the way and making this process as stress free as possible! I can without a doubt definitely recommend this law firm!
  
 
       
   Iris Contreras 
 16 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have started this review so many times, but every time I do, I realize there simply aren't enough words to thank the people at Janicek Law.
Almost 3 years ago, my world ended. I lost my son, Zayden—the greatest love of my life. My other son, Zy, witnessed the unimaginable that day. He carries those memories with him every single day, and we are forever grateful that he is still here because we very easily could have lost him too. Our family didn't just experience a tragedy—we experienced trauma that changed us forever.
When I first met the team at Janicek Law, I wasn't just grieving. I was broken. I was a mother trying to survive the unthinkable while helping my surviving son heal from something no child should ever witness. I didn't know if I had the strength to keep fighting.
There were so many moments when I wanted to give up. Every deposition, every conversation, every piece of evidence forced me to relive the worst day of my life. I told them I couldn't do it anymore. But they never let me forget why we were fighting. They reminded me that Zayden deserved justice. They reminded me that Zy deserved justice. They believed in my family even when I couldn't believe in myself.
What makes Janicek Law different is that this was never just a job to them. They never made me feel like another client or another case number. They knew my children by name. They celebrated Zayden's life. They cried with us, prayed with us, hugged us, encouraged us, and walked beside us through every heartbreaking step. They carried a piece of this burden with us, and I will never forget that.
Even after the case was over, they didn't disappear. They still answer my calls. They still help me with paperwork. They still check on me. They still make me feel like my family matters. That's something you cannot fake. That's love. Somewhere along the way, I stopped seeing them as "my attorneys" and started seeing them as family. And I truly believe I have a family for life.
No amount of money will ever bring my little boy back. I would trade every penny to hear his laugh one more time. But because of Janicek Law, I have peace knowing that his life mattered, his story was heard, and that they fought for my boys with everything they had.
From the deepest part of a mother's heart... thank you. Thank you for loving my children. Thank you for never giving up on us when I wanted to give up myself. Thank you for standing beside us through the darkest chapter of our lives. You gave my family more than legal representation—you gave us hope, dignity, and people we will love for the rest of our lives. You helped a grieving mother find the strength to be the voice her son no longer had. In a world that can feel so unfair, you reminded me that there are still genuinely good people. We love each and every one of you, and we will never forget what you did for Zayden, for Zy, and for us.❤️
  
 
       
   Destiny Sanchez 
 14 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My friend Karen referred us to Janicek law firm and I am so grateful. We worked with cassidy moving forward and she went above and beyond while helping me with my accident case. From the very beginning, she was professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. She kept me informed throughout the entire process and made a stressful situation much easier to handle. Her dedication, hard work, and attention to detail truly made a difference in my case. I am incredibly grateful for everything she did for me and my family. I would highly recommend Cassidy and Janicek Law Firm, who genuinely cares about clients and fights for the best possible outcome. Thank you cassidy for everything!
  
 
       
   Virginia-Ann Bernal 
 8 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After my accident, I felt overwhelmed and had no idea what to do next. Choosing Janicek Law Firm was one of the best decisions I could have made. From the very beginning, Philip Bernal,  Cassidy Muniz, and Karen Rangel took the time to explain the process, answer my questions, and make sure I always knew what to expect.

Cassidy and Karen were  absolutely incredible throughout my entire case. They coordinated my medical care, helped with scheduling appointments, communicated with my insurance, and was always available whenever I needed guidance or reassurance. Their compassion and dedication truly made a difficult time so much easier.

The entire team worked hard to build my case, keeping me informed every step of the way, and ultimately secured a settlement I was very happy with. More importantly, they gave me the peace of mind to focus on healing instead of worrying about the legal process.

I can’t thank Philip, Cassidy, Karen and everyone at Janicek Law Firm enough for their professionalism, kindness, and commitment. If you’re looking for a law firm that genuinely cares about its clients, I highly recommend them. THANK YOU SOO MUCH!!
  
 
       
   Corey Sil 
 29 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Skemp and Gaby took care of everything and made my suit for Wrongful Death as easy as possible. I couldn’t have done any of this with out them! They honored and represented my Mother to the fullest and for that I am greatful! G. Silvas
  
 
       
   Jasub Baez 
 22 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good lawyers .
  
 
 
 
  
 
   Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 359 reviews

Janicek Law handled my case with such professionalism. I was always kept in the loop about what was going on with my case. Cassidy Muniz is amazing at what she does and I really felt like they actually cared about me and my case. Highly recommend Janicek Law Firm!

I could not be happier with the service and compassion from the Janicek Law Firm. They were friendly, responsive and knowledgeable throughout the entire process. I would give ten stars if I could – They are excellent!

Janicek Law was patient and understanding to my situation – it’s a fight – but they would make my father proud. Thanks you for taking the time to look over my case and speaking up for my family.

Beth and Mona have been truly helpful with our case! They have really done an amazing job. I would highly recommend them to anyone I know.

Incredibly talented and knowledgeable attorneys that will fight negligent nursing homes and bring Justice to the elderly and their families.

I am very happy and pleased with the Janicek Law Firm. I had such a difficult time finding someone to look into my case. The Janicek Law Firm has been very professional and attentive to my questions. They will take the time and review your situation and have been very dedicated in reviewing my case.