If you were involved in an motor vehicle accident with an object in the State of Texas, you have certain obligations you must abide by or you may find yourself being charged with a crime of Duty on Striking Structure, Fixture, or Highway Landscape. If you are convicted of this offense, you may face up to 180 days in jail and up to a $2,000 fine. Find an attorney that will fight for you and defend you against these charges. Contact our office for a free consultation today.
What are you required to do after an accident with an object?
(a) The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a structure adjacent to a highway or a fixture or landscaping legally on or adjacent to a highway shall:
(1) take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner or person in charge of the property of the accident and of the operator’s name and address and the registration number of the vehicle the operator was driving; and
(2) if requested and available, show the operator’s driver’s license to the owner or person in charge of the property.
Why wouldn’t someone provide this information?
There are many reasons a person would not comply with the requirements after an accident. The driver may not know of the obligations he or she may have after striking an object. There are cases in which the driver didn’t realize there was even an accident. Other times, the driver was injured and needed to get medical attention. In some cases, drivers may be in possession of illegal items in the car or are intoxicated. Some drivers panic and just don’t know what to do and are afraid of getting in trouble or even scared of a physical confrontation with the other driver. With the current political climate, there may be immigration issues at stake, the driver may be driving on a suspended license or may not have had insurance at the time. There are many reasons these cases come about.
Some of these situations will negate your culpability and result in a dismissal of the charges. Regardless, you must find an attorney who will defend you against these charges. Contact our office for a free consultation and let us fight for you.
What if someone got hurt in the accident?
If the accident resulted in injuries, the charges can be more serious depending on the seriousness of the injuries. If there is serious bodily injury, the charges will be a 3rd Degree Felony, which carries a punishment range of 2-10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. If there is a death, the punishment will be a 2nd Degree Felony carrying a punishment range of 2-20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. These charges are typically classified as a “Failure to Render Aid”.
What is considered “Duty on Striking Structure, Fixture, or Highway Landscape”?
Per the Statute:
“structure adjacent to a highway or a fixture or landscaping legally on or adjacent to a highway”
When the stakes are high and every piece of evidence is critical, you need a Houston Criminal Defense Attorney that will be in your corner and protect you every step of the way. Contact the Law Office of Henry K. Nguyen, P.C. as soon as possible to begin discussing your defense.