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Hit and Run Accident in Dallas? Here's Exactly What to Do

Someone hit your car and fled. Your heart is racing. Here's how to protect yourself and maximize your chances of getting compensated.

Updated: February 2026 • 7 min read

🚨 Important: Do This First

  1. 1. Call 911 immediately – This creates an official record
  2. 2. Don't chase the other driver – It's dangerous and could hurt your claim
  3. 3. Document everything while it's fresh – See details below

Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Hit and Run

1. Stop and Stay Safe

Pull over to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights. If you're injured, stay in your vehicle and wait for help.

2. Call 911 Immediately

Even if damage seems minor, you must report hit and runs to police. In Texas, failing to stop after an accident is a crime – and you need a police report for insurance claims.

Tell the dispatcher:

  • Your location (be as specific as possible)
  • Any injuries
  • Description of the other vehicle (color, make, model, direction traveled)
  • Any part of the license plate you remember

3. Document Everything

While waiting for police, gather as much evidence as possible:

  • 📸 Photos: Your vehicle damage, the scene, any debris left by the other car
  • 📝 Write down: Exactly what happened, time, weather, road conditions
  • 🚗 Other vehicle: Any details you remember – color, size, damage location
  • 👥 Witnesses: Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw it
  • 📹 Cameras: Note any nearby businesses or traffic cameras

4. Look for Witnesses

Other drivers or pedestrians may have seen the accident. Ask if anyone got the license plate or can describe the driver. Witness statements can be crucial for police investigations.

5. Check for Camera Footage

Look around for:

  • Traffic cameras at intersections
  • Business security cameras
  • Doorbell cameras on nearby homes
  • Dashcam footage from other drivers

Act fast – many systems overwrite footage within 24-72 hours.

6. File a Police Report

When officers arrive, give them all the information you've gathered. Get the incident number and the officer's name and badge number.

7. Notify Your Insurance Company

Call your insurer as soon as possible. Even if the other driver fled, you likely have coverage:

Coverage That May Apply:

  • Uninsured Motorist (UM): Covers injuries if the driver isn't found
  • Collision: Covers vehicle damage (minus deductible)
  • Medical Payments (MedPay): Covers your medical bills regardless of fault

How Police Investigate Hit and Runs

Dallas Police take hit and runs seriously, especially those involving injuries. Investigators may:

  • Canvas the area for witnesses and camera footage
  • Analyze debris and paint transfer for vehicle identification
  • Check body shops for matching damage repairs
  • Use license plate readers if you got a partial plate
  • Review traffic camera footage

What If They Never Find the Driver?

Unfortunately, many hit and run drivers are never identified. But you still have options:

  • File an Uninsured Motorist claim – Your UM coverage treats the unknown driver as uninsured
  • Use your Collision coverage – You'll pay your deductible, but get repairs covered
  • Texas Crime Victims Compensation – May cover medical expenses for serious injuries

Hit and Run Laws in Texas

Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Texas. Penalties depend on the severity:

  • Property damage only: Class C misdemeanor (fine up to $500)
  • Injury accident: Third-degree felony (2-10 years prison)
  • Serious injury: Second-degree felony (2-20 years prison)
  • Fatal accident: Second-degree felony (2-20 years prison, $10,000 fine)

Should You Hire a Lawyer?

Consider consulting a personal injury attorney if:

  • You were injured
  • Your insurance company is lowballing your claim
  • The driver was found and has insurance
  • You're dealing with significant property damage

Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency (no fee unless you win).

Track Your Crash Report

After a hit and run, you'll need the official police report for insurance claims. We monitor Dallas-area crash reports daily and can notify you when yours is ready.

Start Free Monitoring →

Preventing Hit and Runs

While you can't control other drivers, you can protect yourself:

  • Get a dashcam – Front and rear cameras capture plate numbers and evidence
  • Carry Uninsured Motorist coverage – It's optional in Texas but highly recommended
  • Park in well-lit areas – Parking lot hit and runs are common