TX Bill Increases Punishment for Abandoning Hit-and-Run
Texas residents may be aware of a recently proposed law filed in the state Senate concerning the criminal ramifications of being involved in a hit-and-run accident. The bill would change the current status of charges filed against those involved in a hit-and-run accident from a third degree felony charge to a second degree felony. These changes would only apply to hit-and-run accidents in which a fatality occurred.
In addition, the maximum punishment for that crime would increase from just 10 years in prison to 20 years. This comes on the heels of several high-profile hit-and-run cases within the state. Many believe that the proposed bill should include all hit-and-run accidents, even when the victim survives.
When an individual is involved in a serious car crash, the best chances for survival depend on obtaining quick emergency medical treatment. This is a scenario in which seconds and minutes really do count, making it imperative that anyone who is on the scene of an accident remains in place to call for assistance and provide basic first aid. If nothing else, it is a mark of common human courtesy and kindness to offer comfort to another individual who is suffering. The recently proposed bill would serve to encourage people to stop and render aid, and also serve as a punitive increase for those who do not stop.
A Texas Fatal Car Accident Lawyer can Help Win Financial Compensation
When an individual flees the scene of a Texas accident, he or she is doing more than simply shirking responsibility for their role in the crash. They are also removing the possibility that they could assist the victim or potentially save a life. For families of victims who lost their life in such an accident, there is nothing that can excuse the actions of a hit-and-run driver. In many cases, the driver is eventually identified, and the family seeks a measure of justice against the driver by means of a wrongful death suit.
Source: The Daily Texan, “Senate bill aims to increase punishment for abandoning scene of hit-and-run,” Klarissa Fitzpatrick, March 18, 2013
