Fort Worth Striking Unattended Vehicle Defense Lawyer

Supportive Defense Lawyer for People Accused of Striking Unattended Vehicles, Structures, or Fixtures in Fort Worth, Texas

When you hit an unoccupied car or another structure near the road, you have a duty to remain at the scene and notify the property owner. If you do not take these steps, you could face criminal charges. However, there may be different defenses available depending on your case. In some cases, people get charged with a crime due to mistakes of fact.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, our Fort Worth, Texas striking unattended vehicle defense attorney has over a decade of experience in criminal law. This means he is well-equipped to investigate the scene of the collision and represent you in court, seeking reduced penalties or a full dismissal.

What Do You Have to Do After Hitting an Unattended Car or Highway Fixture?

After hitting an unattended car or highway fixture in Texas, you have specific legal duties even when no one is around. If you collide with and damage a parked or unattended vehicle, you must stop right away. You then have two options:

• You can find the owner or the person in charge of the vehicle and give them your name and address, along with the name and address of the owner of the car you were driving.
• If you cannot find the vehicle's owner, you can leave a written note in a place where it will easily be seen, or attach it securely to the damaged vehicle. The note should include the same names and addresses and a short explanation of what happened.

Different rules apply when you damage a structure next to a road or a fixture or landscaping on or near a highway, such as a fence, mailbox, guardrail, sign, light pole, or tree. In that situation, you must make reasonable efforts to find and notify the owner or person responsible for the property. You must tell them about the crash and provide your name, address, and vehicle registration number.

If the owner asks to see your driver's license and you have it with you, you must show it. You may also need to file a written report with a local police department in some cases.

What Are the Penalties for Leaving an Unattended Vehicle Without Giving Information?

Leaving an unattended vehicle without giving information is a misdemeanor offense in Texas, and the penalty depends on the amount of damage. If the damage is less than $200, the offense is a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500. If the damage is $200 or more, it becomes a Class B misdemeanor.

A Class B conviction can lead to up to 180 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000. The same penalty structure generally applies to damage to structures, fixtures, and highway landscaping. Though the penalties may sound mild, keep in mind that a misdemeanor conviction will stay on your record and that it may be visible to employers or landlords.

How The Meza Law Firm, PLLC Can Help You Fight Charges of Hitting an Unattended Structure

Texas law does not clearly define what reasonable steps to locate a property owner must include. It may not be obvious who owns a guardrail, utility pole, or roadside sign, especially late at night. Calling the police, contacting a business the next morning, or trying to find a property manager may all qualify as reasonable efforts. Our attorney can present evidence of the steps you took to show that you made an honest attempt to comply.

In cases involving unattended vehicles, a driver may have left a proper note that was later lost. Wind, rain, or another person could have removed it before the owner returned. Text messages, witness statements, or video footage may help show that you stopped and left your information.

Lack of evidence is another common issue. The state must prove that you were the driver and that your vehicle caused the damage. Grainy video, partial license plates, and unclear witness accounts may not be enough to show that you committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

Contact Our Fort Worth, TX Striking Unattended Vehicle Defense Lawyer

A minor collision should not leave you with a permanent criminal record. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can help present the full story while protecting your rights. Contact our Fort Worth, TX striking unattended vehicle defense attorney or call 817-732-6392 to set up a complimentary consultation.