What You Need to Know About Fixtures and Unattended Vehicles

1. Striking an Unattended Vehicle (Section 550.024)

Say you’re backing out of a parking lot and accidentally bump into another vehicle. There’s no driver around, and the damage looks minor. Do you have to do anything?

Yes – you do, and failing to act could get you in trouble with law enforcement. 

Under Texas Transportation Code § 550.024, a driver who hits an unattended vehicle is legally required to:

• Try to locate the owner of the other car and give them your name, address, and vehicle info;
• Leave a clearly visible note with your name, contact details, and a brief explanation of what happened.

Failing to do either can lead to criminal charges even if the damage is minor. 

2. Striking Fixtures or Highway Landscaping (Section 550.025)

Did you accidentally knock over a mailbox, street sign, or damage a fence next to the road? That’s not just a matter for your insurance – it could be a criminal offense under Texas Transportation Code § 550.025.

Drivers involved in accidents that damage any structure, fixture, or landscaping legally placed near a highway must:

• Take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner or person in charge; and
• Provide their name, address, and vehicle registration. If requested, they must also show a driver’s license.

As with unattended vehicles, failure to comply could land you in legal trouble. 

Why This Matters

Many drivers are surprised to learn they can face criminal charges even without injuries or direct contact with another person. Something as simple as hitting a signpost or grazing a bumper and leaving without leaving a note can escalate into a criminal case. These charges can affect your driving record, your criminal record, and your insurance rates, and could result in arrest or a warrant.

Charged with a Hit-and-Run or Property Damage Offense in Texas?

At Alsbrooks Law, we defend clients across Montgomery County and the Greater Houston Area who are facing criminal charges for vehicle-related offenses. Whether you’ve been charged under Section 550.024 or 550.025, you need experienced legal representation to protect your record and your rights.

Call Alsbrooks Law today for a free consultation. Don’t let a simple mistake become a permanent problem.