Texas Legislature Pass Law Against Hit and Run Drivers
The Texas House passed a new law 130-0 which increases the penalties for drivers for who leave the scene of an accident. The Senate previously passed the bill and Governor Perry is expected to sign it. Austin’s Senator Kirk Watson introduced the legislation.
The legislation was passed in response to the tragic death of Courtney Griffin of Austin. Ms. Griffin was walking home late at night when she was hit Gabrielle Nestande, who had been drinking and driving. Ms. Nestande drove off and only received a 10 year probated sentence. A major problem in the trial was a loophole in the law that basically encouraged people to drive off after hitting someone. Thankfully, this loophole is now closed.
Adam Loewy provided expert legal commentary on Austin television during the Nestande trial and applauds this new law. The Loewy Law Firm regularly represents pedestrians who are hit by cars and it is imperative for people who do this to stop and help the person. We applaud the Texas Legislature for passing this new law.