Austin Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer
According to 2020 statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation, one person is injured in a car accident in Texas every two minutes and 34 seconds. Even more, a person in Texas is killed in a car accident every two hours and 15 minutes. Based on these statistics, it’s easy to see that Texas is a dangerous place to drive. One of the major reasons is the prevalence of reckless driving in the state.
The Loewy Law Firm in Austin, TX, has handled many Texas cases where reckless and aggressive driving are contributing factors to car accidents. If you’ve been injured in a car accident resulting from reckless driving, call us at 512-280-0800 for a free consultation about your case.
What is Considered Reckless Driving in TX?
According to the Texas Transportation Code § 545.401, reckless driving is defined as “driving a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard of persons or property.” Reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense.
In Texas, reckless driving occurs when a person drives a vehicle in an unsafe manner, ignoring the safety of other people or property. Speeding is the primary factor of reckless driving, contributing to one-third of all deaths from car crashes, followed by driving while under the influence. Other behaviors deemed to be reckless include:
- Following too closely
- Improper lane changing
- Failing to use the turn signal when turning or changing lanes
- Failing to grant the right-of-way to another vehicle
- Disregarding traffic signals
- Improperly passing another vehicle
Texas Reckless Driving Laws
Being cited for reckless or aggressive driving in Texas can result in a fine of up to $200 and/or a jail sentence of no more than 30 days. If the driver tries to run from the police or is found to have been driving drunk, that too is reckless driving and can result in a Class A Misdemeanor. The misdemeanor can result in a sentence of up one year in jail and/or a fine of $4,000.
How Reckless Driving Causes Crashes
Speeding is considered reckless driving and can cause car crashes in various ways. Speeding can cause a driver to lose control of the car and crash into another driver. A speeding driver could also miss a stop sign and fail to avoid traffic coming in the opposite direction.
Additionally, speeding also contributes to the severity of injuries in a vehicle accident. According to the Insurance Information Institute, speeding is a factor in 17 percent of all car crashes. It is easy to see how driving too fast can result in injuries like concussions, spinal injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries to the driver or passengers.
Driving while under the influence is considered reckless driving as well. It factors in 10 percent of crashes.
Injuries Caused by Reckless Driving Car Accidents
The injuries that can result from a reckless driving accident can range in severity. Some injuries that could occur are:
- Traumatic brain injuries – These injuries are also known as TBIs. Traumatic brain injuries can range from minor concussions to hematomas. Skull fractures can also exacerbate TBIs.
- Broken bones – Broken bones are common injuries in reckless driving accident. Broken bones can sometimes require surgery and then rehabilitative care. Broken bones can range from hairline fractures to compound brakes.
- Internal injuries – Internal injuries may not always be obvious at first. It’s important to seek medical attention promptly after an accident. Common internal injuries can include ruptured or lacerated organs like kidneys and spleens. Internal injuries can include extensive internal bleeding as well.
- Spinal cord injuries – The severity of spinal cord injuries can range from minor to devastating. However, the most serious type of spinal cord injury can cause paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can involve broken vertebrae, compromised spinal cord, and sprained or torn muscles and connective tissues.
- Amputations – In severe accidents, accidental amputations of limbs can occur. Serious limb injuries that cannot be saved through medical intervention may have to be amputated at a later time.
- Burn injuries – Burns can occur if a car catches fire because of the accident. Burns can cause permanent disfigurement and chronic pain.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Soft tissue injuries can include cuts, bruises, scrapes, abrasions, serious contusions, or punctures resulting from the crash.
Give us a call at 512-280-0800 or contact us online for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Liability in Reckless Driving Accidents
While the reckless driver is at the center of any liability assessment of the vehicular accident, the plaintiff’s lawyers will look carefully at the liability of other parties. Other potentially liable parties could include:
- Employers – If the accident occurs during working hours, particularly if the driver is in a company vehicle, the employer is responsible for the actions of the employee. The lawyer may also research work schedules, rules that may encourage drivers to speed, and other factors related to the driver’s job.
- Bars, restaurants, and other establishments that serve alcohol – If a visibly drunk patron was over-served alcohol, the establishment might be partly liable for the car accident.
The plaintiff’s lawyer will carefully assess the facts behind the crash and the liability of the reckless driver and any other parties who may share liability. It is important to determine if the stricken driver has the opportunity to receive adequate compensation for medical care and property damages.
The lawyer may send the defendant a formal request for damages, negotiate a settlement with the reckless driver or, if necessary, go to court to sue the driver for damages.
Contact an Austin Reckless Driving Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a reckless driving accident in Texas, contact our knowledgeable legal team at the Loewy Law Firm as soon as possible for help seeking compensation from the at-fault party.
Loewy Law Firm has valuable experience pursuing compensation for injuries incurred from a reckless driving accident. We are here to fight for fair compensation while you recover from your injuries. We have successfully represented numerous clients for over 15 years with positive case results that speak to our quality work.