What is Reckless Driving in Texas?
Reckless driving is dangerous driving. It is a factor in far too many serious car accidents in our region. Notably, under Texas law, reckless driving is a crime. It is an arrestable offense that can carry jail time along with other consequences. Reckless driving is also negligence. A reckless driver can be held legally responsible for a resulting crash. Here, our Houston auto accident attorney provides a guide to reckless driving in Texas.
Reckless Driving is Extremely Dangerous
Reckless driving is a major public safety problem. It is misconduct that creates an unusually high risk of a serious injury. Unlike ordinary negligence behind the wheel, reckless conduct involves driving behavior that dramatically increases the likelihood of a crash. Whether it is excessive speeding, aggressive lane changes, street racing, or deliberately ignoring traffic signals, reckless driving can turn an otherwise safe roadway into an extraordinarily hazardous one.
How Reckless Driving is Defined in Texas (Criminal Law)
Reckless driving is a crime in Texas. Texas Transportation Code § 545.401 defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle “in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” To be clear, the standard goes beyond ordinary careless driving. Prosecutors must show that the driver consciously disregarded a substantial risk to others on the road. In most cases, reckless driving is charged as a misdemeanor offense.
A Reckless Driver Can Be Held Liable for a Crash
When reckless driving causes a collision, the driver may face both criminal penalties and civil liability. Texas personal injury law allows injured victims to pursue compensation when another driver’s negligence causes a crash. Reckless conduct often provides strong evidence supporting a negligence claim. In a civil case, the injured victim must generally prove that the driver breached a duty of reasonable care and that the breach caused the accident and resulting injuries.
Recovering Compensation for a Reckless Driving Crash in Texas
Hurt in a crash with a reckless driver in Houston or elsewhere in Southeast Texas? You have the right to seek full and fair financial compensation for your damages. Do not trust any insurance company to do right by you and your family. A top-rated Houston, TX auto accident lawyer can help. Along with other damages, a reckless driver crash victim may be able to recover for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical costs;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of current and future wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Set Up a Free Case Review With a Houston Reckless Driving Accident Attorney Today
At Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm, our Houston car accident injury lawyer has the skills and experience to handle reckless driving crashes. If you have any questions about your rights, we can help. Call us now or contact us online for a free case review. Our firm has offices in Houston and Missouri City and we handle reckless driving accident injury cases throughout the broader region in Texas.
