Reckless Driving in Texas: Understanding the Consequences and Impact
What is Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving is defined in the Texas Transportation Code as operating a vehicle in a way that puts people or property at risk. When you are running late to work and doing your best to beat traffic and time, you may change your driving behavior by going over the speed limit, doing erratic lane changes, calling or texting your boss while driving to let them know the situation, and possibly even ignoring traffic signals. This is a common scenario of reckless driving.
You probably think that you wouldn’t get into a car accident, but no one ever plans on getting into a collision. Accidents still happen when we least expect it.
Reckless driving is a serious offense in Texas and can have severe consequences. It can lead to dangerous accidents that can cause serious injuries and may even be fatal. According to Pro-Care Medical Center, the leading cause of Texas car accidents in 2023 is speeding with 138,927 accidents, followed by distracted driving with 89,529 crashes.
Driving at high speeds increases risk of injury and now that we have cell phones, distractions are more prevalent than ever. It’s important to be cautious of your driving so that you don’t put yourself or others at risk.
Common Causes of Reckless Driving
Some common causes of reckless driving in Texas are:
- Speeding,
- Tailgating,
- Weaving in and out of traffic,
- Running red lights and stop signs,
- Distracted driving; usually mobile use,
- Alcohol and drug usage.
Some of the behaviors listed above are also considered aggressive driving. Aggressive driving and road rage can also be a form of reckless driving because it is behavior that comes from ill intentions and puts other’s safety at risk. Road rage usually escalates from aggressive driving which can end in violence. Some examples of road rage are:
- Cursing or making obscene gestures,
- Throwing objects at the other vehicle,
- Ramming into a vehicle, or
- Physically assaulting a driver.
It is important to remain calm and forgiving to lower the risk of a negative driving encounter.
Moreover, alcohol or drug impairment automatically puts you and others at risk. When you are impaired, you don’t have the correct judgment to drive safely. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 56% percent of drivers involved in serious injury and fatal crashes tested positive for at least one drug. Drug impairment can affect your driving skills by slow reaction time, poor coordination, and can potentially make you become aggressive.
Drive responsibly and don’t plan on getting behind the wheel if you plan on drinking alcohol or using an impairing drug.
What are the Dangers and Impact of Reckless Driving?
If you suffered injuries in a collision, it is important to seek the medical treatment you need. Some injuries include spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries, burns, and broken bones. According to TxDOT crash statistics, there were 15,219 serious injury crashes in Texas in 2023 with 18,752 people sustaining a serious injury.
Besides physical injuries, some people may experience psychological trauma such as anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Being involved in an accident can leave lasting emotional trauma as well and can impact a person’s quality of life and well-being.
Financial burdens like medical expenses, property damage repair, and possibly lost income due to time away from work can become overwhelming. Especially if the responsible party is not willing to cover the damages.
Legal Consequences
Reckless driving is a misdemeanor punishable by:
- A fine up to $200,
- 30 days of jail time,
- Points assessed under the Texas Driver Responsibility Program,
- Or license suspension.
Not only will you go through these legal consequences, but you may also have increased car insurance rates or Annual Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver Responsibility Surcharges. A surcharge will be given when a driver has six or more points on their record within three years.
Reckless driving will stay on a person’s criminal record permanently, so it is important to stay vigilant and drive with care.
Rights of Reckless Driving Victims
If you have been a victim of reckless driving, you may be entitled to compensation. This entails medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and compensation for emotional distress.
You may need to gather evidence to establish liability, negotiate with your insurance company to settle with the other driver’s insurance company, or file a legal claim in case the negotiation doesn’t work.
A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process in the event of a reckless driving accident. They can help you understand your legal rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve by investigating the accident, calculating damages, and representing you in court.
Because reckless driving cases can be complex, it is important to reach out to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you have everything you need to receive compensation.
How Thomas J. Henry Law Can Help
Understanding reckless driving is important to promote responsible driving behavior. It is a serious offense that jeopardizes public safety, and by holding individuals accountable for reckless actions, we can contribute to safer roadways for everyone.
If you or a loved one is a reckless driving victim, do not wait to reach out to us. In Texas, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is two years from the date of the accident.
At Thomas J. Henry Law, we understand the stress and struggle faced after an unexpected accident or injury. In a time of uncertainty, we provide a sense of stability and prioritize our focus on getting clients’ lives back to normal.
Our team of experienced attorneys can help you with the guidance and representation you need during this difficult time. Our firm will handle all negotiations, depositions, mediations, litigation, settlements, and court appearances to ensure you have a fair settlement. Financial help is also provided for clients we represent such as car rentals and cash advances on qualified cases.
Thomas J. Henry Law operates on a contingency fee basis which means you do not pay our firm any fees unless we win your case.
Our firm has 250+ personal injury attorneys available 24/7 to accommodate your needs. We have offices located in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Austin, Dallas Fort-Worth, and Houston ready to help you on your claim. Contact us to help you get the relief you need and start on your free case review. Your safety and quality of life are our top priorities.
