Houston Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there hasn’t been a single day without traffic fatalities since 2000. Dozens of car accident injuries and deaths occur daily, and too often, they are caused by reckless drivers.

Texas Transportation Code 545.401 broadly defines reckless driving as operating a motor vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Thus, Texas allows injured victims or families of those killed in reckless driving accidents to seek compensation for their damages by bringing a lawsuit against the negligent party. If you or a loved one has suffered from a negligent driver, consult a Houston reckless driving accident lawyer at Sutliff & Stout to maximize your potential compensation.

What Constitutes Reckless Driving in Houston?

Reckless driving charges are not uncommon in Texas. However, it’s imperative to differentiate what constitutes a standard traffic citation for reckless drivers and what may count as reckless in a Texas civil court. Reckless driving is also referred to as aggressive driving. Some of the most common types of reckless driving behaviors in Houston include:

• Drag racing
• Excessive speeding, especially in unsafe conditions
• Stunt driving
• Distracted driving
• Impaired or intoxicated driving
• Road rage
• Failure to obey traffic signs and signals

Although reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor offense, the negligent driver may face harsher penalties depending on the outcome of the accident. Car accidents caused by reckless drivers can devastate those involved, resulting in debilitating injuries, extortionate medical bills, and long-term physical and emotional stress.

Common Injuries in Houston Reckless Driving Accidents

When someone willfully disregards the safety of others on the road, the aftermath can be catastrophic for all those involved. Reckless driving accident victims may suffer extreme injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Whiplash
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Broken bones

Besides bodily injury, reckless drivers can impact a person’s capability to be in good health. Not only do serious accidents affect a person’s physical state, but they also influence their mental and financial wellness. From increased medical expenses and emotional trauma to loss of income and enjoyment of life, reckless driving accident victims may be overwhelmed with these burdens. Discuss your case with Sutliff & Stout to determine if you’re entitled to compensation for your losses.

Proving a Reckless Driver is Liable for Your Damages

Proving reckless driving can be complex, as you must demonstrate that the defendant was intentionally driving with a deliberate disregard for your safety. The aggressive attorneys at Sutliff & Stout will work tirelessly to identify reckless driving behaviors and prove the other party’s liability to recover full financial compensation for your damages. Our attorneys will employ all resources necessary to help prove your case by:

• Collecting official evidence such as police reports, dashcam footage, vehicle damages, and injury diagnosis
• Investigating the scene of the accident to gather information regarding distances, signage, locations, and driving conditions
• Obtaining witnesses, photos, or surveillance to get a clear account of what caused the accident
• Negotiating with insurance companies that deny or avoid fault

Be mindful that the Texas statute of limitations only gives you a window of two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit against the reckless driver. If you miss this filing deadline, your case will be barred from recovering compensation.

Contact Our Houston Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers Today

Reckless driving accidents can cause innocent victims to endure irreversible pain and suffering. It is tragic and happens too regularly in Houston. At Sutliff & Stout, we help ensure you aren’t burdened with out-of-pocket expenses after your accident. We believe that no one should suffer from the reckless actions of others, which is why we aim to help you regain your losses.

Sutliff & Stout attorneys are Board Certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an achievement not many have earned. We have vast experience handling cases involving reckless drivers, and our settlements and verdicts and our firm reviews demonstrate only a fraction of what we’ve accomplished for our clients.

To schedule a free consultation with a Sutliff & Stout attorney today, complete a contact form online or call (713) 987-7111.