Houston Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer

Houston Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer

Houston Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer

When you are driving on Houston roads, you trust that other drivers will follow the rules. Unfortunately, not everyone drives safely. Reckless driving is a major problem in our city, and it causes serious accidents every day. If you or a loved one has been hurt because another driver was acting carelessly, you should not have to pay for their mistakes. You need a legal team that knows how to fight for you.

At The Super Lawyer, we help victims of reckless driving accidents get the justice and compensation they deserve. We understand that a crash can turn your life upside down. You may be dealing with pain, medical bills, and lost wages. Our goal is to handle the legal stress so you can focus on healing. We investigate the crash, deal with the insurance companies, and fight to get you every dollar you are owed.

Why Choose a Specialized Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer in Houston

Reckless driving cases are different from standard fender-benders. They often involve high speeds, aggressive behavior, or drivers under the influence. To win these cases, you need a lawyer who understands the specific laws in Texas and knows the local court system in Houston.

We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay us any money upfront. We only get paid if we win your case and get you a settlement or verdict. This allows you to hire top-quality legal representation without worrying about the cost.

Understanding Reckless Driving in Texas Law

It is important to know what legally counts as “reckless” behavior. According to Texas Transportation Code §545.401, a person commits an offense if they drive a vehicle in “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”

This is more than just making a simple mistake. It means the driver knew—or should have known—that their driving was dangerous and did it anyway. This legal distinction is vital for your claim because it proves the other driver was not just negligent, but acted with a serious lack of care.

Common Causes and Houston Hotspots

Houston is a busy city with heavy traffic, which unfortunately leads to many accidents. We see several common behaviors that lead to reckless driving crashes:

  • Excessive Speeding: Driving far above the speed limit, especially on highways like I-45 or the 610 Loop.
  • Aggressive Tailgating: Following too closely at high speeds.
  • Weaving Through Traffic: Changing lanes rapidly without signaling.
  • DWI-Related Crashes: Driving while intoxicated is a severe form of recklessness.
  • Running Red Lights: Ignoring traffic signals at busy intersections.

Houston traffic fatalities remain high because of these behaviors. High-risk areas often include major intersections and construction zones where drivers fail to slow down.

Severe Injuries and Long-Term Impacts

Because reckless driving often involves high speeds, the injuries tend to be severe. Victims often face a long road to recovery. We commonly represent clients suffering from:

These injuries can require years of physical therapy, surgeries, and expensive medication. The impact isn’t just physical; it is financial and emotional, too.

Proving Liability: Key Evidence and Expert Witnesses

To win your case, we must prove the other driver was at fault. We move quickly to gather evidence before it disappears. Key pieces of evidence we look for include:

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  • Police Accident Report (CR-3): This official document contains the officer’s findings and citations issued at the scene.
  • Black Box Data: Modern cars have Event Data Recorders (EDRs) that track speed, braking, and steering right before a crash.
  • Witness Statements: Accounts from people who saw the accident happen.
  • Video Footage: Traffic cameras, dashcams, or security footage from nearby businesses.

We also use crash reconstruction experts. These professionals use science and math to recreate the accident scene, showing exactly how the reckless driver caused the collision.

The Claims Process: From Accident to Settlement

The Claims Process: From Accident to Settlement

Navigating the legal system can be confusing. Here is what the process usually looks like when you work with us:

  1. Case Review: We listen to your story and determine if you have a valid claim.
  2. Investigation: We gather all the evidence mentioned above.
  3. Medical Review: We wait until your doctors understand the full extent of your injuries so we know how much money to ask for.
  4. Demand Letter: We send a formal demand to the insurance company outlining the facts and the money you need.
  5. Negotiation: We fight for a fair offer. If they refuse to pay what is fair, we prepare for court.

Maximizing Compensation: What You Can Recover

The goal of a personal injury claim is to make you “whole” again financially. In a reckless driving case, you may be entitled to several types of compensation:

  • Medical Bills: Payment for hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, and future medical needs.
  • Lost Wages: Reimbursement for paychecks you missed while recovering.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
  • Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle.

In cases of extreme recklessness, such as street racing or drunk driving, we may also seek punitive damages. These are extra penalties designed to punish the wrongdoer and warn others not to drive that way.

Negligent Entrustment

Sometimes, the driver isn’t the only one responsible. If the owner of the car knowingly let a dangerous or unlicensed driver use their vehicle, we might be able to file a claim for negligent entrustment against the vehicle owner as well.

Overcoming Insurance Defenses and Objections

Insurance companies are businesses. They want to pay you as little as possible. They might try to blame you for the accident. Texas follows a rule called comparative negligence. This means if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any money.

Insurers often try to twist the facts to make it look like you were partially to blame. We know these tactics and we know how to counter them with hard evidence.

Timeline and Deadlines You Can't Miss

Timeline and Deadlines You Can’t Miss

Time is limited when it comes to filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations in Texas for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to sue forever.

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However, you should not wait until the last minute. Evidence can get lost, and memories fade. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the stronger your case will be.

Case Results and Client Success Stories

While every case is unique and we cannot guarantee specific results, our firm is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for every client. We have a history of taking on tough insurance companies and winning. We treat our clients like family, keeping you informed every step of the way while we handle the heavy lifting.

FAQs

Reckless driving is defined as driving with “willful or wanton disregard” for the safety of others. This includes actions like extreme speeding, weaving through traffic, street racing, or driving under the influence.

In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the crash. It is best to start the process as soon as possible to preserve evidence.

You can recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. In severe cases, you may also be eligible for punitive damages.

While not strictly mandatory to file a claim, a police accident report (CR-3) is extremely important evidence. It provides an unbiased account of the scene and often indicates who the officer believed was at fault.

Most injury lawyers, including us, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid a percentage of the settlement we win for you.

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, you may still be able to get compensation through your own insurance policy if you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.

Yes, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault under Texas comparative negligence laws.

Every case is different. Some settle in a few months, while others may take a year or more if they go to trial. We work to resolve your case efficiently without sacrificing the value of your settlement.

The police report, witness statements, photos of the scene, medical records, and electronic data from the vehicles (black box data) are all critical pieces of evidence.

No. You should speak to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. They may try to use your words against you to lower your claim.

Get Help from a Houston Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer Today

If a reckless driver has injured you or a loved one, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The Super Lawyer is here to fight for your rights and your future. We are ready to listen to your story and explain your legal options.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you get on the road to recovery.

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