Reckless Driving vs. E-Bikes in Texas: Pursuing a Personal Injury Case in Harris County

E-bike crashes are on the rise, but the statistics are vague due to poor classification of this relatively new transportation trend. It is the medical field that has sounded the alarm, as they see accident victims in the emergency room for injuries that exceed those of many lower-speed accidents involving traditional bicycles. E-bikes pose a new safety challenge on the road, and reckless driving in Harris County by both e-bike riders and passenger vehicle drivers has compounded the problem.

Calling a local lawyer after a Texas e-bike accident is essential to hold at-fault parties accountable for reckless driving. While offenders may be punished by the criminal legal system, victims must file a civil lawsuit to get compensation for their injuries. The Houston e-bike injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw can ensure that your compensation is fair and covers all your economic and noneconomic damages.

The Texas Transportation Code classifies e-bikes into three classes:

• Class 1: The motor only assists when the rider is pedaling and cannot exceed 20 miles per hour.
• Class 2: The motor can assist without the rider pedaling and cannot exceed 20 miles per hour.
• Class 3: The motor only assists when the rider is pedaling, and the top speed is 20-28 miles per hour.

The law does not require a license for a person in Houston, Texas, to legally ride these vehicles. However, it’s important to note that many bikes exceed these specifications, and the law may require a license to operate them.

Texas law defines reckless driving as a person driving, “in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This law applies to motor vehicle operators, but e-bike riders may be liable for dangerous riding. Examples of reckless driving your lawyer may have to prove include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Running red lights
• Swerving through traffic
• Racing

Although the driver of a passenger vehicle can easily decide to drive recklessly, e-bike riders can also cause traffic congestion and become a nuisance to the public. Houston has imposed a nighttime curfew on e-scooters, a close cousin of e-bikes, to address some of these challenges. Your lawyer may use photographic evidence, police reports, and eyewitness testimony to prove that a defendant’s reckless driving caused your accident.

The value of a Texas reckless driving personal injury case is dependent upon the injuries and damages that a victim claims. Compensable damages in a personal injury lawsuit include:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish

Your Harris County e-bike accident lawyer will make sure that you account for all harm you experienced because of the accident. Your legal team will also help you collect receipts and proof of your injuries. Having an experienced and compassionate attorney by your side improves your legal outcomes.

Texas is a comparative fault state, which means that e-bike riders can collect compensation for damages as long as their fault does not exceed 50%. In some cases, more than one defendant may be liable for injuries. Read our law firm’s client reviews to find out how the legal professionals at Carabin Shaw hold all at-fault parties accountable for the injuries they cause.

Understanding shared responsibility and comparative fault encourages victims of e-bike accidents to hire an attorney and seek compensation despite their contribution to fault. This can make a big difference in their recovery, especially when there are costly injuries.

Having a skilled Houston electric bike injury attorney to represent you after an e-bike accident involving reckless driving is essential for fair financial compensation through the civil legal system.

At Carabin Shaw, we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you can get compensation without the risk of incurring legal fees. Call our toll-free number at 1-800-862-1260 to schedule a free consultation. Someone is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we have English- AND Spanish-speaking staff.

For more information:

• https://www.aaos.org/aaos-home/newsroom/press-releases/the-hidden-dangers-of-e-bikes-orthopaedic-surgeons-warn-of-rising-injury-risks-for-riders-of-all-ages/
• https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?tab=1&code=TN&chapter=TN.664&artSec=664.001
• https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?tab=1&code=TN&chapter=TN.545&artSec=