Severe Brain Injury After Austin E-Bike Crash Leaves Family Searching for Answers
A Texas family is desperately seeking answers after an Austin e-bike crash left their son with a severe brain injury, requiring emergency brain surgery and weeks of hospitalization — while questions remain about whether the incident was a hit-and-run.
Shea Rouda, 31, was found unconscious in the roadway on the night of November 15 after riding a Lime electric bike in Old West Austin. Doctors later discovered a large epidural hematoma, a life-threatening brain bleed that required an emergency craniotomy to save his life.
“If we get to this in time, the person is going to have a good outcome,” Shea’s father, Harley Rouda, recalled doctors saying. “If we don’t, they’re going to die. Shea was incredibly close to dying.”
What Happened the Night of the Crash
According to a timeline shared by the family, Shea left a bar around 8:00 p.m. and rode westbound on West Ninth Street to meet a friend. At 8:11 p.m., he called for directions. By 8:19 p.m., someone was calling 911 to report an unconscious bicyclist near West Ninth and Blanco streets.
Shea has no memory of the crash, a common symptom of traumatic brain injury, and investigators initially treated the incident as a solo fall rather than a potential hit-and-run.
First responders transported Shea to Dell Seton Medical Center, a Level 1 trauma hospital that his family believes saved his life.
Delayed Investigation Raises Serious Concerns
Despite the severity of Shea’s brain injury, police were not dispatched to the scene that night, and no report was initially filed. Shea’s parents later discovered there was no active investigation while their son was in intensive care.
“We were in the ICU watching him fight to live,” his mother, Kaira Rouda, said. “We weren’t thinking, ‘Maybe this hasn’t even been reported.’”
It took multiple calls, visits, and demands before a formal police report was created, 10 days later, and a detective was assigned.
Austin police say detectives are still determining whether the crash was a hit-and-run.
Evidence Suggests Possible Hit-and-Run
The family believes Shea may have been struck from behind by a vehicle, based on:
- A massive bruise to the back of his head
- Injuries inconsistent with a simple fall
- Video footage showing a dark SUV in the area shortly before the crash
- The distance between where Shea was found and where his bike came to rest
Police have acknowledged a vehicle similar to a Nissan Rogue was in the area, but say its involvement has not been confirmed.
Living With a Severe Brain Injury
Today, Shea is awake and speaking, but his recovery remains uncertain. He continues to experience:
- Memory gaps before and after the crash
- Significant back and leg pain
- Ongoing neurological evaluations
- Spinal trauma requiring further treatment
“Brain injuries are tricky because there’s no trajectory,” his mother said. “We’re still in the acute phase. It’s going to be a long road.”
Legal Context: Severe Brain Injury & Hit-and-Run Accountability
Crashes involving severe brain injury often require immediate and thorough investigation due to the high likelihood of:
- Permanent neurological impairment
- Long-term medical costs
- Loss of income and independence
When a hit-and-run is suspected, delayed reporting can jeopardize critical evidence, including surveillance footage, vehicle damage, and eyewitness accounts.
Victims of severe brain injuries — and their families — may be entitled to pursue compensation for:
- Emergency neurosurgery and hospitalization
- Long-term rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
How We Can Help
If you or someone you love has suffered a severe brain injury like Shea Rouda, you don’t have to navigate recovery, investigations, and legal uncertainty alone.
At the Brain Injury Help Center, we offer:
- Free Consultations to explain your rights and options
- No-Win, No-Fee Guarantee — you pay nothing unless we win
- Comprehensive Support, from identifying responsible parties to helping families access specialized neurological care
Medical Treatment You Need, Money You Deserve
➡️ Take the First Step Toward Justice
If your family is facing the life-altering consequences of a severe brain injury, contact the Brain Injury Help Center today for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to help you find answers, accountability, and support on the road ahead.
