Driving requires an implicit trust in those you are sharing the road with to follow the rules of the road and uphold their duty of care to keep all others safe. In most cases, people do follow the rules and everyone gets to their destination without incident. But there are always those who choose to disobey the law, often with disastrous results.
Reckless driving is one way that people can choose to operate a vehicle dangerously. It is a citable offense in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. If you are involved in an accident caused by a reckless driver, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. Wattel & York can help.
Contact us right away to request a free consultation, and read more below to learn more about reckless driving and how victims can seek compensation after an accident with a reckless driver.
What Is Reckless Driving?
There is no universal definition of reckless driving, but it is generally defined as operating a vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others. This can include speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights or stop signs, and other dangerous maneuvers.
Reckless driving is often a misdemeanor offense, but it can be upgraded to a felony in some circumstances such as if someone is killed or seriously injured.
Whether or not a driver was cited for reckless driving after your accident, if their negligent or reckless behavior caused the accident then you deserve compensation as the victim of their actions (or, in some instances, their inactions).
Proving a Driver Was Reckless
In order to file a successful personal injury claim, you will need to prove that the other driver was reckless and that their recklessness led to the accident in which you were injured. This will require evidence such as police reports, eyewitness testimony, and dashcam footage. An experienced car accident lawyer will know how to collect and present this evidence to give you the best chance at recovering compensation.
After a crash with a reckless driver, it is absolutely essential that you call 911 immediately, both to ensure that you get the medical care you need and that the police can take control of the scene, gather information, compile a report, and issue citations if necessary. Failing to call 911 not only keeps you from getting medical care, but it will also leave you trying to argue your case without official documentation and can have a serious impact on your ability to recover fair compensation.
What Compensation Can I Seek If Injured by a Reckless Driver?
If you have been injured by a reckless driver, you may be able to recover damages for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. To learn more about what damages you are entitled to, contact us right away for your free consultation.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a reckless driver, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected
Wattel & York are experienced personal injury lawyers who handle all types of car accident cases, including those involving reckless driving. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident caused by a reckless driver, we can help.
National Car and Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Reckless driving is a serious problem on our nation’s roads. According to data presented by the Insurance Information Institute based on studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reckless driving, including speeding, is a factor in more than 50% of all fatal crashes. Wattel & York are committed to holding reckless drivers accountable and helping the victims of their negligence recover the compensation they need and deserve.
What To Do If You Are In a Crash With a Reckless Driver
After a car accident, everyone involved is likely dealing with charged adrenaline, pain, excitement, and confusion, which can lead to heightened emotions. If you’ve been in a car crash with someone who has already displayed their disregard for others by driving recklessly, it can be intimidating to deal with them.
Remember that the most important thing after a crash is your personal safety, and the safety of your passengers. Any of the following steps that may interfere with your safety or exacerbate your injuries should be skipped, but Wattel & York always recommends calling the police after an accident.
Take a Moment and Assess the Situation
- Pull over to a safe location, if possible
- If you are able, turn on your hazard lights
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries
Do not apologize or admit any fault at the scene of the accident. Wattel & York will investigate to determine who was actually at fault. Any statements that may be viewed as an admission of guilt will be used against you, even if the statement was a simple act of common courtesy.
Call 911
The best thing you can do is to remain calm and avoid getting into a confrontation with the other driver. Call 911 right away and inform the dispatcher of the accident, and if you suspect that the other driver is agitated or aggressive, be sure to alert them to this information as well. The police arriving at the scene will know to be on alert for this behavior.
Call 911 before exiting your vehicle to avoid the possibility of the other driver trying to convince you to handle it without involving the police.
Exchange Information
If you are able, exchange information with the other driver
- Name
- Contact information
- Insurance company and policy number
- License plate number (as well as the make, model, and year of the vehicle)
If there are eyewitnesses to the accident, get their contact information as well.
Get Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you are injured, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Often, injuries from car accidents do not present themselves immediately. A delay in seeking medical attention can be used against you in court by the other driver’s insurance company.
Additionally, if you wait too long to seek medical attention, the other driver’s insurance company may argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim, or that they are unrelated to the accident.
Call Wattel & York
The experienced car accident lawyers at Wattel & York will fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
