Every driver has a responsibility to obey the rules of the road, heed posted traffic signs, and drive as safely as possible at all times. Unfortunately, while some drivers fail to uphold these duties of care due to negligence, others violate their responsibilities behind the wheel intentionally. The term “reckless driving” defines any such situation in which a driver knowingly and willfully violates the traffic laws, demonstrating clear disregard for the safety of others.
Reckless driving is extremely dangerous not only because it can easily result in devastating car accidents but also because it can startle drivers and cause chain reactions of multiple collisions. Reckless driving is also very hazardous in busy metropolitan areas where pedestrians, bicyclists, and other especially vulnerable individuals could be seriously injured or killed by a reckless driver. The police take reckless driving offenses very seriously and will usually aggressively pursue anyone who intentionally violates the state’s traffic laws and endangers the public in the process.
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Resolving Reckless Driving Cases
Ideally, police will apprehend a reckless driver before they are able to hurt anyone. Penalties for reckless driving offenses can include heavy fines, court fees, mandatory driver safety school at the defendant’s own expense, and driver’s license suspension. Jail time is also likely and can extend from five to 90 days at the misdemeanor level. Many defendants are also sentenced to community service.
Reckless driving is usually prosecuted at the misdemeanor level but may qualify as a felony when the defendant has injured or killed someone. At the felony level, the defendant faces incarceration in state prison, heavier fines, and the rest of their assigned penalties will increase as well. If they injured or killed anyone with their actions, the judge handling their sentencing may include restitution to the victim as part of their penalty. They also face civil claims from their victims seeking compensation for the damages they caused.
If you are injured by a reckless driver, you have the same right to pursue compensation for your damages with an auto insurance claim and/or personal injury claim as you would after any other accident. However, due to the fact that the defendant harmed you through illegal misconduct, the criminal charges filed against them by the state could impact your recovery efforts in various ways.
It is essential to find legal representation you can trust when you are struggling in the aftermath of a reckless driving accident. Insurance may only compensate a portion of your total losses, and you will need experienced legal representation to navigate a subsequent personal injury case successfully. Kreeger Law Firm has the professional resources and experience you want on your side in this challenging situation.