Reckless driving continues to rise and is a huge problem on our roadways. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly every statistical crash category saw increases in fatalities in 2021. Speed-related crashes went up 5 percent and show a rise from pre-pandemic levels.
You could be the safest and most experienced driver on the roadway, but this is of little matter when there are so many others who drive recklessly and put lives at risk. If you have been involved in an accident with a reckless driver, Siegfried & Jensen can help.
Call us today at (801) 845-9000 for a free review of your case. We have helped our clients win over $1.2 billion in compensation since we began in 1990. There is no fee unless you win a settlement.
Common Reckless Driving Behaviors
Reckless driving is so common that most drivers could say they are guilty of it from time to time. Everyone has driven faster than the speed limit or moved into a lane without using a signal. Unfortunately, all it takes is for one minor mistake to turn into a devastating accident that alters lives forever.
Reckless driving is any type of behavior behind the wheel that disregards the safety of others. The following are common reckless driving behaviors of which you should be aware. Knowing what is considered reckless and sharing what you saw with the police can help your case.
Speeding
Speed limits exist for a reason, but too many drivers consider them to be suggestions, not the law. Ignoring the speed limit puts yourself and others at risk. Going faster than the road allows makes it easier for a driver to lose control.
Going too fast for conditions
While this can be considered the same as speeding, it is slightly different. The speed limit might be 50 mph, but if the roads are icy, you should not be driving at that limit. Moving faster than you should when road conditions are bad is a recipe for disaster.
Tailgating
No one likes to be tailgated by other drivers, and there is a good reason for that. Driving too close to the car in front of you can lead to trouble, especially in bad weather. You never know when that vehicle might need to stop suddenly or swerve to avoid a collision.
Driving on the shoulder
The shoulder of the road is not designed for vehicles to drive on. Many times, if traffic is backed up, impatient drivers will take to the shoulder to get by. This can lead to disaster if someone else is already using the shoulder.
Weaving through traffic
Someone in a hurry may speed and weave through traffic to get to his or her destination. Most of the time, people who weave do not use their signals.
Impaired driving
Driving under the influence of any intoxicating substance is considered reckless driving. Impairment can make it difficult for drivers to perceive what is going on around them. Some substances can also cause fatigue.
Distracted driving
Many drivers believe they are skilled enough that it poses no risk to text and drive. Regardless, this is very reckless and can cause an accident. Texting, eating, and talking on the phone are all forms of distracted driving.
This is only a partial list of reckless driving behaviors. If you were involved in an accident with a reckless driver, call Siegfried & Jensen today. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After Being Involved in an Accident With a Reckless Driver
After you have been involved in an accident, proving who is liable for causing the collision is essential. Each state is different in how it handles car accident injuries. There are steps you can take to help improve the odds of winning your case, especially if the other driver was reckless.
Call the police
After being involved in an accident, calling the police should be a priority. Once law enforcement makes it to the scene, the officers should conduct an investigation and write a report. In this stage, it is important to report to the police that the other driver displayed reckless behavior.
This is why knowing what reckless behavior looks like is important. For example, suppose you saw the other driver weaving through lanes and speeding and then he or she suddenly moved into your lane without using a blinker. The descriptions you give the police will be invaluable in any case.
Speak with witnesses
After an accident, many times other drivers who saw what happened will pull over to assist. Speaking with these witnesses and confirming reckless behaviors will be essential. Gather as much contact information as possible so these eyewitnesses can be contacted later for a statement.
Take photographs
Photographs of the accident scene can also provide plenty of evidence of reckless driving. This includes not only photos of the damage, but skid marks on the road, weather conditions, and where the accident took place.
Receive medical care
Even if you do not think you are injured, you should still get checked out. Many injuries and symptoms may not manifest until hours or even days later. To be compensated for injuries, you will have to prove you were hurt, which means having an official medical record of your condition.
Speak to a reckless driving attorney
Navigating life after a reckless driving accident can be difficult, especially if you are severely injured. You are facing potentially life-altering circumstances, including mounting medical bills and financial losses. The best thing you can do in this situation is to call a lawyer who can help guide you through the process.
What Damages Can You Be Compensated for After a Reckless Driver Accident?
If you have been injured after an accident with a reckless driver, you have the right to seek compensation. The other driver caused the accident due to his or her reckless behavior and should be held responsible for your losses.
The damages you can be compensated for include:
- All medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain
- Suffering
- Rehabilitation
- Mental anguish
- PTSD
- Diminished quality of life
- Property damage
- Disability
- Transportation
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages
How Can Hiring an Attorney Help Your Reckless Driver Case?
Reckless driving cases can seem straightforward enough but can be complex to litigate. An experienced attorney knows there is more to the story than you getting hit by someone driving recklessly. Could there be others who share in the responsibility of paying for your losses?
For example, if someone gets drunk and gets behind the wheel, the bar owner could be held liable for serving drunk patrons. Business owners of establishments that serve alcohol have a responsibility to avoid contributing to the risk of intoxicated driving.
Finding other potentially liable entities is only one small benefit of having a lawyer by your side. Other benefits can include:
- Gathering evidence
- Handling all the paperwork
- Requesting medical records
- Requesting access to dashcams and street cameras
- Speaking with witnesses
- Hiring expert witnesses
- Determining how much your claim is worth
- Negotiating with the insurance company
- Taking the case to trial
Call Today for Help in Handling Your Reckless Driving Case
For over 30 years, the law firm of Siegfried & Jensen has successfully handled many types of personal injury cases. Our team’s experience dealing with reckless drivers means you can trust us to have your back where it matters most. You need to be compensated for your losses, and we will fight to get you every dollar you deserve.
Our goal is to help make communities and roadways safer by going after those who harm others through their negligent actions. With a 97-percent success rate, you can say we do a great job helping the most vulnerable get back on their feet. We are also here to answer any questions you may have.
Call Siegfried & Jensen today at (801) 845-9000 to learn more about your reckless driving case. Our team is available 24/7 at your convenience for a free consultation.
