An Overview Of Reckless Driving Accidents

Auto accidents are preventable if drivers observe traffic rules and safety laws. Negligent and irresponsible drivers are a major cause of accidents on the road.

If you have been injured as a result of a reckless driving accident in Hallandale Florida you may be entitled to financial compensation, for both damage to your vehicle and the injuries you sustained.

Our expert lawyers have helped countless people recover from reckless driving accidents.

We help our clients recover a number of damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future financial income that may have been lost as a result of the accident

What Is Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving, also called aggressive driving, is a very conscious act.

These accidents are a direct result of negligence. Reckless behaviors include speeding, failure to yield the right of way, running through stoplights, tailgating, racing and erratic driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as texting or talking on a cell phone, are also examples of reckless driving.

Common Causes Of Reckless Driving Accidents

Reckless driving accidents, in most cases, are a result of a number of traffic violations in which the driver displays complete disregard for on-the-road signs, signals, and laws. The most common ones are:

• Tailgating, or simply driving way too close to the car in front
• Completely ignoring red lights and stop signs
• Sudden breaking
• Forgetting to signal while changing lanes or turning
• Driving while under the influence of drugs
• Talking on the phone, texting, or performing any other distracting action while driving
• Failing to use headlights at night, or in other sight-obscuring cases
• Making illegal turns or lane changes

While these mistakes do not always lead to reckless driving accidents, they are still illegal.

What’s worse, they often result in a ticket for a traffic violation, suspension of the driver’s license or, in a worst-case scenario, jail time. In South Florida for example, failure to yield to pedestrians leads to many reckless driving accidents.

Preventing Reckless Driving Accidents

Because the cause of reckless driving accidents is the result of a conscious action by the driver all of these accidents can be prevented. There are plenty of tips for both drivers that are driving recklessly and drivers that are close to a reckless automobile:

• Always steer clear of drivers who make dangerous maneuvers. Also, report suspicious behavior of other drivers on the road to prevent any possibility of an accident.
• Do NOT, under any circumstance, forget to put on your seatbelt – the same goes for every passenger in the vehicle.
• Never drive distracted.
• Be fully aware and concentrated on the situation on the road.

Reckless Driving Accidents Statistics

Data shows that more than 90% of the road traffic accidents are caused by human error, which includes reckless driving.

Many people believe that the situation on the road is man-made, meaning that if we could change the manners and mentality of drivers ( mostly young ones) there would be a significant reduction in reckless driving accidents.

Here is what statistics show:

• Reckless driving causes 33% of all deaths involving major car accidents, which are more than 13,000 each year
• 30% of auto accidents are credited to the speed of reckless drivers
• 40% of all car accident deaths are attributed to driving under the influence
• Distracted driving causes about 20% of car accidents injuries
• 69% of people in a survey admitted to talking on the phone while driving

Get your questions answered - call us for your FREE consultation at 800-835-5762 & 954-456-2488

Best Reckless Driving Lawyers In Florida

Under Florida law, reckless driving is a far more serious crime than careless driving. The three most common charges for reckless driving in Florida are:

• Reckless driving that threatens life
• Speeding
• Reckless driving that results in failure to maintain control of the vehicle

If it gets to a case, criminal cases proceed independently from civil ones, each with its own rules of procedure and burdens of proof.

In a civil case for damages, the plaintiff needs to prove only negligent conduct. He or she does not necessarily need to prove reckless driving to recover compensatory damages, such as medical bills, lost income/wages and pain and suffering.

However, if there is evidence of reckless driving, the jury may award more compensatory damages than if the case only proved negligent conduct, which is essentially the same as careless driving.

Proving reckless driving may entitle the plaintiff to an award of punitive damages, which are damages over and above compensatory damages. These are awarded to punish the defendant and deter future similar conduct on the part of defendant and others.

For instance, if a driver was traveling at 40 miles over the speed limit and injures a child on account of that speed, the jury would be free to find the defendant’s conduct was reckless and award punitive damages.

However, there are some limits to reckless driving punitive damages in Florida that can be awarded by a jury or a judge.

If you believe you are entitled to compensation for injuries sustained in a car accident that was caused by reckless driving, hire an experienced reckless driving traffic attorney. Our reckless driving lawyers are the perfect choice for you and will guide you through this difficult period of your life.

Compensations For Reckless Driving Victims

In short, victims should be compensated for their losses, pain and suffering. The liable party should shoulder all the expenses needed by the victim to pay for medical bills, lost wages, disability, and/or psychological pain.

Legal Assistance

Our lawyers are knowledgeable in reckless driving accident cases and can help you explore your legal options.

We have a strong legal team, composed of legal professionals and medical experts, who can help investigate your case and work with local agencies.

We can help you make informed decisions that will ultimately help you recover the compensation that you deserve.

If you are still suffering from the accident or grieving for a loss, our team can work on your behalf.

Get your questions answered - call us for your FREE consultation at 800-835-5762 & 954-456-2488