What Is Considered Wreckless Driving?

When a car accident occurs, it’s most often due to the negligence of one of the parties involved, which is the failure to act with the same degree of care as a person of ordinary prudence would demonstrate in the same scenario. In itself, negligence is not against the law (although, sometimes, negligent acts, like speeding, are indeed illegal – this is called negligence per se). Another top cause of accidents is reckless driving. If you’ve been in a crash, here’s what you should know about reckless driving and how our Los Angeles car accident attorney can help–

DEFINING RECKLESS DRIVING

As found in California Code Section 23103, reckless driving is defined as driving a vehicle in a manner that demonstrates a “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Reckless driving might include speeding excessively, driving while intoxicated, drag racing, or driving in an exceptionally aggressive manner.

Reckless driving is extremely dangerous and can result in accidents that cause serious injuries to those involved. Potential injuries resulting from reckless driving including head and traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, injuries to extremities, spinal cord injuries, and other severe injury types. 

WHEN RECKLESS DRIVING CAUSES A CRASH

In the event that reckless driving causes an accident, the driver may face charges in violation of California vehicle code, including a large fine and jail time in some cases. But in addition to facing penalties through traffic or criminal court, the at-fault individual can be held liable for civil damages, too. Indeed, if you have been injured by the actions of a reckless driver, you can hold that driver liable for damages if you can prove that your injuries would not have been incurred but for the reckless driver’s actions. In doing so, you maintain the right to seek compensation for the full value of your damages, including compensation for pain, medical expenses, suffering, lost wages, and any other economic or noneconomic damages you suffer.

Note that criminal and civil cases are separate and distinct. Even if the driver isn’t convicted by a traffic court and therefore doesn’t incur points on their record, go to jail, or pay a large fine, you may still be able to hold them liable for your damages with the right evidence and help of the right lawyer. 

CONTACT OUR LOS ANGELES PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY TODAY TO LEARN MORE

Being involved in a crash caused by a reckless driver can change your life. If you’ve been injured, you don’t have to accept your losses and pay for them out of pocket; you have legal rights, including the right to bring forth a claim against the at-fault driver or the at-fault driver’s insurer. To learn more about how to do either, please reach out to our Los Angeles personal injury attorney at the office of El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers today.

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis and we always offer consultations free of charge. We are ready to start investigating your case today.