A reckless driver acts in wanton disregard for the safety of other road users. Reckless driving goes beyond driver negligence. When a driver is reckless, they intentionally violate traffic laws and, in doing so, endanger the lives of others. The impacts of such behavior can be severe and life-altering and can be felt for months or years after a reckless driving accident.
Reckless driving is a crime in most states. If you have been injured by a reckless driver, you can file a claim or lawsuit against them. You will need the help of an expert Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers with El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers.
What Is Reckless Driving?
The definition of reckless driving varies from state to state. However, it is generally described as ‘operating a motor vehicle with willful and wanton disregard for the safety of other road users.’ It involves intentionally violating traffic laws, with knowledge of the damage one could do.
As mentioned, reckless driving goes beyond mere negligence. Some behaviors that fall under this category include:
- Running stop signs and red lights.
- Drag racing
- Running from the police.
- Overtaking a stopped school bus
- Driving in the wrong lane
- Excessive speeding
- Tailgating
- Intentionally failing to yield right of way.
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Driving without headlights
Causes of Reckless Driving
Most motor vehicle accidents are caused by driver error. Reckless driving is no exception. Usually, it is often the result of intentional rule violation. The reasons for such behavior can vary from driver to driver. Consequently, every case will be different.
There is no single cause of reckless driving. Some drivers are simply malicious and care very little for the safety of others. In other cases, reckless driving can be caused by the following factors:
- Intoxication
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a dangerous driving habit. It has caused many accident-related injuries and fatalities. Overall, drugs and alcohol impair a driver’s judgment, vision, control, and response time. They can also make a driver overconfident and careless, which could encourage reckless behaviors such as racing, speeding, and driving in the wrong lane.
- Road Rage
Anger and frustration do not combine well with driving. Such aggressive feelings and emotions can cloud a driver’s judgment enough to encourage reckless behaviors like passing too closely to another vehicle and tailgating. In fact, it is not uncommon for aggressive driving to escalate into recklessness. The results of this are often devastating and far-reaching.
- Driver Inexperience
Driver inexperience is a common problem among teenage drivers. As they are unaware of the dangers, teenage drivers are likely to engage in reckless driving behaviors such as intoxicated driving, speeding, and racing. This, combined with peer pressure, can easily end willful or wanton driving offenses, which in turn could cause an accident.
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
A reckless driver has no regard for your safety or the lives of your loved ones. This is why you should never let them get away with injuring you. If you are unsure of how to proceed, enlist the professional help of one of your top Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers with El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers.
We understand the repercussions of reckless driving on the victim. Contact us today at 213-985-1120 to learn how we can help you.