Reckless Driving Attorney

Throughout Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, and the rest of the United States, there are certain driving rules that apply to all drivers on the road. These rules prohibit risky driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, aggressive driving, racing, illegal passing, and a host of other behaviors.

In addition to formal rules outlining a driver’s code of conduct, there is also an overarching rule that requires every driver to behave with reasonable care and prudence so as not to endanger others. Driving is a privilege and not a constitutional right, so we must all share the road and follow the laws for safety.

Unfortunately, not every driver lives up to the obligations of exercising reasonable care. Some drivers may make minor mistakes, while others may be negligent or intentionally create hazardous situations on the road. Texting while driving is considered dangerous, as well as driving too fast for conditions.

In some cases, the behavior of the drivers may be classified as reckless driving if wanton disregard for safety is shown. If you or a loved one is injured due to a reckless driver, our St. Louis car accident lawyers can help. Call toll-free at (1-800) 685-3302 or locally at (314) 276-1681 or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation.

Examples of Reckless Driving

“Driving with a disregard for the safety of others” is a general description. But, it is not difficult to understand how a car speeding or swerving in traffic easily becomes a dangerous disregard for the safety of others. For your reference, here are some common examples of reckless driving that we see all the time:

• Speeding – this is an obvious one since more speed in any situation always endangers lives rather than protecting them.
• Tailgating – tailgating occurs far too often, usually due to a lack of patience. Tailgating is always a form of reckless driving. That’s because the one doing the tailgating doesn’t have time to stop should the front car need to brake suddenly. As a result, crashes and injuries can occur.
• Disregarding traffic signals – ignoring stop signs or red lights counts as reckless driving because of the dangers it poses to others. Drivers can’t simply speed through a red light just because they believe the other light hasn’t turned green yet. This is breaking the law and can end up becoming a fatal car crash.
• Engaging in road rage – road rage is one of the most dangerous forms of reckless driving. This involves aggressively using a vehicle to harass or harm someone. Road rage could consist of chasing other vehicles, intimidating drivers and pedestrians, or using a vehicle to strike other vehicles. Road rage can often lead to criminal charges and convictions.

Civil Liability For Reckless Driving

Reckless driving can be addressed both criminally and civilly. This means that the reckless driver could be charged with a crime and potentially convicted and penalized by the state. The reckless driver most often becomes a defendant in a personal injury lawsuit brought by victims who were hurt by the driver’s gross disregard for public safety.

In a reckless driving injury lawsuit, the goal is not always to punish the defendant, as it is when a driver is charged with criminal reckless driving. The goal of a reckless driving lawsuit is instead to compensate the victims who were harmed by the driver’s recklessness and, most generally, through their insurance company.

Hire a Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer in St. Louis

If you are the victim of a careless and imprudent driver, you may have serious injuries, including disabling injuries, paralysis, or permanent disabilities. You may have a stack of medical bills and require months of physical therapy to regain your mobility. Your car may be totaled, leaving you without transportation.

The state may prosecute the reckless driver, but even if the driver is convicted, that won’t help you pay your medical bills.

If you are injured, you will need to file a claim or possibly a civil lawsuit seeking to recover damages from an accident caused by reckless driving. You’ll need a reckless driving accident lawyer in St. Louis to pursue your claim so you can focus on regaining your health.

A lawyer from The Cagle Law Firm will meet with you and explain your legal options for recovering compensation for injuries suffered in a reckless driving accident.

Our personal injury attorneys from The Cagle Law Firm represent victims of reckless driving accidents in St. Louis and the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, including Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky.

Call (1-800) 685-3302 or (314) 276-1681 today for a free consultation, or fill out our online contact form.