There are several different types of reckless driving that can result in an automobile accident. While most people are familiar with driving under the influence, there are other ways that people engage in unsafe driving which can lead to personal injury.
Reckless driving is a criminal offense in some states, whereas in other states it is pursued as a traffic violation. However, if reckless driving results in a person being injured, this matter can be pursued in civil court.
Speeding
Speeding is an offense that most people are familiar with. Even those who are law-abiding citizens may have found themselves charged with a speeding ticket simply due to rushing to make it to work on time. Excessively speeding, which is usually classified as driving at least 25 mph over the speed limit, is a form of reckless driving that could result in an accident and a person being injured.
Tailgating
This is commonly thought of as being a minor annoyance. However, a driver being right up on your rear bumper is a form of recklessness as it prevents you from having enough distance to be able to safely stop without a collision occurring should the vehicle in front of you come to a sudden halt.
Illegal Passing
Many people are occasionally tempted to go for an illegal pass in situations where traffic is backed up or the drivers in front of them are too distracted by cell phones to notice that the light turned green. It’s understandable, but it is still reckless.
Illegal passing can limit your line of vision in certain conditions and you may be unaware of cross-traffic. The point being, illegal passing is unlawful, reckless, and it could cause injuries.
Weaving In and Out of Lanes
Although other factors such as driving while intoxicated may be at play here, weaving in and out of lanes is extremely reckless and is a major factor in plenty of accidents resulting in injuries. Some people simply weave through traffic to remain in the fastest lanes while others are distracted and not paying attention to the road. This is inexcusable even when the driver hasn’t had a drop to drink. Lack of focus while driving can result in injuries and even death.
Running Through Red Lights
Impatience can sum up this type of recklessness. Nowadays many people seem to be in a hurry even to simply get to a shopping mall. Just as some people speed to reach their destination quicker, running stop signs and red lights fall under the same category.
Countless accidents could have been avoided had a driver simply hit the brakes and yielded to changing light. It goes without saying running red lights is another form of reckless driving that can lead to injuries and death.
Knowingly Driving a Flawed Vehicle
This one is tricky when it comes to personal injury suits as it would have to be proven that the driver was aware of their vehicle’s potentially hazardous flaws to be classified as negligence. Certain issues with vehicles such as faulty brakes and busted taillights can result in the occurrence of accidents. If the driver knew about their car trouble, failed to correct it, and caused an accident, this would fall under reckless driving.
What to Do If You Are Injured in an Accident
If you were injured in an accident as a result of another driver’s recklessness, then you have the legal right to be compensated for injuries sustained. Since laws vary in different states, you should consult a local personal injury lawyer and obtain representation.
