Reckless driving is when someone gets behind the wheel and deliberately drives in a way that puts other people or property in danger. This could mean speeding far over the limit, swerving between lanes without warning, running red lights, or even racing on public streets. In fact, any action at all that shows a complete disregard for the safety of others can be termed reckless driving.
According to the American Automobile Association, more than half of all fatal crashes over a four-year period involved some form of aggressive or reckless driving. That's a staggering number. And if you've been injured in an accident caused by a reckless driver, you should know that you do have legal rights to hold the driver or any other responsible party liable for your injuries and damages.
What Kind of Damages Can You Recover?
To truly recover from a reckless driving accident, you need to think about everything you've lost and everything you might lose going forward. Here are some of the damages your lawyer can help you recover:
Medical expenses
First and foremost, medical bills are usually the biggest concern. This doesn't just mean the ambulance ride or your emergency room visit. It includes everything: follow-up appointments, prescription medication, physical therapy, and long-term treatment plans. If your injuries are serious and require ongoing care, those future medical costs should be included in your claim as well.
Lost wages and earning potential
If your injuries forced you to take time off work or prevented you from doing your job the way you used to, the law terms that as income lost. And if you're unable to return to your previous job or industry due to long-term injuries, that loss of earning potential can also be factored into your compensation.
Damage to your property
When a reckless driver causes an accident, they're also responsible for the damage to your vehicle or any other personal property affected. Whether it's the cost of repairs or a complete replacement, this should be part of your claim.
Emotional distress and mental health impacts
Accidents caused by reckless drivers can leave lasting emotional scars. Many victims experience anxiety, depression, or symptoms of PTSD long after the physical injuries have healed. These emotional impacts can and should be included in your damages claim, too.
Punitive damages
Reckless driving stands apart from accidents caused by simple mistakes or momentary distractions. While those fall under the category of negligence, reckless driving goes further. It involves knowingly taking risks that are likely to cause harm.
Because of that, the law often treats reckless driving accidents more seriously. Not only can the driver be held responsible for your injuries and damages, but they may also face legal consequences like fines or even criminal charges.
On top of that, if their behavior was especially dangerous, you might be able to claim punitive damages, which is extra compensation meant to punish the driver for their behavior.
What You Should Do After a Reckless Driving Accident
After a reckless driving accident, the steps you take can make a big difference in your ability to recover compensation.
First, you should always get medical attention right away. Not only is this important for your health, but it also creates a record of your injuries, which is useful for your claim.
Next, make sure a police report is filed. This report can document everything from the accident scene to witness statements and any tickets issued to the reckless driver. It's a key piece of evidence.
Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media. Even a harmless post can be twisted to downplay your injuries. It's better to keep things private until your case is settled.
Keep every piece of paperwork related to the accident (hospital bills, car repair invoices, emails from the insurance company, and anything else). These documents help prove the full extent of your losses.
Lastly, don't wait too long to take legal action. There are time limits, called statute of limitations, that determine how long you have to file a claim. These deadlines and other car accident laws vary by state, but once they pass, you could lose your right to compensation forever.
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