The term reckless driving is very broad. Most people do not have an understanding of the term reckless driving. The easiest definition would be driving a motor vehicle with disregard for the safety of persons or property. This means doing anything that may cause harm to a person or property. As a result of a reckless driver driving in reckless disregard to others on the road accidents occur Some of them end up with fines or jail terms while others easily escape. When a driver disregards the traffic rules while on the road, then he or she is supposed to be held accountable for their actions.
When a driver does not pay attention to the traffic rules they put the passengers in the car, the pedestrians, and other road users in danger. This will to lead very severe accidents that can cause fatal injuries and even death.
What Causes Georgia Reckless Driving Accidents
If you or your family members are victims of Georgia reckless driving accidents you should contact a personal injury lawyer.
Breaking even the minor rules can lead to a court case that will result in a jail term or paying of high court fines for offenders. Below are some of the traffic rules that can be broken.
- Speeding - many people don’t pay attention to speed limits in their respective states. In Georgia the speed limit is usually 70mph on interstates, 55mph in urban areas, and 25-35 in towns and cities.
- Failure to obey traffic signals. Traffic signs such as regulatory signs, warning signs, guide signs and school zone signs which are required to be observed are constantly being disobeyed leading to an increase in the number of accidents occurring every day.
- Weaving through traffic. A situation in which a vehicle swerves through traffic between lanes, to try and save time. This is illegal in many states since it puts drivers in danger
- Failure to yield to signs and signals. Occurs when a driver is not able to stop the vehicle on a stop sign, even slowing down or almost stopping at a stop sign may still get you a reckless driving charge.
- Aggressive tailgating - this is when you drive closely behind another vehicle and it is deemed as reckless driving.
- Driving too fast for weather and road conditions. When the weather is not convenient for fast driving, driving fast can lead to fatal collisions. Also, driving fast on roads under construction is not a sign of a responsible driver.
- Distracted driving leads to many accidents. Being distracted while driving, this includes eating, texting, calling or even reading. This is because most people often receive calls while and they pick the calls while driving hence breaking the traffic rules.
- Driving under the influence – this is a definite reckless driving scenario. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs makes you a negligent driver. DUI result in fatalities and many injuries, ranging from minor to severe injuries.
Be prepared
An accident can takes place at any time and you should be ready. You can ready yourself by taking up a suitable insurance cover and by knowing what to do after an accident. Most people are not prepared in any way for an accident and hence they are not able to get compensation. If you are a victim of a reckless driving accident you can follow the following tips that will help you get financial recovery for accident injuries and and as well for your vehicle.
Related Content: What to do after a Car Accident
Health
After being involved in accident, ensure that you check yourself for any injuries. Do you feel pain anywhere? Where did you hit after the impact? And what is the degree of the impact? This is important because it can end up saving your life. If you have passengers check on them. How are they responding after the collision? Are they alert and can they move? This will help determine their degree of injury on a physical outlook. If there is an injured party they should report to a hospital for further checkup and treatment as soon as possible.
Stay at sight of accident
If you are okay, then do not leave the scene of the accident. Also, ensure that you help anyone injured at the scene of the accident.
Get details of the other driver, plus registration of the other car.
Contact the police
Ensure that you call the police so that you can make a formal report on the accident. The police are able to come and collect evidence on the case and write down a detailed report of what happened.
Call your car accident lawyer
Your car accident lawyer will help you build your case. The lawyer will know what to do and how to collect that may help build the case against the bad driver. The lawyer will speak on your behalf to the police and to the insurance company of the driver at fault
Collect evidence
Collect as much information as possible. Talk to witnesses who saw the accident and are willing to testify on your behalf and collect their contact details. Take photos and even a few videos of the accident scene. Get videos from other witnesses who were able to record the accident as it happened.
Consequences of Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a misdemeanor crime in Georgia. It carries a hefty fine and a jail term. Georgia being a fault state, subjects the at fault driver liable. The aggressive driver is responsible for paying pay for accident damages. Though it may seem hard to prove that dangerous driving is what led to the accident an experienced lawyer can help you get compensated for both economic and non-economic damages. Also, the at fault party insurance carrier can still pay you for injuries and vehicle damage even if the driver did not break any law.
The most common penalties for a misdemeanor offense are;
- Jail term of up to 12 months
- Fine up to $1000
- Four points added to your driving record- this could lead to increased insurance premiums
Conviction of the other driver on a reckless driving charge will help your personal injury lawsuit. Proving that you are the victim of reckless behavior from a dangerous driver will help you get fairly compensation.
Why you need a Decatur Car Accident Lawyer
The purpose of an experienced car accident lawyer in Decatur is to help you collect evidence on your behalf. The lawyer will speak on your behalf in court since they understand more about court proceedings. By collecting evidence, talking to witnesses, and representing you in court, he or she is able to help you the compensation you deserve.
How Is a Personal Injury Claim Calculated?
- Hospital bills - this includes all bills incurred in hospital such as surgeries, imaging, lab tests, and drugs.
- Lost Wages/Employment - if you were unable to go to work due to personal injury, then the defendant will be required to pay you wages for the time you haven't been to work.
- Punitive damages can as well be paid if the defendant is facing criminal charges.
This should also go as far as the future, if you are not able to work even later, the defendant is supposed to pay for future wages lost
Physical pain and suffering the defendant is supposed to pay for the pain you have incurred, if you are required to go through physical therapy or you’re experiencing PTSD or depression that has been caused by the accident.
If you are accident victim trying to get compensated call a personal injury lawyer from Marks Law Group. Book your free initial consultation and let our capable legal team evaluate your case!