Reckless driving has caused a lot of pain and suffering to people in Delray Beach and throughout Florida. When accidents happen because of reckless driving, the victim shouldn’t be forced to shoulder the burden of medical bills, lost wages, and other stresses.
However, the at-fault driver and the insurance company will do everything possible to avoid paying or minimize your settlement. You need an experienced Delray Beach reckless driving accident lawyer who can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
At Steinberg Law, our talented and experienced Delray Beach car accident lawyers are ready to stand up to insurers and fight for you in court if needed. Call us today at 877-783-4611 to set up a free initial consultation.
What Is Reckless Driving?
Florida law defines reckless driving as driving or operating a motor vehicle with “wanton disregard” when it comes to the safety of others. Examples of reckless driving include distracted driving, blatantly disregarding traffic laws, and other careless actions.
Reckless driving is considered a serious offense. Those convicted could face up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500 for even just a first-time offense in addition to license suspension.
Those who are the victims of accidents due to reckless driving need to seek out an experienced Delray Beach personal injury lawyer to fight for their right to compensation.
How Can Reckless Driving Increase the Chances of an Accident?
Reckless driving is often the cause of accidents. There are many forms of reckless driving, and they all endanger others on the road.
Distracted Driving
Drivers who are not paying attention to the road are much more likely to make mistakes. This can lead to them hitting other cars and pedestrians, swerving into other lanes, and more. If you find yourself the victim of a distracted driving accident, then we can help.
Driving & Texting
Texting while driving is one of the biggest causes of accidents, and is a serious problem. Most people think their eyes are off the road for only a second or two, when in fact they aren’t paying attention for upwards of five or ten seconds or more. A car can cover a lot of distance while the driver is distracted.
If you’re in an accident because someone was texting and driving, you need to seek legal representation to know what type of compensation you might qualify for.
Speeding
The faster a car is traveling, the longer it takes to stop. When drivers are speeding, they have less time to react to things that happen on the road in the best of circumstances. It’s even more dangerous if the driver is speeding in weather conditions like rain or ice or while drunk or distracted.
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Road rage is all too common, as is aggressive driving as a result of that frustration. When someone starts driving aggressively or making reckless moves based on their anger on the road, that can lead to an accident.
Tailgating
Tailgating is when a driver follows another vehicle too closely. This is dangerous because it gives the driver less time to react if the vehicle in front of them stops suddenly. It can also lead to rear-end collisions.
Ignoring Red Lights and Stop Signs
The number of drivers who ignore red lights and stop signs is alarming, and that type of reckless driving can easily cause a serious accident. Drivers who run red lights or stop signs also put pedestrians at risk, as they may not be able to stop in time if someone is crossing the street.
Turning Without Using Turn Signals
Turn signals are legally required for a reason. Turning without using turn signals isn’t just bad etiquette, it counts as reckless driving. Other drivers may not be expecting the turn and may not be able to stop in time.
What Damages Can Victims of a Reckless Driving Accident Get in Florida?
There are multiple types of damages that car accident victims can receive in court. Depending on the accident severity, it’s possible to sue for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Income loss
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Property Damage
In some cases, the court may award punitive damages if the driver was guilty of “intentional misconduct or gross negligence.” You need a reckless driving lawyer in Delray Beach to look at the facts of your case and help you recover the full compensation you deserve.
How Can I Prove The Other Driver Was Behaving Recklessly?
There are many different sources of evidence for proving a driver was behaving recklessly. It’s common for a Delray Beach reckless driving accident lawyer to build a case using evidence such as:
- Speedometer calibration
- Witness testimony
- Highway camera or dash cam footage
- Police accident report.
These all are important bits of evidence. They can help to prove that the other person was speeding, swerving, or otherwise driving in a reckless manner.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Delray Beach, Florida?
While a victim technically has up to four years to file a personal injury claim in the state of Florida, sooner is better. Witnesses and police officers will be able to remember a recent accident more clearly and in greater detail. As time passes, obtaining other evidence will also become more difficult as time passes.
Why Do I Need a Delray Beach Reckless Driving Lawyer?
Car accident cases require a huge amount of case preparation not to mention a thorough knowledge of Florida Law.
In addition to that, you don’t want to find yourself trying to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company on your own. You won’t get a deal that is favorable to you in that situation.
A reckless driving accident attorney will handle negotiations and will be ready to take your case to court if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement.
How Much Does a Delray Beach Reckless Driving Lawyer Cost?
At Steinberg Law, we handle car accident claims on a contingency basis. This means that you don’t have to pay any upfront fees. Our payment is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. You pay nothing if we don’t secure a settlement or win in court.
Call Our Delray Beach Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers!
If you are hurt in an accident with a reckless driver, our team at Steinberg Law is here to help you. We will fight to recover the maximum compensation for your case. Call our Delray Beach law firm today at 877-783-4611 to set up your free initial consultation.
