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Spring break doesn’t just mark the start of better weather, but also signals the beginning of party season as college students swarm to local bars, clubs, hotels, and other venues during their time off. While most have their fun and return home without incident, there are many who get into their cars and drive recklessly, causing serious accidents with life-changing consequences for those involved.
According to the AAA Foundation, younger drivers tend to engage in reckless and aggressive driving more than their older peers. Those aged between 25 to 39 were the most likely to report unsafe actions such as cutting off other drivers and tailgating, while the college-age individuals (19 to 24) were most likely to bump and ram other vehicles or block cars from changing lanes. Factor in the impairing effects of alcohol, and you’re looking at some serious risks every time you hit the road during spring break.
In this article, we take a closer look at what kinds of actions constitute reckless driving, and examine some of the steps you should take after a wreck:
What Is Reckless Driving?
Negligence is a common term in personal injury law and simply refers to moments where a particular party should’ve done something but failed to take the expected actions. For example, a motorist momentarily distracted by their phone who goes on to injure a pedestrian or cyclist would be considered negligent.
Recklessness, on the other hand, is a far more serious offense and can, in some situations, be considered a crime. A reckless driver is someone who behaves with a wanton disregard for the safety of others, knowingly taking actions that put people’s lives at risk. Examples of reckless driving can include excessive speeding, street racing, running a red light, passing a school bus, or road rage driving.
What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Crash Involving a Reckless Driver?
Reckless drivers are often traveling at high speeds or directly into oncoming traffic, so it should come as no surprise that accidents involving these aggressive motorists often lead to catastrophic injuries. Not only are such conditions expensive to treat, but they can also result in long-term health complications that affect a victim’s ability to earn a living, take care of the household, or find enjoyment in their day-to-day life.
Fortunately, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries—especially if you have evidence that proves the other motorist was driving recklessly. As part of your claim, you can pursue many different types of damages such as healthcare costs, lost earnings, replacement services, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, and mental anguish.
A skilled personal injury attorney can assess your situation to determine what types of damages might be available to you. He or she can also help investigate the accident and gather the necessary evidence to support your claim. However, as much of this proof might be time-sensitive, it may be wise to reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible so that such evidence isn’t altered or lost.
Discuss Your Case with a Texas Car Accident Attorney
Were you hurt in a wreck involving a reckless driver? Turn to the legal team at Hilliard Law to discuss your options for seeking compensation.
We provide tailored representation to every client, making sure to investigate each accident thoroughly so that no stone is left unturned. Not only will we strive to help you achieve a favorable outcome, but we will also do everything in our power to help minimize stress throughout proceedings. Call us today at (866) 927-3420 or send us a message using our contact page HERE to lock in a free case review with a Texas car accident attorney.