Most people comply with traffic laws and prioritize the safety and well-being of themselves and their families every time they set out to drive a vehicle. However, when drivers display negligent behavior behind the wheel, it poses a significant hazard to all other road users. Unfortunately, reckless driving has become a prevalent and dangerous practice, leading to many accidents each year in the Kissimmee area.
Sadly, in Florida, the incidence of accidents caused by reckless driving has steadily increased. Reckless car accidents endanger lives and put property at risk, resulting in severe injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. Becoming a victim of an accident caused by a reckless driver can have devastating consequences: injuries, property damage, lost wages, and more. It's essential to seek the services of a skilled attorney specializing in reckless driving accidents to work on your behalf to protect your rights.
Reckless Driving Accidents in Florida
From January 1 to June 22, 2023, Florida recorded a staggering 182,221 reported collisions, according to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Within this period, there were 1,570 tragic fatalities and 116,583 reported injuries.
Reckless behavior on the roads continues to result in avoidable injuries and fatalities. In Florida, accidents caused by reckless driving had fallen 5% in 2020 during the pandemic but have since experienced a concerning upward trend. The state witnessed a drastic 21.5% increase in reckless driving cases in 2021 compared to the previous year.
Distracted driving, particularly phone usage, is the most common form of reckless behavior, with drivers being distracted around 10% of the time while behind the wheel. Unfortunately, this irresponsible behavior contributed to high traffic fatalities in 2021; the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration attributes this to increased reckless driving accidents.
Reckless driving: laws and regulations
Accidents caused by reckless driving are a severe offense in Florida and are subject to legal penalties. These can result in various consequences for the driver. Legal effects include fines, points added to their driver's license, potential license suspension, and even the possibility of jail time.
Criminal Offense
Reckless driving is considered a criminal offense in Florida. It is classified as a misdemeanor, specifically a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.
Penalties
The penalties for reckless driving in Florida can vary depending on the circumstances and any previous convictions. Generally, a conviction for reckless driving can result in fines of up to $500 and imprisonment for up to 90 days (about three months).
Driver's License Suspension
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) may suspend the driver's license for a specified period, depending on the severity of the offense.
Aggravated Reckless Driving
If the reckless driving incident involves serious bodily injury to another person, it can be elevated to aggravated reckless driving, which is a third-degree felony in Florida.
Common Causes of Reckless Driving Accidents
When we refer to reckless driving accidents, we are not talking about a single way of driving aggressively. Still, it is a term that encompasses a variety of behaviors that can be dangerous when behind the wheel and can put the life of the driver and others at risk. A few examples of some of the common factors that cause traffic accidents among drivers who engage in reckless driving are:
Speeding
Driving at excessive speed is always one of the riskiest factors during a traffic accident since no driver can react adequately when traveling beyond the speed limit. These limits exist and are marked to improve traffic and make it safe for everyone; those who drive over the allowed limit can cause reckless driving accidents to be regretted.
Participating in or organizing illegal street races, which often involve high speeds and disregard for traffic laws, ensures accidents caused by reckless driving; this practice is forbidden in urban areas.
Aggressive driving
Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, disregarding traffic signals, and aggressive driving, in general, can also cause reckless driving accidents. Workers in a hurry who need to be on time can often err on the side of reckless driving, not wanting to be late for their offices, but doing so can have serious consequences.
Distracted driving
Anything distracting a driver while driving can be a risk, such as texting, making phone calls, eating, putting on makeup, or doing any other activity. At the same time, driving is also a significant cause of reckless driving accidents. Most experienced drivers know that an accident can occur just by taking their eyes off the road for a few seconds.
Impaired driving
If a driver's faculties of concentration and alertness have been affected by some external element, such as the use of alcohol, drugs, or any other substance that may prevent the use of reasoning in a usual way or that alters the coordination of the movements and the reaction capacity of the person who drives a vehicle, it is possible that reckless driving accidents could happen.
Running red lights or stop signs
Whether due to haste, distraction, or selfishness, drivers can ignore traffic signs, especially those that invite vehicles to stop completely, such as red lights or prevent discs. Ignoring these critical street signs is a sure cause of reckless driving accidents.
Personal Injury Claims Related to a Reckless Driving Accident
Individual injury claims related to a reckless driving accident encompass the victims' physical, financial, and emotional damages. Seeking compensation through such claims can help alleviate the burden and provide support for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and emotional suffering endured because of reckless driving accidents.
Reckless driving car accidents often result in severe injuries for the victim and the driver, leading to significant financial burdens. After an accident, you will have to pay for many medical bills, exams, consultations, and, in some cases, necessary rehabilitation therapy and other expenses that were not planned but must be made in an emergency.
Victims of traffic accidents who have injuries usually take a long time to recover and return to work, which causes economic destabilization in families that have suffered reckless driving. Car accidents and repair expenses are also a problem.
Trust a Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer in Kissimmee
Now that we have a clearer picture of everything a person involved in a traffic accident must suffer, it's evident that the losses after an impact due to a careless driver are considerable. Although many drivers have accident insurance, on many occasions, their coverage is not enough to cover all physical and material losses.
After a traffic accident, most people cannot face an emergency with a cool head and look out for their interests. A good reckless driving car accident lawyer in Kissimmee will be able to guide you without overwhelming you; they will take care of the complex procedures resulting from the accident and seek your well-being above all else.
At The Ward Law Group, we've got your back regarding car accidents, we'll make sure your voice is heard and your needs are taken care of. Don't hesitate to reach out to us at 855-DOLOR-55. Our reckless driving accident lawyers will guide you to obtain the best settlement in which the pain, losses, and consequences of the traffic accident you have suffered are respected.
Compensation and Damages available to victims of reckless driving accidents
Suppose you have been injured in a car accident. In that case, a skilled reckless driving car accident lawyer can assist you in pursuing a settlement that brings peace to you and your family after enduring a traumatic event.
While health and well-being are invaluable, you have the right to recover without the added anguish of bearing substantial medical expenses following a traffic accident.
Pursuing a personal injury claim with the assistance of a reckless driving car accident lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve for the damages and losses suffered due to another driver's irresponsible actions.
Medical Expenses
Reckless driving accidents can result in significant medical expenses, including emergency medical treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. Victims can seek compensation for these expenses, ensuring they receive the necessary medical treatment without facing a financial burden.
Pain and Suffering
Reckless driving accidents can cause immense physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress for the victims. This includes the immediate pain resulting from injuries and the long-term consequences such as chronic pain, disability, and psychological trauma. Compensation can be pursued for the pain and suffering from the accident.
Lost Wages
When injuries sustained in a reckless driving accident prevent victims from working, they may experience a loss of income. Compensation for lost wages can help alleviate the financial strain caused by the inability to work during recovery. Additionally, suppose the injuries result in a long-term or permanent disability that affects the victim's earning capacity. In that case, compensation may be sought for the future loss of income.
Property Damage
Reckless driving accidents often lead to significant damage to the vehicles involved. Victims can seek compensation for the repair or replacement costs of their damaged cars. This includes visible external cracks and any internal damage that may affect the vehicle's functionality and safety.
Wrongful Death
Surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim in the tragic event of a fatality caused by reckless driving. This allows them to seek damages for the loss of companionship, emotional support, guidance, and financial contributions their loved one would have provided. Wrongful death claims aim to provide financial security and support to the affected family members during this difficult time.
In addition to the damages mentioned earlier, other damages that can be claimed in a reckless driving accident include:
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Disfigurement and Scarring
- Loss of Consortium
- Diminished Quality of Life
- Punitive Damages
How to prevent reckless driving accidents
Accidents caused by careless driving must be prevented by society. We can collectively lessen the frequency of reckless driving accidents and increase the safety of our roads by taking preventive steps and fostering a culture of responsible driving.
Education and Awareness Programs for Drivers
Promoting education and awareness campaigns about the dangers and consequences of reckless driving can help us teach inexperienced drivers about the importance of driving responsibly. This can be done through schools, community organizations, and media outlets.
Always Follow Traffic Laws
All drivers must follow all the traffic signs on the road. Other measures, such as increased police presence, speed enforcement, and regular patrols, could help deter reckless driving behavior.
New technologies
Using our vehicles' latest safety features and technology can reduce the risks of reckless driving accidents, like speed limit enforcement technology, ignition interlock devices for drivers under the influence, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning systems.
The Best Car Accident Lawyers in Kissimmee
The finest reckless driving accident lawyers prioritize their clients' safety and peace of mind during challenging times. At The Ward Law Group PL, our primary goal is to provide robust legal support and representation, ensuring our clients feel protected and confident throughout the process.
The Ward Law Group PL stands out with a legal team that fosters comfort and, most importantly, instills trust. With us, you can rest assured that there is someone who will fight for your rights and tirelessly work to secure the compensation you deserve after experiencing a traumatic event. We have the perfect person to handle your case with care. Contact us now for a free consultation at 855-DOLOR-55.