Most people respect and follow the traffic laws and seek the well-being of themselves and their families every time they leave home to drive a vehicle, but when drivers are irresponsible behind the wheel, what can the rest of us do? Reckless driving is a common and dangerous practice that causes multiple accidents yearly in the Miami Lakes area.
Unfortunately, in Florida, cases of car accidents caused by reckless driving have been increasing over the years; reckless car accidents can endanger life and property, causing severe injury and fatality. Being the victim of an accident caused by a reckless driver can be devastating, so the need for an experienced reckless driving accident lawyer becomes a must in these cases.
Reckless Driving Statistics
A reckless driving accident attorney is key, as these incidents occur when you least expect it. Despite the advancements in automobile safety features, reckless behavior on the roads continues to result in avoidable injuries and fatalities. A notable increase in speeding and distracted driving was reported during the pandemic, with phone usage witnessing significant rises. Reckless driving accidents, including speed-related crashes, saw a surge, leading to a higher number of fatalities.
In Florida, accidents caused by reckless driving fell by 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 reckless behavior contributed to a high number of traffic fatalities in 2021; the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration attributes this situation to increased reckless driving accidents.
According to data provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, from January 1 to June 22, 2023, Florida recorded a staggering 182,221 reported collisions. Within this period, 1,570 tragic fatalities and 116,583 reported injuries occurred.
Common Causes of Reckless Driving Accidents
Reckless driving in Miami Lakes is a problem that has not been eradicated. When we refer to reckless driving accidents, we are not talking about a single way of driving aggressively. Instead, it is a term that encompasses a variety of behaviors that can be dangerous when behind the wheel and that 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 car accident since no driver can react appropriately 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 that are regretted.
Participating in or organizing illegal street races, which often involve high speeds and disregard for traffic laws is evidently a way of ensuing in accidents caused by reckless driving, this practice is absolutely forbidden in urban areas.
Aggressive driving
Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, disregarding traffic signals, and aggressive driving 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 that can distract a driver while driving can be a risk, so activities like texting, making phone calls, eating, putting on makeup, or doing any other activity while driving are also big causes 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 normal way or that alters the coordination of the movements and the reaction capacity of the person who drives a vehicle, it is very possible that reckless driving accidents could happen.
Running red lights or stop signs
Whether due to haste, distraction, or selfishness, drivers ignore traffic signs, especially those that invite vehicles to stop completely, such as red lights or stop discs. Ignoring these critical street signs is a sure cause of reckless driving accidents.
What do you do if a reckless driver has injured you?
In the unfortunate case that you have an accident caused by reckless driving, and you have injuries, you should always remain calm. It will surely be difficult, but it is necessary to think clearly to know what actions to take in the face of a calamity like this. Some of the most essential actions you should take if you have been in reckless driving accidents are:
Seek immediate medical attention
Your health should always be the most important thing. A collision can cause serious injuries, so the highest priority should be to seek medical attention. Even if the injuries do not seem serious at the time, you should seek a professional's opinion since there are serious injuries that may not produce symptoms in the moments after the traffic accident.
Adhering to the medical treatment plan also means respecting the dates of appointments, therapies, and rehabilitation sessions.
Call the authorities
All traffic accidents must be reported to the police. The authorities must have all the details of accidents caused by reckless driving so that they can carry out pertinent investigations to determine the culprit of the reckless driving car accident.
Gather information
If you can, take photos of the accident, your injuries, and any property damage. You must get the contact information of the driver and witnesses. Permanently preserve documents such as medical records, bills, and insurance claims that your reckless driving accident lawyer may need to help you.
Call expert reckless driving car accident lawyers
It is best to have quality legal advice in a case against a reckless driver who will know how to handle your case and what evidence to gather to assert your rights in an accident of this kind. Reckless driving accident lawyers have extensive experience asserting your rights before the law as they handle car accident cases constantly.
An expert reckless driving accident lawyer can guide injured clients and work for your well-being. They are so that you can stay calm during hard times. Reckless driving accident lawyers will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve due to a traffic accident caused by an irresponsible driver.
Finally, remember to notify your insurance company. It’s important that you report the accident to your insurance company and provide them with the necessary information. Avoid accepting any settlement offers without consulting with your lawyer.
Consequences of Reckless Driving Accidents in Miami Lakes
Reckless driving is a dangerous practice that puts the lives of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists in Miami Lakes at risk. There are numerous consequences behind this type of accident, both for those who are victims of reckless driving accidents and for those who cause accidents on the road.
Personal injuries
Reckless driving car accidents often result in severe injuries for the victim and the driver, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, and severe lacerations. These injuries can lead to long-term physical disabilities, trauma, and constant physical pain.
In the worst-case scenario, reckless driving accidents can result in fatalities. The impact of high-speed collisions while reckless driving is deadly, not only for the driver, but it can also provoke the death of others or the loss of loved ones, breaking families apart.
Financial burden
Reckless driving accidents can lead to significant financial burdens. After an accident, you will have to incur a lot of medical expenses, exams, consultations, and, in some cases, necessary rehabilitation therapy. There are also other expenses that were not planned but must be made in an emergency situation.
In addition, 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.
Vehicle repair expenses are also a problem after a traffic accident, even if you have insurance, because, in many cases, it is necessary to cover a set amount to access coverage.
Emotional distress
Living through reckless driving accidents can cause a lot of emotional anguish for the victims, who may experience feelings of fear, stress, or anxiety, even suffering from panic attacks, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological effects.
Why seek legal advice from a reckless driver car accident lawyer?
Now that we have a clearer picture of what a person who is 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, the coverage they offer 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. An excellent legal attorney will be able to guide you without overwhelming you; they will take care of the complex procedures that result from the accident and will seek your well-being above all else. At The Ward Law Group, we’ve got your back regarding car accidents, and we’ll make sure your voice is heard, and your needs are taken care of.
A victim of this type of accident has the right to have their health expenses covered and the expenses for physical damage, such as repairing the accident vehicle. A reckless driving accident lawyer will guide you to obtain the best settlement in which the pain, losses, and consequences of the traffic accident you have suffered are respected.
Legal consequences for reckless drivers in Florida
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 consequences include fines, points added to their driver's license, potential license suspension, and even the possibility of jail time.
In cases where accidents caused by reckless driving lead to severe injuries or fatalities, the driver may face criminal charges. If convicted, the driver may face imprisonment, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Reckless driving convictions can also significantly increase auto insurance premiums, as most companies consider it high-risk behavior.
No driver, no matter how careless, seeks to cause harm on purpose, so many drivers involved in these types of accidents may suffer from depression, guilt, and remorse. Long-term social, emotional, and mental repercussions often accompany those who cause car accidents for life, something to think about before getting behind the wheel.
Contact a Reckless Driving Accident Attorney in Miami Lakes
The best reckless driving accident lawyers care about their client's safety and peace of mind during difficult times. The Ward Law Group's primary goal is to provide strong legal support and representation to ensure that its clients feel protected and confident throughout the entire process.
Many firms can handle reckless driving accident cases. Still, at The Ward Law Group, you’ll find a legal team with whom you feel comfortable and, above all, in whom you can trust, always knowing that there is someone who fights for you, for your rights, and so that you receive the compensation you deserve after experiencing a traumatic event. We’ve got the perfect person to handle your case carelessly; call now for a free consultation at 855-DOLOR-55.