Reckless Driving Behaviors that Can Cause Car Accidents
28th January 2022
Any kind of reckless driving is dangerous, leading to the possibility of accidents that can lead to catastrophic, life-altering injuries – or even worse. When someone has a wanton disregard for not only traffic laws, but also the well being of everyone else on the road, the consequences can be devastating.
If you have suffered an injury due to someone else’s reckless behavior, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the car accident attorneys at Sand Law. We are passionate about protecting the rights of innocent victims of other’s negligence. And we’ll do everything we possibly can to help you obtain fair compensation.
You can schedule a free consultation to discuss your case by using our online form or giving us a call at 701-609-1510.
What is Considered Reckless Driving Behavior?
Reckless driving is, in a nutshell, driving in a way that shows no regard whatsoever for other motorists. It’s a blatant, conscious decision to drive in a dangerous manner, knowing full well that an accident could be the result. People who do this couldn’t care less about the potential consequences of their actions. They’ll drive recklessly no matter what the conditions, whether it’s right after the first snow of the season, or during a blinding rainstorm.
These are just a few of the many types of reckless driving that occur far too often.
Brake Checking
Also referred to as “brake testing,” this is particularly annoying behavior. It happens when someone hits the brakes suddenly because they think the driver behind them is following too closely.
Even if someone is tailgating, brake checking really doesn’t accomplish anything – except increase the chances that a rear-end collision will occur. It also heightens the risk of the driver being brake checked having to swerve suddenly, causing some other type of wreck while the “brake checker” gets away without a scratch.
Cutting People Off
This can happen in just any type of driving environment, but it tends to occur more often when someone is trying to merge onto a highway. Whether it’s because of impatience or some other reason, some drivers will actually try to speed up to prevent others from merging. They may think they can save some time by doing this, but all they’re doing is acting recklessly, and endangering everyone on the road.
Speeding
Speeding is arguably the most dangerous form of reckless driving. Just about every driver will go over the legal limit at one time or another. But when somebody is traveling, say, 100 miles an hour or faster, and the speed limit is 65, 70 or 75, that can lead to severe collisions that can result in severe injuries or deaths.
Not Using Turn Signals
There’s a reason drivers have to use turn signals, of course. They show other drivers that you’re getting ready to slow down to turn. There are a lot of motorists, however, who don’t bother to signal, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision as a result.
How Do Reckless Behaviors Cause Car Accidents?
At Sand Law, we’ve seen first-hand the terrible consequences of reckless driving. We’ve represented people who have been hurt in T-bone accidents, rear-end collisions, head-on collisions and many other types of wrecks. The majority of these accidents could have been avoided if negligent drivers had just been paying attention, and driving safely.
Recklessness can take many forms when someone is behind the wheel. They can run a red light or a stop sign, or they can change lanes suddenly. Street racing, dangerous passing, using the shoulder to pass, and other behaviors can lead to horrible accidents. When someone chooses to talk or text on their phone rather than pay attention to the road, that can be construed as recklessness, as can driving under the influence of alcohol, or getting behind the wheel after using illegal drugs.
Who is At-Fault when Reckless Behavior is Concerned?
The obvious answer to that question is the reckless driver. But there could also be other parties that bear some responsibility for that recklessness. For example, an employer could be held liable if an employee was driving recklessly while on the job. Restaurants and bars that over serve patrons could face liability if that person causes a crash while driving impaired.
If you’re ever involved in an accident caused by a reckless driver, a skilled attorney will explore all possible avenues for you to receive the compensation you deserve. Sand Law attorneys will often meet resistance from insurance companies, but we know how to deal with them. If an insurer refuses to offer you a fair settlement, we’ll be more than ready to take them to court if needed.
How Can You Prove Someone Was Driving Recklessly?
As with any sort of car accident case, one that involves reckless driving can be incredibly complex. If you are having problems with your injury claim, you should have an experienced attorney by your side. It could very well be the only chance you’ll have to get the money you deserve.
In order to have the best chance of obtaining compensation, you’ll need solid proof that you were hurt due to the actions of a reckless driver, as well as any other parties that might have contributed to the accident. An attorney will know how to obtain the evidence you’ll need to have the strongest possible case.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney if You Were Involved in an Accident
Please don’t try to handle a car accident claim on your own. Insurance companies have the resources and experience it takes to defeat you. They can easily wait you out until you feel compelled to accept the pittance they may be offering.
You’re already dealing with enough after an accident. Not only are you going through a great deal of pain, you’re also stressed and frustrated. By hiring an attorney to fight for your rights, you can focus on recovering physically and emotionally. Your attorney will take care of the rest.
Let Sand Law handle all of the details of your case so you can heal and rest. Contact us online or call 701-609-1510 for a free case review.