Drivers who operate their vehicles recklessly or aggressively put everyone else’s lives on the road in jeopardy. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 30 percent of all motor vehicle accidents involve reckless driving. Reckless driving accidents frequently lead to catastrophic injuries and death.
At Saeedian Law Group, our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience pursuing car accident injury claims in Los Angeles. If you or your loved one has become seriously injured in a reckless driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Saeedian Law Group today to schedule your free initial consultation and learn more about your legal rights.
California Reckless Driving Laws
The California Vehicle Code (Section 23103) defines reckless driving as when a driver “drives a vehicle upon a highway with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” In other words, when a driver voluntarily takes actions that have a likelihood of certainty to cause injury, the driver is engaged in reckless driving. For example, when a driver chooses to drive at high speeds, there is a likelihood that the driver will lose control of the vehicle and cause a motor vehicle accident.
Reckless driving can involve multiple decisions and behaviors, including ignoring the road rules and disobeying traffic laws. Intentional conduct is taken voluntarily when there is a likelihood of certainty of the consequences. For example, when a driver chooses to drive at high speeds, there is a likelihood that the driver will lose control of the vehicle and cause a motor vehicle accident. Many different types of reckless driving can lead to devastating accidents, including:
- Sudden braking
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)
- Failing to use turn signals
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Making illegal turns
- Passing on the wrong side of the road
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Street racing
- Distracted driving
Reckless Driving and Auto Insurance
California is an “at-fault” state for auto insurance claims. The driver whose recklessness caused the auto accident can be held liable for any damages they caused. If you’ve been injured, you have a right to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company before you seek reimbursement from your own auto insurance company.
California is also a comparative negligence state. Both parties in an auto accident may share liability depending on the situation. For example, suppose a reckless driver is intoxicated and collides with a driver who was distracted. In that case, the distracted driver’s compensation can be reduced by the amount equivalent to their percentage of liability. For example, if a plaintiff is awarded $100,000 and a court determines you are 10 percent liable for your injuries, you will receive $90,000.
Establishing Liability in a Reckless Driving Accident
Reckless driving is a crime in California, and a conviction can result in jail time or fines. Suppose you were injured in an accident, and the at-fault driver was convicted of reckless driving. You can use the conviction as evidence that the driver engaged in “negligence per se.”
Regardless of whether the driver is convicted of a crime in a criminal court, reckless drivers can be financially liable for the injuries they cause. Most car accident cases involve the legal theory of negligence. It’s possible to prove that the other driver was at fault by establishing “negligence per se.”
The Benefits of Working With an Experienced Attorney
Victims who’ve been injured may be able to prove liability by relying on the legal doctrine of negligence per se, but doing so isn’t always easy. The attorneys at Saeedian Law Group have the resources and experience necessary to investigate your case and gather evidence thoroughly. Evidence can disappear in reckless driving accident cases, and witnesses can forget what happened.
We will obtain and review the police accident report, interview witnesses, identify any photo or video evidence, and work with accident reconstruction specialists when necessary. When you work with us, you can rest assured that evidence in your case is protected, giving you the best possible chance of success. Our skilled attorneys will work diligently to negotiate a favorable settlement and are prepared to take your case to court when necessary.
Injuries Caused By Reckless Drivers
The injuries caused by reckless drivers can long-term impact victims and their families. At Saeedian Law Group, we handle cases that involve many types of reckless driving injuries, including the following:
- Fractured skull injuries
- Amputations
- Bone fractures
- Chest trauma
- Brain and head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Chronic pain
- PTSD
- Facial lacerations
- Dashboard knee injuries
- Facial nerve trauma
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
Recovering Compensation
Becoming injured in a reckless driving accident can have a devastating effect on a victim’s life. Injuries range from relatively mild, such as contusions, to life-altering injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries. Serious injuries can result in millions of dollars of medical expenses over a lifetime. When the injured individual is the family breadwinner, the financial consequences can be devastating. California allows injured victims to recover compensation for their auto accident damages. These damages can include the following:
- Past medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- The cost of a rental car
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
If a reckless driver has injured you, it can be tempting to accept the first settlement offer from his or her insurance company. We recommend discussing your case with an attorney before accepting a settlement agreement. An attorney will be able to determine an informed estimate of the total value of your claim and negotiate for a fair settlement amount.
Do You Need a Los Angeles Reckless Driving Accident Attorney? Call Saeedian Law Group
At Saeedian Law Group, we believe that reckless drivers should be held accountable for the injuries they cause. If you or your loved one have been seriously injured in a reckless car accident, we are here to help. Our legal team has a proven track record of successfully pursuing claims against reckless and aggressive drivers. Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.
