Reckless Driving Accident Virginia

passenger holding on to handle as driver drives recklessly

If you have suffered injuries and financial losses due to a reckless driver in Virginia Beach, you could have legal recourse.

A reckless driver can cause tragic accidents involving fatalities, catastrophic injuries, and astronomical financial losses for victims – not to mention pain and mental anguish. While a driver can engage in various behaviors that are “reckless,” some of the most common include speeding and driving while intoxicated.

Figures collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that almost 30 individuals pass away every single day in drunk driving accidents. Excessive speeding can also have devastating consequences, accounting for around one-third of all deaths in car accidents. Reckless driving endangers all road users’ lives.

If you suffered the tragic consequences of a reckless driver’s actions, you could potentially recover compensation for your medical bills, income loss, suffering, and other damages. A Virginia Beach reckless driving attorney can help.

Get in touch with the experienced car accident attorneys at Ruloff, Swain, Haddad, Morecock, Talbert & Woodward, P.C. now for a free consultation.

What Is Considered Reckless Driving in Virginia Beach?

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, reckless driving can involve a variety of drivers’ actions and behaviors, including but not limited to:

Speeding over 20 mph above the posted speed limit or too fast for conditions
Racing other cars
Passing an emergency vehicle or a school bus
Passing on top of a hill
Passing at a railroad crossing
Passing two vehicles abreast
Failing to signal
Driving with faulty brakes
Driving with an obstructed view
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

How Does Reckless Driving Cause Crashes?

Reckless driving can cause car crashes for many reasons. Driving too fast can cause an individual to lose control of their car in bad weather, for example, and veer into oncoming traffic. Individuals who drive drunk typically have a reduced reaction time and poor decision-making skills, which can also cause devastating accidents.

Reckless driving does not only pose a danger to other motor vehicle drivers but can kill or injure pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and other road users.

While a potentially wide variety of reckless driving behaviors exist, they all have one thing in common: putting the lives of others at risk. Survivors of reckless driving car accidents in Virginia Beach may have to deal with the devastating consequences of a crash for the rest of their lives. Victims could face massive medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other costs.

If you suffered injuries or losses due to a reckless driver, a Virginia Beach reckless driving lawyer at Ruloff, Swain, Haddad, Morecock, Talbert & Woodward, P.C. could help with recovering the compensation you have a right to receive under the law.

Virginia Reckless Driving Laws

Driving recklessly is considered a crime in Virginia. According to Virginia Code Section 46.2-852, anyone driving in a manner that endangers “the life, limb, or property of any person” is guilty of reckless driving.

Penalties for the crime can include points and driver’s license suspension, jail time, fees, and a criminal record.

While people who drive recklessly can face criminal proceedings, an accident victim could also be entitled to seek damages in civil court, for example, by filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

Injuries Caused By Reckless Driving Car Accidents

Injuries due to the actions of a reckless driver can be severe, permanent, and costly. Significant injuries often happen in high-speed and other reckless driving accidents. They can include:

Head and brain injuries such as traumatic brain injury
Facial injuries and permanent disfigurement
Fractures and broken bones
Internal organ injuries
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Limb amputations
Burns
Lacerations and cuts

This list is not exhaustive. Individuals can suffer other significant injuries in reckless driving accidents. If your life changed in one split second due to the recklessness of another driver, you could have legal recourse to seek justice and compensation.

A Virginia reckless driving attorney can advise you, answer our legal questions, and set out your legal options. Contact our experienced car accident attorneys at Ruloff, Swain, Haddad, Morecock, Talbert & Woodward, P.C. to ensure your legal rights remain protected.

Penalties for Reckless Driving in Virginia Beach

Drivers who receive a charge of reckless driving can find themselves with both criminal charges and civil liability, depending on the facts of the case.

If a driver operated a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they might receive a driving under the influence (DUI) charge in Virginia. DUI is a criminal offense. The victims of a drunk driver also can seek compensation through a civil personal injury case.

Consulting with an experienced car accident attorney can help you better understand all of your legal options to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

Liability in Reckless Driving Accidents

If you experienced a severe accident due to the reckless actions of another driver, you could potentially recover a range of damages, including:

Medical expenses and future medical costs
Loss of income
Repair or replacement of your vehicle
Awards for pain and suffering
Awards for disability

To have legal recourse and a chance for recovering compensation, you will need to prove the reckless driver’s negligence and liability. While it can be straightforward to hold a reckless driver responsible if there is evidence proving speeding or intoxication, some cases can be more legally complex to prove.

Contact a Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyer Today

Do not hesitate to contact our experienced car accident attorneys for help with your case against a reckless driver in Virginia Beach. Time limits for personal injury lawsuits are generally two years in Virginia. The sooner you start acting, the sooner we can help you pursue the compensation you are due so you can move on from an upsetting and stressful time.

We have been helping car accident victims for more than three decades. Our Virginia Beach car accident attorneys can assist you with the following and more:

Dealing with the insurance companies
Gathering evidence to prove negligence
Assessing your damages comprehensively
Negotiating from a position of strength
Representing your case in court

Handling a lawsuit on your own can be stressful and challenging, especially if you are still recovering. Let us help. We do not shy away from challenging and complicated cases. We are ready to fight for your right to receive full and fair compensation.