Reckless Driving Accidents
Reckless driving remains pervasive on Arizona roads, causing devastating injuries and financial losses. U.S. News and World Report recently listed Phoenix as the sixth least safe city for driving in the country. Tucson ranked No. 5, and Mesa came eighth. Clearly, Arizona has a problem.
At Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, we understand the profound physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can have on victims and their families. Our legal team is committed to providing compassionate support and effective representation to those seeking justice and fair compensation for their injuries. With our extensive knowledge of reckless driving laws and proven track record of successful outcomes, we strive to hold reckless drivers accountable for their negligent actions and secure maximum compensation for our clients.
Contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today for a free consultation.
Understanding Reckless Driving Accidents
What is reckless driving? Arizona law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with disregard for the safety of other people and property. Examples of reckless driving behaviors may include excessive speeding, running red lights, tailgating, and drunk driving. According to the state Department of Transportation, speeding is the most common driver violation in Arizona. In one recent year, 359 people died and over 19,500 others suffered injuries in speed-related crashes.
Driver negligence is the most common cause of reckless driving accidents. The consequences of such behavior can be severe, leading to significant injuries, tremendous financial losses, and even wrongful death.
Is reckless driving a felony? No. Reckless driving is a class 2 misdemeanor offense or a class 1 misdemeanor if the driver had a prior conviction for reckless driving in the last two years. These offenses can result in criminal penalties, but drivers can also be held accountable for any injuries they cause through a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.
Navigating the Emotional and Physical Consequences
Physically, reckless driving accidents can inflict traumatic bodily harm, tremendous pain and suffering, and leave victims with long-term disabilities and health problems. Victims may also suffer from emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, and depression due to the wreck. These physical and emotional challenges can impact an individual’s ability to work, placing them in a precarious financial situation.
Obtaining full and fair compensation after a reckless driving accident can enable victims to get top-quality medical treatment and mental health support during their recovery. An experienced car accident lawyer can help place an appropriate value on the claim and negotiate for maximum compensation if you’ve been hurt.
Know Your Rights as a Victim
Under Arizona law, victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses caused by a reckless driver’s negligence. This right exists regardless of whether the at-fault driver received a ticket for reckless driving.
Legally Reviewed By:
Alex Silkman
Alex Silkman is the founder and managing member of Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. He focuses exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death cases, with the goal of getting truly just results for accident victims and their families...
Taking the Right Steps Post-Accident
After a reckless driving accident, you must prioritize your safety and take steps to protect your legal rights. Here’s what to do:
The Crucial Role of a Personal Injury Law Firm
Navigating the legal process can feel daunting for reckless driving accident victims. This is why the experience and counsel of a respected personal injury law firm is so valuable. An attorney can explain complex legal procedures, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for fair compensation while clients focus on recuperating from their injuries and returning to their lives.
- Call 911 – Arizona law requires law enforcement to file an accident report for any crash resulting in injury, death, or property damage of $2,000 or more. Request a copy of the police accident report as soon as possible. It will contain critical information you may need when filing a reckless driving accident claim.
- Collect evidence – Gather as much evidence at the accident scene as possible, including photos and videos of the vehicles involved, your injuries, and any contributing factors. Get the name(s) and contact information of any witnesses.
- Seek medical treatment – Always see a doctor after an accident, regardless of whether you feel hurt.
- Contact a reckless driving lawyer – A knowledgeable car accident attorney can evaluate your case and develop an effective strategy to pursue compensation from the responsible driver.
Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer can guide you through each step in the claims process to make it as smooth and straightforward as possible. Here’s what to expect:
- Free consultation and investigation – In your initial consultation, a personal injury lawyer will listen to your story about what occurred. Then, we will investigate the case and gather evidence to prove the at-fault party’s recklessness and negligence.
- Demand letter – Our legal team will send a demand letter to the reckless driver’s insurance company detailing the evidence of negligence and your accident-related losses. The letter will ask for compensation to cover these losses.
- Negotiation – Our attorney will negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement to compensate for your losses.
- Settlement or lawsuit – Either the insurance company will agree to a fair settlement, or your lawyer can file suit demanding the compensation you deserve.
- Trial – Sometimes, personal injury lawsuits settle before trial, but not all do. Your lawyer can explain the pros and cons of trial to you.
From start to finish, the claims processes can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years. However, you must act quickly to initiate the claims process and avoid missing Arizona’s two-year deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Community Action to Prevent Reckless Driving
You cannot prevent all reckless driving accidents, but you can protect yourself by practicing safe and defensive driving. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Try to anticipate the actions of other drivers. This includes keeping a safe following distance and avoiding distractions like texting while driving. If you encounter a particularly reckless driver, consider pulling over to a safe location or changing your route to avoid them.
The City of Phoenix is also acting to prevent reckless driving. In response to a worrying 25 percent increase in traffic fatalities in just one year, the City Council and mayor launched the Vision Zero Road Safety Action Plan, which implemented numerous strategies for improving community safety and preventing dangerous driving behaviors.
