Were you injured in a crash with a driver who was speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic, or driving recklessly in some other way? If so, you are not alone.
The Insurance Information Institute reports that about 4 percent of drivers in fatal accidents nationwide in one recent year were operating their vehicles in an “erratic, reckless or negligent manner.” Also, more than 384,000 police-reported crashes occurred statewide during one recent year, meaning reckless drivers were likely responsible for thousands of injuries and deaths, according to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
The Atlanta car accident attorneys at Bayuk Pratt know how devastating the injuries from these crashes can be. We can represent you in your fight for fair compensation. We have over 50 years of combined legal experience and a record of recovering over $300 million for our clients. We can handle all the legal work in your case so you can focus on your medical treatments. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation.
Is There a Difference Between Reckless Driving and Negligent Driving?
Georgia law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with “reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Reckless driving typically involves intentional wrongdoing or extreme carelessness that puts others in severe danger. In contrast, a negligent driver may still show concern for the general well-being of others on the road even if they are careless or ignore specific traffic laws.
Georgia also prohibits aggressive driving, which is similar to but distinct from reckless driving. State law defines aggressive driving as operating a vehicle “with the intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person.” Because this offense involves intentional actions by a driver, it’s a more severe offense than reckless or negligent driving.
What Are Some Examples of Aggressive Driving in Atlanta?
Some examples of reckless or aggressive driving behaviors include:
- Blocking other drivers from changing lanes
- Driving significantly over the speed limit
- Failing to signal when turning or changing lanes
- Following another vehicle too closely (tailgating)
- Ignoring traffic signals or stop signs
- Illegally passing on the shoulder or median
- Making lane changes without checking for other cars
- Racing other vehicles on public roads
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Speeding through heavy traffic
- Swerving between lanes without control
- Using high beams to intimidate other drivers
- Yelling or gesturing aggressively at other drivers.
What Are Common Injuries from a Reckless Driving Accident?
Since reckless driving accidents often involve vehicles moving at high speeds, the injuries from these crashes tend to be more severe than in other car accidents. Common injuries from Atlanta reckless driving accidents include:
- Head injuries — Reckless behaviors like speeding or running red lights increase the force of impact when a crash happens, making concussions or other traumatic brain injuries more likely.
- Broken bones — High-speed crashes and collisions resulting from reckless drivers weaving through traffic can fracture or shatter bones, particularly in the arms, legs, or ribs.
- Spinal cord injuries — Rear-end collisions or side-impact crashes from aggressive lane changes can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
- Internal injuries — The force of a high-speed crash can harm people’s organs and blood vessels.
- Facial injuries — A high-speed collision or front-end collision can cause a car’s airbags to deploy, potentially causing broken noses, lacerations, or other facial injuries.
- Chest injuries — Tailgating crashes can slam the driver against the steering wheel, potentially causing broken ribs, lung damage, or heart injuries.
- Burns — High-speed accidents may cause vehicle fires, leading to severe burns for drivers or passengers trapped inside damaged cars.
- Emotional trauma – The violence of a reckless driving crash can leave lasting psychological scars, including anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How Do You Prove the Reckless Driver Caused My Accident?
You need strong evidence to prove a reckless driver caused a crash and your resulting injuries. An Atlanta reckless driving accident attorney can investigate the collision and collect evidence to support your claim, such as the following:
- Traffic or surveillance camera footage — If a traffic or surveillance camera recorded the crash, the footage can reveal the driver’s reckless actions. For instance, the camera might have captured footage of the driver weaving through traffic or running a red light.
- Eyewitness accounts — Eyewitness testimony is valuable in reckless driving accident cases because it provides a neutral perspective on what happened. An eyewitness may have seen a driver tailgating, flashing their high beams, racing another vehicle, or acting recklessly.
- Police crash reports — These reports can shed light on a driver’s reckless behavior. For example, the responding officer may have cited the driver for traffic violations or documented the driver’s reckless behavior.
- Forensic accident reconstructions — Specially trained investigators can examine evidence from the crash scene to create models of the crash’s occurrence and who caused it. For example, the positions of the cars and the damage to each vehicle may indicate reckless driving.
What Damages Can I Seek from the Reckless Driver?
Since reckless driving crashes often cause severe, long-lasting injuries, it is essential to include your current and future needs in your car accident claim. Our lawyers can help document your losses and help you seek maximum compensation in your case, including money for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Reckless Driving Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?
Georgia law requires you to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of suffering injury in a reckless driving crash. We urge you to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible so they can investigate the collision and file a claim before critical evidence disappears or deteriorates.
Contact an Atlanta Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer
As former insurance defense lawyers, the team at Bayuk Pratt has the inside knowledge you need to maximize your financial recovery after a reckless driving accident in Atlanta. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.