If you or any family members suffered injuries or passed away as a result of reckless driving, we can help. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 to determine whether you have a case and what your next best steps are.
Reckless driving is not just an annoyance to other users of the road. A reckless driver willfully endangers lives, causing injuries and deaths as well as material damage. Reckless driving counts as a major traffic violation in Florida, and perpetrators can face not only large fines but also jail time. They can also face criminal charges as well as civil lawsuits for compensation.
Reckless driving is an umbrella term for a driver putting other road users at risk, whether by speeding, distracted driving, aggressive driving, or driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The chances that any of us or our loved ones might get into an accident with a reckless driver, either as another driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, are ever-present. Holding reckless drivers accountable can help save lives.
Careless Driving Versus Reckless Driving
Careless and reckless driving are easy to confuse. Although careless and reckless driving on the surface seem like similar offenses, there are some important distinctions between the two.
Careless Driving
Careless driving is a violation, punishable by fines and points on a driver’s license. Many instances where a driver violates rules of the road can be careless driving, such as the failure to stop at a traffic light, mounting the curb, or temporarily veering into another lane. A careless driver may be driving inattentively, which inadvertently puts other road users at risk. However, they are not doing so deliberately in order to harm another road user. Careless driving is a civil offense.
Florida Statute 316.1925 defines careless driving clearly. It states that a person shall operate “a vehicle upon the streets or highways…in a careful and prudent manner, having regard for the width, grade, curve, corners, traffic, and all other attendant circumstances, so as not to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. Failure to drive in such a manner shall constitute careless driving…” The statute also states that careless drivers incur a moving violation.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a much more serious offense than careless driving. Some examples of reckless driving are:
- Driving well over the posted speed limit.
- Racing with other cars.
- Fleeing from police officers.
- Weaving in and out of traffic at excessive speed.
- Driving a defective vehicle.
There can be many other instances of reckless driving, but they all show a blatant disregard for the safety of other road users. Florida law defines a reckless driver as “any person who drives a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” The statute also clearly lays out the punishment for such an offense.
For a free legal consultation with a reckless driving accidents lawyer serving Boynton Beach, call (844) 730-0233
Filing a Lawsuit Following a Reckless Driving Accident
Reckless driving is a crime in Florida. If you are injured due to reckless driving, you might consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. If your loved one passed away as a result of reckless driving, you might want to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
A reckless driver will most likely search out an attorney for representation, and it could be in your best interest to consult with a Boynton Beach reckless driving lawyer to consider your options and to help you build a case. Compensation for a personal injury lawsuit can include but is not limited to:
Economic Damages
- Lost wages and future lost wages/earning potential.
- Medical expenses for accident-related injuries.
- Physical therapy.
- Help with tasks around the home.
- Equipment such as a wheelchair or crutches.
- Repair or replacement of a vehicle or other damaged property.
- Future medical expenses.
Noneconomic Damages
- Emotional and physical pain and suffering.
- Loss of limbs or use of limbs.
- Loss of companionship.
- Mental anguish.
A wrongful death lawsuit can also include compensation for damages such as funeral expenses, loss of benefits earned by the deceased, and loss of parental care and guidance for any children, among others. A Boynton Beach reckless driving lawyer can help you determine which types of compensation you could receive for a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
Boynton Beach Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
A Boynton Beach Reckless Driving Lawyer Can Help
If your life is affected by reckless driving and you suffered injuries through no fault of your own, we can fight for your rights. We can ensure that you get the chance to protect yourself from any current and future expenses stemming from a reckless driver. Moreover, holding a reckless driver to account will not only help with your recovery and expenses incurred in the accident, but it can also help save the lives of others.
Every reckless driving case is unique. A Boynton Beach reckless driving lawyer can explain how the law applies to your specific case and analyze which type of compensation you could receive. We can also help by negotiating with insurance companies, collecting evidence, and finding witnesses to support your case. One of the pieces of evidence that could help your lawyer assign fault is the information contained in the police report. Per Florida Statute § 316.066, you are required to file a police report if a collision resulted in any deaths or “complaints of pain or discomfort.”
While Florida law has a four-year limit for filing most personal injury lawsuits, starting from the date of the accident, time is of the essence when collecting evidence, handling insurance companies, and speaking to witnesses.
Contact our dedicated team today for your complimentary consultation, and we will help you weigh your legal options. There are no upfront costs for you as we work on contingency only, meaning there are no attorney’s fees unless we win your case and you receive a settlement. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today and let us fight for your rights: (844) 730-0233.
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Florida Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents
You may be unable to file your lawsuit if you wait too long to do so. Florida’s statute of limitations per FL Stat. § 95.11 is four years from the date of the accident. If you do not file your lawsuit within this four-year time period, you could be unable to file your lawsuit and thus unable to recover compensation for your losses.
Get help with your case right away. Your attorney can help you not only build your case to prove the reckless driver’s liability for your injuries, but also help you gather documents and file the necessary paperwork to ensure you meet Florida’s statute of limitations requirements.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (844) 730-0233 to get started with your case.
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