In Charlotte, North Carolina, reckless driving is considered to be a criminal charge. That means you can be fined a huge penalty or be sentenced to jail for not more than sixty days if convicted. Whether you live in this region or visiting for the first time, you need to make sure that you abide by the State’s traffic laws and avoid any kind of road usage that would be considered to be reckless driving.
Moreover, if you have a case that involves reckless driving, contact the personal injury lawyers at Ted Greve & Associates. Our Charlotte reckless driving accident lawyers will give you the best legal advice in regards to your case.
What is Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving is defined in different ways in different states. That is why it is important that you seek the assistance of a legal representative who is familiar with North Carolina’s traffic laws. In this particular region, there are 3 different ways of road usage that are considered to be reckless driving. The first type of road sage that is considered to be reckless driving is driving heedlessly and carelessly with the intention of violating other road users’ rights.
The second type of road usage that is considered to be reckless driving in Charlotte, North Carolina is driving without caution or in a manner that endangers other people and property. The third type of road usage that falls in the same category is operating a commercial vehicle (such as a trailer) that is overweight or oversize.
How Can Reckless Driving Increase Chances of an Accident?
Many car accidents that occur are usually as a result of reckless driving. That is why all drivers are required to practice good driving habits to avoid any incidents. However, there are a few who still use the road without considering the wellbeing of others and their careless driving leads to devastating auto accidents. Here are various reckless driving habits that can increase the chances of an accident.
Driving & Texting at the Same Time
Drivers should always focus on the road when operating their vehicles and avoid anything that can distract them. However, many drivers in Charlotte, North Carolina still use their mobile phones to text when driving. Such actions are known to be a threat to other drivers and to pedestrians as well. That is because texting forces the driver to take his or her eyes off the road in order to observe what he or she is texting.
Speeding
Many drivers in this region do not stick to the speed limit when driving. Such reckless driving has been known to lead to accidents since most drivers end up losing control when they come across sharp turns and other road obstacles. It becomes difficult to maneuver and stop the car when moving at a very high speed.
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Road rage and aggressive driving are known to cause unnecessary injuries and crashes in North Carolina. Such reckless driving endangers other road users and passengers as well. In Charlotte, North Carolina, drivers are advised to practice defensive driving when driving alongside a driver who is not courteous. Even if the other driver is wrong and you are right, stay calm and avoid unnecessary confrontations or arguments.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has also been identified as the major cause of road accidents. That is because when a driver is distracted, the reaction time is reduced. That is why drivers are required to ignore anything that may distract them when driving. This includes things like the use of smartphones and even paying attention to other passengers when driving.
Tailgating
Another form of driving that is known to increase the chances of an accident is tailgating. This occurs when a driver drives too close to the vehicle in front. According to Charlotte, North Carolina traffic laws, you are required to leave enough distance. That is because the driver in the front car can slam on the brakes without warning and by leaving enough distance, you will be able to brake on time.
Ignoring Red Lights
Ignoring red lights is another reckless behavior that endangers other road users and pedestrians. Red lights play an important role in directing drivers when to stop. That is why they are usually installed in busy intersections to avoid confusion. However, when a driver ignores a red light, such a violation can lead to an accident.
Turning Without Using Turn Signals
Turn signals are used to indicate where drivers are going. If a driver does not use turn signals, it increases the chances of causing an accident because other drivers will not be aware of the driver’s intention. Road users in Charlotte, Carolina are required to use turn signals when switching lanes and also when taking a left or right turn.
What Damages Can Victims Get from a Car Accident in Charlotte?
Victims of car accidents are often left facing a lot of challenges especially for those who end up sustaining severe injuries. Besides sustaining severe injuries, victims also suffer from other multiple damages without even knowing. Here are some of the damages that most victims get from a car accident in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Income Losses
Many victims are left nursing either permanent or temporary injuries that prevent them to work. Even after taking an extended period to recover, many of them are left unable to work as they used to before the accident. Therefore, if a victim is permanently disabled, then he or she should be compensated for income losses.
Disfigurement
Sometimes a car accident can be fatal, and leave its victims permanently disfigured or scared. Victims left in such a state should seek compensation for disfigurement damages. In Charlotte, North Carolina, victims seeking recovery of disfigurement damages can contact Ted Greve & Associates to have their personal injury lawsuit filed.
Property Losses
Property also gets damaged when a car accident occurs. Moreover, you need to acknowledge the fact that this particular claim is filed separately from a bodily injury claim. Property losses can be recovered by the victim with the help of a legal representative.
How Can I Prove the Other Driver was Behaving Recklessly?
In Charlotte, North Carolina, reckless driving is considered to be a criminal offense which means if charged, you will be required to prove that the guilty party was driving recklessly. The following can be used as evidence for reckless driving.
Speedometer Calibration
The first evidence you can use to prove your case is speedometer calibration. With the help of a speedometer calibration, you will be able to prove whether the accused was driving very slow or too fast.
Witness Testimony
Another way of proving that a driver was behaving recklessly is with the help of witness testimony. Witness testimony can be used as evidence in a court of law. Therefore, when involved in a car accident caused by a reckless driver, make sure that you collect the testimony of witnesses who are present at the scene.
Highway Camera or Dash Cam
You can also use video footage from a dashcam or highway camera to prove that the other driver was behaving recklessly. However, the footage presented in a court of law should be clear or easy to see so that it can be possible to identify the accused while on the act.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Charlotte, North Carolina?
Victims of car accidents are given three years to file a lawsuit. This is according to the States statute of limitations. This allows victims to have enough time to be evaluated by their doctors and get a full report on their health condition. This timeframe also allows victims to prepare for trial if a lawsuit is filed.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
A lawyer can help your car accident claim process through:
Case Preparation
Having a lawyer by your side can increase your chances of getting a better verdict. That is because your legal representative will give you legal advice on what needs to be done so that you can win the case. Moreover, your attorney will do all the hard work for you which includes preparing legal documents, filing the lawsuit, and representing you in court.
Settlement Negotiation
Settlement negotiation is known to increase value, revenue, and efficiency. However, you need to understand that this is not an easy process and requires mutual trust to achieve satisfying results. That is why you need an experienced attorney to talk on your behalf during settlement negotiation. If the parties involved do not come to an agreement, then the matter can be settled in court.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
There are many law firms that have been established today in Charlotte, North Carolina. This makes it easy for customers to find legal representatives who are within their budget. However, when it comes to seeking legal services, make sure that you consider both the cost and quality of work. Therefore, contact Ted Greve & Associates today for a free consultation and case review.
Review Your Claim with Our Charlotte Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers
If you have been involved in an accident caused by a reckless driver, then you need to get in touch with our lawyers at Ted Greve & Associates by calling us at (800) 693-7833. Even if you sustain minor injuries, let our car accident lawyers help you determine what your claim is worth and make sure that your rights are protected.
