As a licensed motorist, you are expected, by law, to uphold the rules of the road. These laws are in place to ensure safe driving conditions are maintained to protect the lives of road users, i.e., pedestrians, passengers, cyclists, and motorists.
Unfortunately, some people disregard or refuse to follow these rules and up causing accidents. Any driver who fails to follow the rules is liable for the accident and the resulting injuries and damages they cause due to their negligence and recklessness.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident caused by a reckless driver, contact a professional Atlanta reckless driving accident lawyer as soon as possible for improved chances of acquiring the compensation you deserve for injuries and damages suffered. At Ted A. Greve & Associates, we’re dedicated to helping victims hold the responsible party liable for injuries suffered. Our car accident attorneys have a good understanding of how Georgia law and court processes work and can help you navigate the intricacies of your case.
For help recovering the compensation you’re entitled to, call (800) 693-7833 now to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a professional Ted A. Greve & Associates’ reckless driving attorney and receive the aggressive representation you deserve.
What’s Considered Reckless Driving in Georgia?
According to Georgia Code (Title 40, Motor Vehicle and Traffic § 40-6-390), anyone who operates an automobile/vehicle “in reckless disregard for the safety of other people or property” commits the offense of reckless driving. This is considered a misdemeanor offense and is punishable by a fine of up to one thousand (1,000) USD and/or 12-months in jail.
Reckless driving convictions can also result in 4 points being added to the lawbreakers driving record. In Georgia, anyone convicted of traffic offenses worth 4 points or more has their driving license suspended for at least 6-months.
It’s worth noting that reckless driving and aggressive driving are two separate offenses under Georgia Code. Georgia Code (Title 40, Motor Vehicle and Traffic § 40-6-397) defines aggressive driving as operating a vehicle/automobile with the intent to intimidate, obstruct, molest, harass, annoy, or injure another person. It includes state laws violations relating to:
- Driving too slowly
- Overtaking and passing
- Improper lane changes or usage
- Motorcycle lane usage violations
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Failure to signal
- Reckless driving with intent to obstruct, annoy, molest, harass, injure, or intimidate
It’s worth noting that an individual could end up being charged with both aggressive driving and reckless driving.
How Does Reckless Driving Increase the Chances of an Accident Happening?
It is the bad decisions and reckless actions of many careless drivers that often lead to devastating car crashes. Even the most inconsequential driving habits have the potential to lead to accidents that result in catastrophic, and in some instances, fatal injuries. Here’s a look at how some reckless driving habits can lead to accidents:
Speeding
While driving 5 miles per hour over the speed limit doesn’t seem like a big deal, over-speeding increases a driver’s risk of being involved in or causing an accident since they have less control over the vehicle. What most people don’t know is that it’s hard to maneuver an over speeding vehicle around obstacles or bring it to a stop.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving, e.g., texting while driving, has become a major problem in recent years and now accounts for a large number of accidents caused on American roads. A distracted driver is more likely to cause an accident as they aren’t attentive to what’s happening on the road and their surroundings – and that makes them a threat to other drivers and pedestrians.
Running Red Lights
Running red lights, especially at busy intersections, is extremely dangerous and will most likely lead to an accident. As a driver, you are advised to resist the urge to drive through intersections before the lights turn red.
Not Using Turn Signals
Some drivers deliberately refuse to use their turn signals to let other road users know when they’re changing lanes or making a turn. Using turn signals can help prevent accidents from happening.
Tailgating
Tailgating is when a driver drives too close behind another car. When you tailgate, you do not leave enough room for you to brake in case of an emergency. Tailgating is the number one cause of rear-end collisions.
Road Rage
Drivers who shout and honk at other road users display signs of road rage. Angry drivers are more likely to make decisions that could lead to them causing an accident.
Injuries Caused by Reckless Driving Car Accidents
Car accident victims typically suffer a variety of injuries, with some having more serious implications than others. Some of the injuries suffered include:
- Spinal injuries
- Bone fractures
- Brain injuries
- Internal injuries
- Face injuries
- Limb amputations
- Knee injuries
- Burn injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Wrongful death
Unfortunately, most car accident injuries often require ongoing medical care, something that often leads to financial difficulties, especially if the victim is unable to work during their recovery. Fortunately, victims can seek compensation for injuries and damages caused by an irresponsible driver’s recklessness.
What Damages Can Victims Get After Being Involved in a Reckless Driving Car Accident in Atlanta?
Car accident cases in Atlanta follow the fault-based system, which means that the party that caused the accident – or their insurer – is responsible for paying the damages. Car accident damages in Georgia may include:
Economic Damages
This covers the direct financial costs of the collision, such as loss of income, medical expenses, and loss of a vehicle. This allows victims to collect the full amount of their treatment and medical expenses plus extra, which serves as compensation for the time they’ve been off of work due to their injuries.
Non-Economic Damages
When it comes to non-economic damages, there’s no formula for establishing how much is owed to the victim. Non-economic damages may include compensation for permanent physical limitations, lost quality of life, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
How Can I Prove the Other Party Was Driving Recklessly?
In Georgia, plaintiffs in a personal injury lawsuit are required to prove negligence to recover damages. To prove that the defendant acted negligently, you must establish three things:
- The defendant owed you the duty of care by obeying all traffic laws and driving safely
- The defendant breached their duty of care to you
- The defendant’s breach of duty caused the accident that led to you suffering injuries and damages.
Evidence used to establish the defendant’s negligence and the cost of damages suffered includes medical bills, witness statements, proof of lost wages, photos of the accident scene, the police report, testimonies from medical and accident experts, and bills for replacement or repair of your car.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
If you’ve suffered injuries after being involved in a reckless driving accident, you must file a claim as soon as possible since Georgia has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for when personal injury victims can file a claim. If you take too long before filing your claim and the period expires, your claim will end up being denied and there’s no recourse.
In Georgia, personal injury victims have up to two years to file their claim. However, if the claim is against a county or city, you only have six months to file your claim. On the other hand, if the case involves the state, you have two years to file your claim.
Why Do I Need a Reckless Driving Attorney?
There are many benefits to having an attorney handle your case for you. Some of them include:
They’re Professional and Objective
Car accidents cause a lot of pain and emotional turmoil, two things that make it difficult for victims to make rational decisions when it comes to their claim. An attorney can help ease things for you by filing a claim on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about the legal complexities of the process.
As an expert in matters related to law, an attorney will also bring experience, knowledge, and skill into your case, making it easier for you to get the settlement you rightfully deserve.
Settlement Negotiation
Negotiating terms with insurance company adjusters can be quite challenging since their main priority is to make sure they pay out the least amount of money. As a victim, you need an experienced reckless driving attorney to help you negotiate terms for the best settlement. Having a professional attorney represent your interests could lead to you receiving a heftier compensation.
Professional Trial Preparation and Legal Representation
Having a lawyer representing your best interests will help you level the playing field considering that the defendant probably has hired an attorney to represent them. Apart from that, you will also be up against the insurance company, which also has a team of lawyers representing it. With a lawyer by your side, you get the representation you deserve as they’ll have taken the time to gather evidence and build a case that’ll guarantee a win for you in court.
An Attorney Can Help You Get Compensated Much Faster
Without a lawyer by your side, you’ll probably have to wait until you’ve recovered before filing a claim. That means that you will have to wait much longer before you can get your settlement. Hiring an attorney immediately after the accident will help ensure that they file a personal injury claim for you as you recuperate. Furthermore, a qualified Atlanta reckless driving attorney has experience handling such cases and understands the legalities involved. That means that he or she can avoid setbacks that could hold up your case, helping you get the compensation you deserve a lot faster.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Hiring the services of a car accident lawyer can be quite expensive. And since car accident victims are generally not in a position to hire an attorney out of pocket, the idea of retaining the services of a lawyer often throws most people off. Fortunately, however, the legal team at Ted A. Greve & Associates understands this, which is why we offer our services on a contingency plan.
What this means is that you get to have a professional team of attorneys representing you without making any payments until your case is determined. We handle everything in between and pay all court fees, etc., and only get paid if we win the case. Our payment is in the form of a contingency fee, which means we deduct a percentage from the money awarded as compensation – and that’s why we always do our best to ensure we win. With this option, you don’t have to worry about lawyer or consultation fees. Simply give us a call and let us help you start the journey to receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Atlanta Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers
Have you sustained serious injuries or lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a reckless driver? Get in touch with Ted A. Greve & Associates as soon as you can. Our reckless driving attorneys are well prepared and ready to work closely with you through the course of your case, so you’ll always stay informed and will always have all of your questions answered.
We are here to help you seek justice and make sure those responsible are held accountable for their actions. To have your case evaluated by a professional Atlanta reckless driving attorney, call (800) 693-7833 and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with the expert legal team at Ted A. Greve & Associates.
