What is Considered Reckless Driving?

North Carolina considers any behavior that wantonly or willfully disregards the safety and rights of others, by someone driving on a public vehicular area, as “reckless driving.” Additionally, motorists who drive without exhibiting due circumspection and caution in a way that endangers others can engage in reckless driving.

A Raleigh reckless driving accident lawyer can tell you more about this dangerous activity and help you file a claim for compensation if a dangerous driver hits your vehicle. You can get the professional help you need right now.

What is Reckless Driving?

According to North Carolina’s legal code § 20-140, reckless driving can refer to any behavior carried out by a driver who heedlessly or carelessly operates a vehicle in a way that wantonly or willfully disregards the safety or rights of others.

Drivers also engage in reckless driving if they operate a vehicle at a speed or manner likely to endanger others without due caution or circumspection.

As you can see from this legal explanation, North Carolina has a broad definition of what is considered reckless driving. Many different actions could qualify as reckless or dangerous driving in our state.

What are Examples of Reckless Driving?

There are many examples of potentially reckless behavior behind the wheel. For example, drivers may engage in reckless driving when they:

• Run a red light
• Ignore a stop sign
• Speed or race other vehicles
• Make careless or aggressive lane changes
• Tailgate other vehicles
• Illegally pass motorists
• Fail to yield the right of way

Any form of reckless driving could result in a collision. If you were hurt in a crash caused by a reckless driver, you may have a chance to seek financial compensation for your economic and non-economic losses.

Reckless Driving and Personal Injury Claims in North Carolina

Individuals injured in crashes caused by reckless driving may qualify for compensation for their losses. If you find yourself in this situation, you may have a chance to file a personal injury claim in order to secure funds to pay for your:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property repairs
• Lost wages

However, in order to get compensation, your attorney will need to show that the other driver caused your crash and that the collision directly caused all of your losses. In many cases, establishing fault for a collision can prove challenging if you do not have legal help on your side.

A lawyer will need to gather evidence to back up your story of what happened. For example, your attorney may need to speak to witnesses, get a copy of the official report filed by the police, or even look for surveillance footage showing the collision or the dangerous actions of the at-fault driver.

Why Fault Matters in North Carolina

Fault plays an important role in determining if you can get compensation for your losses after a crash. Our state has strict contributory negligence laws that state that you can’t get compensation if you hold even 1% of the fault for your crash.

Therefore, it’s crucial that you work with a Raleigh car accident lawyer who can show that another driver’s reckless and dangerous actions were fully responsible for causing your collision.

An attorney can also explain what’s considered reckless driving in our state if you have more questions about this definition.

Will You Have to Sue Another Driver for Reckless Driving?

You may not have to sue another motorist for reckless driving after a crash. Instead, your attorney may focus on getting the funds you need through an insurance claim. A lawyer can gather proof, track your losses, and then file the appropriate paperwork with the insurance company.

Your attorney can handle the insurance negotiation process on your behalf, working tirelessly to bring you a settlement that covers all of your losses.

If the insurance company refuses to provide enough money through a settlement or attempts to blame you for the crash, your attorney may focus more on helping with a lawsuit against the liable party.

Talk to Us About What Is Considered Reckless Driving

Legally, reckless driving occurs when a motorist willfully or wantonly ignores the rights and safety of others or endangers others with their behavior behind the wheel. North Carolina considers reckless driving a criminal activity and gives injury victims a chance to seek compensation after reckless driving accidents.

Our team at Whitley Law Firm can assist you if a reckless driver hits your vehicle and causes you injuries or financial losses. A Raleigh personal injury lawyer can review your situation, explain your legal options, and get to work quickly on your claim.

You do not have to try to navigate the complex legal system in our state on your own. Instead, you can rely on us to ensure you understand each step you need to take to get fair compensation for your losses. We’re standing by to help now, so don’t wait to reach out.