Navigating The Challenges of a Reckless Driving Accident

Motorists can receive citations and severe penalties for reckless driving in Las Vegas. These not only affect insurance premiums but can greatly impact an individual’s financial stability and life. The offense stems from dangerous behavior behind the wheel, engaging in activities that increase risks while driving.

If you’re arrested in Nevada with a charge of reckless driving, it’s essential to contact a quality and qualified law firm that specializes in this aspect of the law.  Friedman Injury Law focuses on reckless driving accidents. These accidents are dangerous because they often involve speed and can lead to severe injuries. 

Understanding Reckless Driving

Reckless driving involves multiple actions drivers take when operating a motor vehicle and that motorist’s failure to take the appropriate actions, like signaling their intentions as they drive. This behavior jeopardizes the safety of other motorists and their property. A few examples include:

• Weaving from one lane to the next
• Disregarding other vehicle warnings
• Turning without signaling
• Changing speeds abruptly
• Ignoring traffic lights/signs
• Tailgating
• Speeding
• Not yielding the right of way
• Illegal passing

Road rage can constitute reckless driving in the sense that angry drivers will often tailgate or pass on the shoulder; these drivers may be pulled over and charged. 

Visit - Traffic Laws and Safety - to learn Nevada’s traffic and safety laws. If an accident occurs, victims can suffer severe injuries often based on the reckless driver’s high speed; these can include:

• Bone fracture: Impact with an oncoming vehicle, the dashboard, or steering wheel can cause a complete or partial bone fracture.
• Amputation: When limbs come in contact with sharp objects upon impact, it can sever the limb, leading to amputation.
• Burns: Following an accident, some vehicles catch fire, creating a risk for burns due to exposure to the hot metal or flames.
• Back injuries: Back injuries can involve soft tissue damage, muscle tears or damaged discs.
• Internal Bleed: Organ damage can result from a sudden blow causing an internal bleed.
• Soft tissue injury: Whiplash is an example of a soft tissue injury.
• TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury: A TBI includes permanent, severe brain injuries and mid brain injuries that heal. A concussion is an example of a TBI.
• Spinal cord injury: A spinal cord injury involves damage to the spinal column. In severe cases, victims can be paralyzed or have temporary paralysis and nerve damage.

The consequences for an accident are determined by the state where it occurred. Nevada statutes outline the penalties for reckless driving in Las Vegas. Jail time of six months and a monetary fine of up to $1000 is possible for a first-time offense. You can also have driving privileges revoked for as long as two years.

For those who were also speeding or street racing, community service may also be ordered. This can range up to 199 hours with fines maxing at $2000. Read here for reckless driving ticket violations.

Was Reckless Driving a Contributing Factor in Your Accident

Many people come away from an accident disoriented and unsure of all the factors that contributed to the incident. The police investigation can help clear up whether negligent or careless behavior was a factor and who was at fault.

Further, it’s beneficial to hire a reputable injury attorney to assess security cameras, dash cams, or personal videos of the crash to also confirm if you were the victim of reckless driving. The professional will review scene photos and interview witnesses.

What To Do I You’re the Victim in a Reckless Driving Accident

Following any traffic accident, it’s essential to contact an injury attorney. Many car accident law firms offer free consultations and will advise what to do at the scene to protect your rights from that point moving forward. 

For those with a smartphone, it’s important to collect as much information as possible at the scene, such as witness contact information and look for security or traffic cameras in the area. 

You must seek medical attention regardless of whether you feel fine following the accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash may not show symptoms right away. 

It’s also possible to have a partial fracture or internal bleeding that you don’t immediately recognize. A comprehensive medical assessment to identify injuries is vital.

Reaching A Settlement with an Injury Attorney

A settlement is an agreement between the at-fault party and you. It takes time to collect evidence and investigate the accident. Many people settle between a year and two following their accident. Keep in mind Nevada statutes limit victims to two years for filing a lawsuit if your case comes to that point.

Cases that go to trial result in a judgment. Judgments also can take as long as two years; however, it’s relatively common for parties to settle without having to go to trial.

Injury attorneys make the process smooth and efficient, so it proceeds without delays. Legal counsel is crucial following a reckless driving accident.