A reckless driver’s choices can change your life in an instant. If you suffered injuries in a crash caused by excessive speeding, aggressive driving, or disregard for traffic laws, you need a Forest Acres reckless driving accident lawyer with Shelly Leeke Law Firm. With 10+ years of trial experience, we fight for justice and maximum compensation for reckless driving accident victims.
Do not let a reckless driver’s negligence leave you struggling with medical bills, lost income, and long-term injuries. Your Forest Acres car accident lawyer from our firm can hold the at-fault driver accountable and help you recover. Call today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Reckless Driving Accidents
Reckless driving puts everyone on the road at risk, often leading to severe or fatal injuries. Many reckless drivers engage in dangerous behaviors such as excessive speeding, aggressive driving, and ignoring traffic signals. If you were injured in a reckless driving accident, a Forest Acres personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
Excessive Speeding
Driving well above the speed limit significantly increases the severity of crashes. Speeding reduces reaction time, making it harder for drivers to avoid collisions, pedestrians, or sudden obstacles. High-speed crashes often result in traumatic injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and internal bleeding.
Aggressive Driving
Tailgating, swerving between lanes, and engaging in road rage behaviors create hazardous situations. Drivers who fail to control their emotions behind the wheel may brake-check other vehicles, block merging cars, or make unsafe lane changes. These aggressive actions commonly lead to rear-end crashes, sideswipes, and head-on collisions.
Running Red Lights
Disobeying traffic signals often results in T-bone crashes at intersections, which can be one of the deadliest types of accidents. A reckless driver who runs a red light may strike another vehicle, a motorcyclist, or a pedestrian who had the right of way. These collisions frequently cause catastrophic injuries due to the force of impact.
Reckless Driving Laws in South Carolina
Reckless driving is more than just a traffic violation. It is a serious misdemeanor offense under S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2920, which prohibits operating a vehicle with a willful disregard for safety.
A reckless driving conviction can result in significant legal consequences that impact both your driving record and financial stability. The penalties vary based on the severity of the offense and whether it is a first or repeat violation:
- First offense – A fine of up to $200 and the addition of six points to your driving record.
- Repeat offense within five years – A three-month driver’s license suspension in addition to increased fines.
- Reckless driving leading to serious injury or death – May result in felony charges, with potential jail time and higher financial penalties.
A reckless driving conviction not only carries legal penalties but can also leave victims with costly medical expenses, lost income, and long-term pain and suffering.
If a reckless driver injured you, you may have grounds to pursue compensation for your damages. Your Forest Acres reckless driving accident attorney from Shelly Leeke Law Firm can assess your case and fight for the financial recovery you deserve.
Common Injuries in Reckless Driving Crashes
A reckless driving accident can result in severe and life-altering injuries due to the excessive speed and aggressive maneuvers involved. If you suffered harm because of a reckless driver, you may be dealing with painful injuries, costly medical bills, and an uncertain recovery.
Holding the at-fault driver accountable can help you recover the compensation needed for your medical care, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation. Some of the most common injuries seen in reckless driving crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – A forceful impact can cause concussions, brain hemorrhages, or permanent cognitive impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries – High-speed collisions often lead to partial or total paralysis, requiring extensive medical care.
- Broken bones – Fractures in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis are common due to the force of impact.
- Internal organ damage – Blunt force trauma can cause life-threatening internal bleeding and organ failure.
- Whiplash and neck injuries – Sudden jerking motions strain the neck, leading to chronic pain and mobility issues.
- Severe lacerations and burns – Shattered glass, metal debris, and fire hazards can cause deep cuts, infections, and disfigurement.
- Loss of limb or amputations – Catastrophic crashes may require surgical amputations due to crushed or irreparable limbs.
- Chest and rib injuries – Impact with a steering wheel or airbag can cause fractured ribs and collapsed lungs.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Emotional trauma from a violent crash can lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
- Fatal injuries – Some reckless driving crashes are so severe that they tragically result in wrongful death claims.
Reckless drivers put lives at risk, and the consequences for victims can be devastating. If you or a loved one were injured in a reckless driving crash, your Forest Acres traumatic brain injury lawyer can help you explore your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Legal action can also help ensure the reckless driver is held accountable for their dangerous actions.
Why Reckless Driving Cases Often Lead to Higher Settlements
Unlike accidents caused by simple negligence, reckless driving crashes often involve willful and dangerous actions, such as excessive speeding, racing, or aggressive driving.
Courts recognize the heightened risk posed by reckless drivers and may award punitive damages in addition to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-32-520, punitive damages are awarded when a defendant’s conduct is proven to be reckless, willful, or malicious.
Insurance companies are more likely to push for a settlement in cases involving reckless driving because of the serious liability concerns. If the reckless driver was found to be engaging in particularly egregious conduct, such as street racing or driving under the influence, the case may result in significantly higher compensation than standard accident claims. Working with our team ensures you have access to the legal advocacy you need when you need it most.
Consult a Reckless Driving Accident Attorney in Forest Acres for the Support You Need
Reckless driving accidents often result in serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and prolonged recovery periods. If another driver’s reckless behavior caused your injuries, you deserve aggressive legal representation to hold them accountable.
Contact your reckless driving accident lawyer in Forest Acres with Shelly Leeke Law Firm today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights.
