Reckless Driving Accident Attorney in Montgomery, AL

Every time we get into a vehicle to drive or ride from point A to point B, it involves a significant level of trust. We know that vehicle collisions can result in serious and even catastrophic injuries, and we have to trust that other drivers understand this as well. And because we know the dangers of getting into an accident, it helps reaffirm our commitment to drive safely and do everything we can to avoid one.

Unfortunately, some drivers do not share our mindset. Whether they are in a hurry, chemically impaired, angry, or just having fun, some motorists choose to drive recklessly. Maybe they think they can handle it or that nothing bad is ever going to happen to them because of their driving behavior. For whatever reason, reckless driving happens far more often than most of us would like to believe.

In Alabama, reckless driving is a serious offense. In fact, even a first-time offender can receive heavy fines and jail time for this type of behavior. But when a reckless driver causes an accident with moderate to severe injuries, these penalties do nothing to help injury victims and their families.

For the person who is injured in a reckless driving accident, this can be a life-altering event.  Within just a few seconds, their whole world is turned upside down. Suddenly, they are looking at the prospect of being out of work for an extended period of time, and not knowing when they will be fully recovered from their injuries (if they recover at all). If this has happened to you or someone close to you, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side who is committed to looking out for your interests and fighting hard for every dollar of compensation you deserve.

Before talking with an insurance company representative about your injuries, it is important for you to know what your options are. After you have received full medical attention, your first call should be to The Law Offices of Troy King. We will meet with you to thoroughly assess your case and advise you of your legal rights and options. Call us at (334) 215-4440 to get the legal help you need.

At the Law Offices of Troy King, we understand the untold physical, emotional, and financial pain injury victims and their families have to go through, and we are here to provide strong legal guidance and moral support during this difficult time. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of personal injury law, and we have a successful track record with even the most complex cases. We are not intimidated by well-funded adversaries such as large insurance companies and their high-priced lawyers, and we have the experience, skills, resources, and dedication to help ensure that our clients receive maximum compensation, and that those responsible for their injuries are held fully accountable.

Reckless Driving in Alabama

Under Alabama law, reckless driving is defined as driving a vehicle:

Carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard for the rights or safety of persons or property, or without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property, shall be guilty of reckless driving. (Alabama Code § 32-5A-190)

In other words, reckless driving is a mindset in which a driver is at the very least carelessly negligent or has willful and wanton disregard for the rules of the road and the safety of others.

Reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense, and as mentioned earlier, penalties may include heavy fines and jail time, as well as other consequences such as points on your driving record, higher insurance rates, and a suspended driver’s license.

There are many different behaviors that may constitute reckless driving, some of the most common include:

• Excessive speeding, which is defined as driving 26 miles per hour or more over the speed limit;
• Following another vehicle too closely/tailgating;
• Failure to stop at a stop sign or red light;
• Refusing to yield the right of way;
• Braking suddenly;
• Making swift and sharp turns without signaling;
• Moving rapidly back and forth between lanes;
• Illegal or dangerous passing maneuvers;
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Failing to turn on headlights after dark or during rain;
• Street/drag racing or playing “chicken”.

It is important to be on the lookout for these types of behaviors, and to do your best to steer clear of others on the road who appear to be driving recklessly. And if you spot a vehicle that is being driven this way, it is a good idea to report this behavior to the local police (if you are in a position to do so safely), so steps can be taken to keep everyone else on the roadways safer.

Damages Available from Reckless Driving Accident Claims

Those who are injured in reckless driving accidents deserve to be fully compensated for all of their losses. This includes not only direct economic losses such as medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage, but also non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, diminished quality of life, and permanent disability.

In more limited cases, punitive damages may also be available. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim, but rather to punish the wrongdoer when the injuries were caused by especially egregious actions. This punishment is supposed to help serve as a deterrent to discourage similar behaviors in the future.

In a standard auto accident case, recovering punitive damages can be difficult, because you must show that the defendant’s behavior was willful or malicious. However, it may be more possible to meet this standard in a reckless driving accident case. As always, this will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident, and the strength of the arguments made by each side’s respective legal counsel.

Speak with Our Experienced Montgomery, AL Reckless Driving Accident Attorneys  

If you or a loved one suffered injury or death because of the actions of a reckless driver, the Law Offices of Troy King is ready to go to work for you! Call us today at (334) 215-4440 or message us through our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. You may also stop by our Montgomery office in person at your convenience, or we will come to you.

We accept all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorney fees if we win your case.