Katy Reckless Driving Attorney
Whether you are on your way to work or to pick up groceries, it usually does not take long to spot a reckless driver. They are the ones weaving in and out of traffic, going 90 miles per hour in a 65 zone, and passing on double yellows. These types of reckless maneuvers inevitably end in tragedy. If you were injured by such a person, you have the right to sue. Our Katy reckless driving attorneys can help.
Definition of Reckless Driving in Texas
Reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. As such, recklessness is intentional. Negligent driving is unintentional. There is often a misunderstanding between negligence and recklessness, especially when negligent driving causes a serious injury or death. After all, if a driver was simultaneously texting while speeding through an intersection as the light turned red, would that not automatically qualify as reckless driving? Chances are, that would not qualify as recklessness. Negligent driving, also referred to as careless driving, is driving in an unsafe manner that violates traffic laws without willful or wanton disregard for safety. That means without intentionally driving in a manner that would likely hurt someone or their property. District attorneys are often extremely cautious when it comes to charging a defendant with reckless driving because there must be enough evidence to prove that the defendant was driving in that manner intentionally. As such, careless or negligent driving is a more likely traffic citation.
Examples of Reckless Driving
The following examples could potentially be classified as reckless driving:
- Excessive speeding (going at least 20 miles per hour over the speed limit);
- Passing on the shoulder;
- Constantly weaving in and out of lanes without using a turn signal;
- Certain types of road rage, such as tailgating or ramming another person’s vehicle;
- Running multiple red lights in a row;
- Street racing;
- Doing donuts; and
- Intoxicated driving.
How Does Another Driver’s Recklessness Affect My Claim?
There are many variables in personal injury claims that can affect the outcome, and the amount of compensation you receive. One of these variables is contributory negligence. If two parties are involved in a crash, and it is discovered that both driver’s unlawful actions contributed to the crash, both have some degree of liability. If you are found partially at fault, the value of your damages is reduced by that amount of fault. When the other party is charged with reckless driving, there is a very high chance that you will not be found at all negligent in causing the collision. This is why a reckless driving citation can help you win your claim for maximum compensation. However, if the driver is simply charged with careless driving, they may still be found 100 percent at fault.
Contact a Katy Reckless Driving Attorney Today
Were you hit by a reckless driver? If so, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against them for compensation. Call the Katy reckless driving attorneys at The West Law Office today at 283-347-3247 to schedule a free consultation.
