Did you suffer injuries in a car accident due to someone’s carelessness? Some crashes result from reckless driving, a criminal offense in Georgia. However, accident victims can also take legal action against a reckless driver in civil court. The state’s personal injury laws allow victims to seek compensation for any injuries the reckless driver caused.
Proving liability for an auto accident in Georgia is no simple task. An Albany, GA, car accident attorney from the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. can help you identify the at-fault party and hold them accountable for your losses.
Our experienced reckless driving accident lawyers will aggressively demand maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our team will do all the legal legwork so you can focus on getting your life back on track. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Defining Reckless Driving in Georgia
Under Georgia law, any driver who displays a reckless disregard for the safety of property or people commits the offense of reckless driving. It is a misdemeanor punishable with fines and potential jail time. However, those criminal penalties do not compensate accident victims for the harm they suffer. You need to file a personal injury claim against the reckless driver to recover compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial injuries.
The Link Between Reckless Driving and Increased Accident Risks
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) considers these behaviors to be risky driving:
- Drugged driving – Over 50 percent of drivers involved in a crash with injuries or fatalities tested positive for at least one drug. Driving while impaired by drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication, creates a severe risk to others on the road.
- Drowsy driving – While many people would never get behind the wheel after drinking, far too many cause accidents by driving when tired. Fatigued drivers cannot react quickly and are more likely to ignore potential hazards.
- Failure to signal – Using signals indicates your intention to change lanes, turn, or pull into traffic to other drivers. Drivers who fail to signal are at a greater risk of causing rear-end or sideswipe accidents.
- Drunk driving – In Georgia, the legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is 0.08 percent. But the truth is that any amount of alcohol can impair your driving. Drunk driving kills 37 people each day nationwide.
- Distracted driving – Driving requires your full attention because traffic conditions can change in an instant. Any distraction, whether using a handheld cell phone or sipping a coffee, diverts attention away from the road.
- Tailgating – Following too closely makes it hard to stop safely or avoid a road hazard. Tailgating is a top cause of rear-end accidents.
- Running red lights – Red lights and stop signs are crucial traffic signals at intersections. Ignoring either increases the risk of a broadside or head-on collision.
- Speeding – Driving at excessive speeds significantly contributes to nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities. High speeds give drivers less time to react or stop to avoid crashes. High-speed collisions also lead to more severe injuries.
- Aggressive driving – Georgia law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with the intent to harass, injure, annoy, or intimidate others. Road rage is a clear example of aggressive driving. Other examples include weaving between lanes, “brake checking,” and cutting off other drivers.
Types of Injuries Resulting from Reckless Driving Accidents
Car accidents in Albany are a leading cause of injury for people of all ages. Although wearing a seatbelt and safety features like airbags can reduce the risk of serious injury, they don’t eliminate them. Common injuries from a reckless driving accident include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussion
- Broken bones
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Sprains, tears, strains, and other soft-tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injury
- Back injury
- Paralysis
- Deep cuts and abrasions
- Internal bleeding
The medical costs associated with car accidents can be astronomical. After reviewing the facts, a skilled reckless driving attorney can place a fair value on your case.
Damages in Albany Reckless Driving Accidents
An Albany car accident lawyer can pursue financial compensation for various losses after an accident. In general, compensation falls into two main categories:
- Economic damages – This money compensates you for the damages from the accident that have a dollar figure attached to them, such as the cost of medical care, lost income, rehabilitation expenses, rental cars, property damage, and more.
- Non-economic damages – You can also pursue compensation for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of companionship, and diminished enjoyment of life.
Legal Deadlines for Reckless Driving Claims in Georgia
You have a short time to file a lawsuit against a reckless driver. Generally, Georgia’s statute of limitations gives accident victims two years from the date of the accident to take legal action. This rule has limited exceptions, and you should consult an attorney immediately if you wish to pursue a claim. A claim is forever barred if not submitted within the timeframe provided by the statute or statutes governing the case. You may have an even shorter time to notify the at-fault party if a government entity is at fault for the crash. It’s also important to immediately have the cars from the crash preserved if a product defect may have contributed to the crash or the severity of the injuries. Usually, within days of the crash, the cars may no longer be available to examine if a preservation request is not provided. Consult an Albany reckless driving accident lawyer immediately to avoid missing these crucial deadlines.
Advantages of Hiring a Reckless Driving Attorney
Obtaining compensation for reckless driving can be challenging without an attorney’s help. The insurance company for the responsible driver will likely dispute or undervalue your car accident claim. But when you hire an attorney from the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., you show the insurance company that you mean business.
Here are some advantages of hiring an Albany car accident attorney from our firm:
- Objective legal professional – Our reckless driving accident lawyers can assess your case with objectivity and an understanding of Georgia law. We know the ins and outs of personal injury cases, including how to gather evidence, determine liability, and assign a value to your case.
- Skilled negotiator – Nearly all car accident cases involve dealing with insurance companies. We know how to build a substantive claim to help maximize a settlement.
- Battle-tested trial lawyers – We offer comprehensive trial preparation if the insurance company refuses to reach a fair settlement. Our litigators know how to build and present a compelling case for a judge or jury.
- Compassionate, efficient legal services – Our attorneys and staff understand the pain and stress accident victims experience in the aftermath of a crash. We do everything possible to streamline the claims process.
Contact Our Albany Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers
At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., we live by our motto — to protect the rights of the injured. We consider it an honor to fight for every dollar our clients deserve.
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a car accident caused by a reckless driver, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation with a trusted reckless driving accident lawyer in Albany, GA.
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