From drunk driving to improper lane merging, car accidents happen daily. However, car accidents are likely to become more than just a fender bender when someone is driving recklessly.
Among the many causes of car accidents, reckless driving is the significant reason for roadway accidents in Bridgeport. Reckless drivers are making sudden lane changes without signaling, shifting between lanes rapidly without looking, and merging into other drivers’ lanes without a care for other drivers.
The results of their negligent actions are often nothing short of catastrophic. To make matters worse, reckless drivers and their insurance providers dare to do whatever possible to absolve themselves from responsibility for others’ injuries.
Whatever you do, do not let this happen to you. Reach out to an experienced and proven reckless driving attorney team right away.
You might have a claim if you were hurt because of a driver’s negligence. Get started by scheduling a free case review with Bert McDowell Injury Law today when you call (203) 590-9169 or contact us online.
How a Bridgeport Reckless Driving Attorney Helps You Succeed on Your Injury Claim
Bridgeport residents enter local roadways intending to reach their next destination safely and efficiently. But when a reckless driver is on the road, the situation makes other drivers frightened, nervous, and in pain once that reckless driver makes a wrong move, causing an accident.
Injuries caused by reckless driving can take weeks or months to recover from, resulting in numerous appointments, surgeries, and therapy sessions that come with the injury. Not only do these injuries cause physical limitations, but they can also cost the injured party a lot of money.
Although there’s no legal obligation to call a reckless driving lawyer, working with an attorney might be in your best interest. Attorneys with experience handling similar cases know what evidence is needed, how to build a strong claim, and how to respond to pressuring tactics from insurance companies to convince you to settle for less.
When you work with an attorney, they will also review insurance policies for smaller claimable damages that would likely be overlooked. These small claims might not seem like much, but throughout your case, they all add up to a measurable amount.
What Is Considered Reckless Driving in Bridgeport?
Reckless driving occurs so often that Connecticut passed a law named “The Reckless Driving Law.” They define reckless driving as a major moving violation related to aggressive driving.
It generally consists of driving a car carelessly and with little regard for other people’s or property’s safety.
Driving at high speeds, swerving in between lanes, and making aggressive maneuvers are just some of the actions considered reckless on the road. It only takes one minor mistake while driving this way to cause a serious accident and create headaches for all parties involved.
Consequences of Reckless Driving Accidents
Reckless driving may lead to catastrophic consequences like substantial injuries, totaled vehicles, and personal property damage. Victims of these accidents are typically faced with many doctor appointments, surgeries, physical therapy sessions, lost working hours, and potentially a complete loss of their car.
Fortunately, they can seek to recover these costs and other damages through the legal system. Often, this recovery involves an insurance claim, but it can also progress to a lawsuit when doing so can benefit your chances of obtaining the needed compensation.
Connecticut Statute of Limitations for Injury Claims
The problem with reckless driving accidents isn’t just the physical injuries; it’s also the legal nuances that are associated with cases of this nature. Victims must act quickly and seek legal counsel as soon as possible, as Connecticut’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases limits their time to file a case in the courts.
Connecticut’s statute of limitations is just two years, limiting the timeframe to negotiate with other parties to settle your claim.
Causes of Reckless Driving Accidents
As much as many drivers try to focus on the road to avoid incidents, they sometimes come face to face with irresponsible and reckless drivers. These accidents may happen for these reasons:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is an increasing cause of many car accidents. Drivers often lose their focus on the road when they use their cell phones, talk to passengers, or zone out while on the road.
Aggressive Driving
Swerving, tailing, and speeding are just some examples of aggressive driving. The result is not just another driver who becomes upset at the negligent maneuvers; it’s also the costly damages and injuries that can occur in mere seconds when the reckless driver makes one wrong move.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence is dangerous and illegal. People under the influence are slow to respond, do not process information as usual, and cannot correctly focus on the road.
The conditions of the roadway when a drunk driver is present quickly become dangerous for everyone. They might be jumping in and out of lanes, swerving, speeding, and even driving in the wrong direction.
Failure to Signal
When drivers fail to use signals appropriately, they fail to notify other drivers of their intention, which can cause a crash. While all drivers must be diligent on the road, they cannot always guess the moves of another driver.
Individuals who fail to signal or otherwise make unpredictable maneuvers without regard for safety place everyone on the road at risk.
Damages as Part of a Car Accident Claim
When you work with an Bridgeport car accident attorney who has a deep understanding of car accidents and has experience building claims, they will be able to identify the damages associated with your case.
While not all these damages are included in each claim, your attorney will vet all evidence and insurance policy terms to identify the losses that can be requested for compensation. These losses may include:
- Medical Costs — Covering expenses related to hospital bills, treatments, and medications needed to treat the injuries sustained in the accident
- Lost Wages — Compensating for income lost due to an inability to work during recovery from injuries sustained in the accident
- Property Damage — Addressing all costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged vehicles or other property affected in the accident
- Pain and Suffering — Providing compensation for the physical and emotional distress endured because of the accident
- Disability — Addressing long-term disabilities resulting from the accident and their impacts on one’s typical routine and quality of life
- Other Non-Economic Damages — Covering intangible losses such as emotional distress and other non-monetary items
Common Injuries in Reckless Driving Accidents
Reckless driving accidents can cause multiple types of injuries, from minor to severe. Victims endure injuries that are consistent with the speed and angle of the accident, as well as their position inside the car when it happened.
Some common injuries associated with these accidents include:
- Back Injuries — The force of a collision can affect the spine and result in back injuries. These injuries may range from muscle strains to more severe conditions like herniated discs, potentially causing long-term pain and discomfort and requiring surgery to fix.
- Fatal Injuries — Fatal results are possible in reckless driving cases. With flying debris and a high-speed collision, there is a high chance that someone will pass away on impact.
- Fractures — The impact of an accident can lead to fractures, particularly in areas like the arms, legs, or ribs. Fractures may require medical intervention such as casting or surgery for proper healing.
- Head Injuries — If a collision leads to the head striking an object within the vehicle, it can result in head injuries. This may include concussions, lacerations, or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Head injuries can be particularly dangerous and require immediate medical intervention.
- Internal Injuries — Blunt force trauma during a collision may cause injuries to internal organs. Internal bleeding, organ damage, or other complications may arise and require immediate medical attention. Victims with these injuries require surgery to prevent further damage and death.
- Psychological Injuries — In addition to physical harm, reckless driving accidents can have long-lasting psychological consequences. Victims who experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety require months of therapy to work through their trauma. In some cases, medication is necessary.
- Soft Tissue Injuries — With flying debris and excessive force, victims endure soft tissue injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Sprains, strains, and bruises are examples of soft tissue injuries (STIs) that may occur.
- Whiplash — A sudden force moving you forward and back creates pain in the neck, known as whiplash. Whiplash is a common injury that includes neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Hire a Proven, Locally Based Bridgeport Reckless Driving Law Firm
Reckless driving is a dangerous act that causes hundreds of thousands in damages and takes many lives each year in the US. Although Connecticut officials have presented and passed legislation to protect the public from reckless drivers, the issue remains prevalent.
If you are hurt by a reckless driver, you should not cope with your injuries and damages on your own. Seek the advice of a reliable and knowledgeable Bridgeport personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
A reckless driving accident attorney is here to help you.
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, the team is committed to fighting insurance companies and negligent parties on their client’s behalf. With years of experience handling similar cases, tenacity, and strategy, our team is more than capable of helping your case receive the compensation it deserves.
If you were in a car accident resulting from reckless driving, bring on Bert and see exactly how our team can help. Reach out to schedule your free case evaluation today when you call (203) 590-9169 or contact us online.
(203) 690-1030
