Understanding Reckless Driving in Connecticut

Connecticut, like many other states, enforces strict laws against reckless driving to ensure the safety of all road users. Reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with a “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” While reckless driving can sometimes involve breaking traffic laws, it can also result from a momentary lapse in judgment that leads to dangerous behavior on the road.

Reckless driving is considered a serious offense in Connecticut. It is classified as a misdemeanor and can result in severe penalties, including fines, potential jail time, and points on the driver’s license. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone driving recklessly, you have legal rights to pursue compensation for your injuries and other damages.

What Constitutes Reckless Driving?

The concept of reckless driving in Connecticut is broad and can apply to various forms of dangerous or aggressive behavior on the road. Some common examples of reckless driving include:

• Excessive speeding, especially in residential or high-traffic areas
• Weaving in and out of traffic lanes without signaling
• Driving too fast for weather or road conditions
• Illegally passing on the shoulder
• Running stop signs, yield signs, or red lights
• Aggressive tailgating
• Engaging in street racing or drag racing

Additionally, a driver may be charged with reckless driving if they are found to have alcohol in their system, even if the amount does not meet the legal threshold for a DUI. This makes reckless driving a versatile charge that can apply to many situations where a driver endangers others on the road.

How Reckless Driving Affects Your Injury Claim

If you were injured in a car accident caused by a reckless driver, their negligent behavior significantly strengthens your claim. This is especially true if:

• The driver was convicted of reckless driving as a criminal offense
• There is clear evidence that the driver was behaving recklessly, even if they were not formally charged

In either case, the reckless driver’s insurance is likely responsible for covering all costs and damages related to the accident. This includes medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In some cases, you may also be awarded punitive damages, which are additional monetary penalties imposed on the at-fault party to discourage such behavior in the future.

What If the Other Driver Wasn’t Driving Recklessly?

Even if reckless driving wasn’t a factor in the accident, you can still pursue a claim if the other driver was at fault. Connecticut operates under a comparative negligence system, meaning that as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident, you may recover compensation. Proving the other driver’s negligence, whether it involves reckless driving or not, is key to building a strong case.

Get Help from Bert McDowell Injury Law

If you were injured in a car accident caused by a reckless or negligent driver, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we are dedicated to helping accident victims in Connecticut fight for the compensation they deserve. With years of experience handling personal injury cases, our team understands the complexities of Connecticut traffic laws and how to build a strong case on your behalf.

We handle a variety of cases, including:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle accidents

Our firm offers free consultations, so you can discuss your case with us at no cost. Let us guide you through the legal process and help you secure the financial recovery you need to move forward.

Contact Us Today

Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact Bert McDowell Injury Law today to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. Call us at 475-231-3274 for your free consultation, or fill out the contact form on our website. We’re here to fight for your rights and ensure your voice is heard.