Reckless Driving

Reckless Driving
January 30th, 2025
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Reckless Driving in Connecticut: What You Need to Know

Bert McDowell Injury Law | Call Us at 475-231-3274

 

Connecticut is a Fault State

In Connecticut, the driver who causes a car accident is held liable for all costs associated with the accident. This type of system is referred to as a “fault state.” While being at fault doesn’t always mean breaking the law, it could simply be the result of a poor decision made in the moment. However, if the at-fault driver violated traffic laws or engaged in dangerous driving behavior, they could face even greater financial responsibility. Among the most dangerous traffic violations is reckless driving.

What is Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving in Connecticut is a serious traffic violation. State law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle in a manner that shows a “reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Unlike minor traffic violations, reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor offense and can carry severe penalties, including fines, potential jail time, and points against the driver’s license. It is often compared to other serious offenses like driving under the influence (DUI) or leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run).

Examples of Reckless Driving

Reckless driving laws are intentionally broad to encompass a wide range of unsafe behaviors. Common examples of reckless driving include:

  • Excessive speeding
  • Weaving dangerously through traffic
  • Driving too fast for weather or road conditions
  • Passing other vehicles illegally, such as on the shoulder
  • Ignoring traffic signs or signals, such as running red lights
  • Aggressive tailgating

In some cases, a driver may be charged with reckless driving if they have consumed alcohol, even if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is below the legal limit for a DUI. Reckless driving is also a common charge for drivers who plea bargain in DUI cases.

Were You Injured by a Reckless Driver?

Being injured in a car accident caused by reckless driving can have serious consequences for your health and finances. If the driver who caused your accident is convicted of reckless driving, it can significantly strengthen your personal injury claim. Here’s why:

  • A reckless driving conviction clearly establishes that the other party acted in a dangerous and negligent manner, making it easier to prove fault.
  • You may be eligible to recover additional compensation, known as punitive damages, which are meant to penalize the at-fault driver for their reckless behavior.

Even if the driver is not formally charged with reckless driving, you may still have a strong case if their actions clearly demonstrated reckless behavior. In either scenario, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is typically required to cover your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses.

Do I Have a Case if the Other Driver Wasn’t Reckless?

Yes, you may still have a valid personal injury claim even if the other driver wasn’t charged with or convicted of reckless driving. Most car accident claims do not involve reckless driving but are still resolved in favor of the injured party when fault can be established. If the other driver caused the accident, their

Alternative Meanings:
  • Reckless Driving
    ```html !DOCTYPE html Reckless Driving and Car Accidents in Connecticut | Bert McDowell Injury Law

    Reckless Driving and Car Accidents in Connecticut

    By Bert McDowell Injury Law

    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...

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