How Can Reckless Driving Cause Accidents?
All drivers in Florida have an obligation to drive safely and legally. All Florida drivers are required to comply with traffic laws. Unfortunately, some drivers choose to act negligently. Others choose to be reckless. Recklessness goes beyond simple negligence. It entails a driver intentionally breaking the rules of the road without any regard for the safety of other road users. Driving recklessly in Florida is a criminal offense.
Unfortunately, reckless driving can cause serious accidents that result in severe injuries. The good news, however, is that if you suffered injuries after getting into an accident with a reckless driver, you might have the right to file a claim against the reckless driver and recover compensation.
How Reckless Driving Causes Accidents
Car accidents happen for many reasons, but one of the most common causes of car accidents is reckless driving. Reckless driving involves several offenses that put drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists in danger. The following are some of the frequent cases of reckless driving;
- Speeding
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Distracted driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Dangerous lane changes
- Failure to signal
- Traveling too fast for conditions
- Failure to yield the right of way
Speeding is a leading factor in road accidents. It is a major factor in traffic injuries and death. In 2020 alone, the NSC estimates that speeding was a factor in almost 30% of all traffic fatalities. The NSC estimates that in 2020, speeding killed more than 11,200 people. Usually, the faster a vehicle goes, the more the stopping distance increases. This means that even if a speeding driver can see danger ahead, they cannot stop in time before impact.
A reckless behavior such as tailgating reduces the time a motorist has to react to danger and changing conditions. For example, when traffic slows, a driver who is tailgating may not be able to stop on time since they do not have enough time to stop. Tailgating is one of the biggest causes of rear-end collisions.
When it comes to distracted driving, three main types of distractions can increase the chance of a collision. They are visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Visual distraction arises when a motorist takes their eyes off the road. Manual distraction arises when a motorist takes their hands off the wheel. Lastly, cognitive distraction arises when a driver takes their mind off driving. When a driver is focused on other things, it can prevent them from reacting to road conditions and other dangers.
Punitive Damages in Reckless Driving Accident Cases
Sometimes, a car accident victim may recover punitive damages from the defendant and compensatory damages. Florida law states that such damages are recoverable in cases where the defendant is guilty of intentional misconduct or gross negligence. In cases involving reckless driving, punitive damages may be available.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve been injured by a reckless driver in Florida and need help recovering the compensation you deserve, contact our Fort Myers personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm. We can help you recover the maximum compensation possible.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, and West Palm Beach areas.
Source:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-safety-issues/speeding/
