Have you suffered injuries in an accident caused by a reckless driver in Florence, Alabama? At the law firm of Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., our attorneys understand how to handle these cases effectively and stand ready to provide the support and guidance you need to seek fair compensation. We are prepared to work diligently to gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
If you’re looking for knowledgeable legal help after a reckless driving car crash in Florence, AL, we invite you to contact us for a free consultation now.
Why You Need Us After a Crash with a Reckless Driver in Florence, Alabama
When you’ve been injured in a reckless driving car accident in Florence, choosing the right legal team could significantly affect the outcome of your case. At Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., our car accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience to handle your reckless driving accident case effectively. We have a history of taking personal injury lawsuits to trial and are proud of the results we’ve achieved for injured people in Alabama. Over the years, we have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for local clients like you.
When you reach out to our Florence car accident lawyers, we will discuss your case at no charge, answer your questions, and clearly explain your legal options. Then, we will meticulously gather evidence and negotiate assertively with insurance companies for maximum compensation. Our reputation for willingness to take personal injury cases to trial means that insurers take us seriously, often leading to better settlement offers for the people we represent.
What Is Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving involves operating a vehicle in a way that shows a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. That can include speeding excessively, weaving through traffic, cutting off other motorists, tailgating, or driving too fast for conditions, to name just a few examples.
Alabama law enforcement takes reckless driving seriously because it has the potential to cause severe motor vehicle accidents and harm. It’s a traffic offense that can result in harsh penalties for the driver.
Reckless Driving Laws in Florence
Alabama law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle “carelessly and heedlessly” with willful disregard for the safety of others. It is also defined as driving without “due caution” at a speed or in a manner that could likely harm people or property.
The penalties for driving recklessly in Alabama are severe, especially for repeat offenses. On a first conviction, reckless drivers could face imprisonment ranging from five to 90 days, a fine between $25 and $500, or both. For second and subsequent offenses, the penalties increase significantly. Reckless drivers could be jailed for 10 days to six months and fined between $50 and $500. Additionally, repeat offenders face the possibility of license suspension for up to six months.
It’s important to note that civil liability for reckless driving accidents does not depend on the other driver being charged or convicted on reckless driving charges. A civil car accident claim is a separate matter from traffic violations.
Examples of Reckless Driving Behaviors That Cause Accidents
Reckless driving encompasses a variety of dangerous behaviors that put everyone on the road at risk. Below are some common examples:
- Speeding excessively – Driving significantly over the speed limit is a classic example of reckless driving. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the risk of crashes.
- Aggressive lane changes – Frequently changing lanes without signaling or checking for other vehicles is another form of reckless driving. This behavior includes cutting off other drivers and weaving in and out of traffic. Such actions can surprise other drivers and cause them to make sudden, unsafe maneuvers to avoid a collision, potentially leading to serious accidents.
- Ignoring traffic signals – Drivers who run red lights or fail to stop at stop signs engage in reckless driving. The disregard for traffic controls can lead to dangerous intersection collisions, which often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Driving under the influence – Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and extremely reckless. Substance use affects a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it much harder to respond effectively to traffic situations. Despite widespread awareness campaigns, driving under the influence remains a leading cause of car accidents and traffic deaths.
What Types of Injuries Result from Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving can result in devastating car accidents that cause a wide range of injuries, such as:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Organ damage
- Lacerations
- Bruises
- Burns
- Disfigurement
- Facial and dental injuries
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Nerve damage
- Psychological trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Can I Get Compensation If I Am in an Accident with a Reckless Driver?
Yes, if you are hurt in a car accident with a reckless driver, you can pursue compensation from the driver and their insurance company by filing a personal injury lawsuit against them. The financial compensation can cover various costs you incur and subjective losses you suffer due to the accident, including medical bills, the cost of future medical care, lost income from missed work, and non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and mental anguish.
How Our Reckless Driving Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You
If you’re involved in a reckless driving traffic accident in Florence, Alabama, an experienced personal injury lawyer from Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., can help you recover financially by:
- Investigating the details of the accident
- Gathering evidence from the accident scene
- Interviewing witnesses who saw the collision
- Reviewing traffic and security camera videos
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts
- Assessing medical records related to your injuries
- Calculating the total costs of your medical treatments
- Estimating future medical expenses and care needs
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Protecting you from unfair settlement offers
- Filing all necessary paperwork for a lawsuit, if necessary
- Representing you in court proceedings
- Communicating with the other driver’s lawyers
- Advocating for your rights throughout the legal process
- Advising you on legal strategies and options
- Explaining complex legal terms and processes
- Identifying and complying with all legal deadlines
- Arranging expert testimony to support your case
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a reckless driving accident in Florence or surrounding areas of Lauderdale County in North Alabama, don’t face this challenging time without legal representation.
Contact Morris, King & Hodge, P.C. today for a free initial consultation with a Florence car accident attorney. We are ready to discuss your case and explain how we can seek fair compensation for you.
