Charlotte Reckless Driving Car Accident Attorneys

Every driver who drives through and around Charlotte, North Carolina during rush hour knows how reckless other drivers can become. Charlotte is one of the busiest cities in the United States when it comes to commuting. Driving in Charlotte and the surrounding areas can become treacherous, especially when other reckless drivers cause collisions. Car accident victims can suffer injuries that range from mild to severe. Those facing severe damages caused by reckless driving often face mounting medical expenses. Additionally, those injured in car accidents may need to take time off of work, increasing their stress levels.

If you suffered an injury caused by a reckless driver, you might be entitled to compensation. Under North Carolina law, drivers whose recklessness causes injuries are liable for any damages related to the injuries.

At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our experienced personal injury attorneys have helped many clients in the greater Charlotte area recover compensation for their injuries. Time is of the essence when it comes to filing claims through the at-fault driver’s insurance company or when filing a personal injury lawsuit. Contact our law firm today to discover how we can help you fight for your right to compensation.

Under North Carolina law, reckless drivers heedlessly and carelessly with a willful or wanton disregard of the safety or rights of other people. Recklessness driving can also include driving without due circumspection and due caution and at a speed that endangers or is likely to threaten another person.

Speeding alone may not be enough to meet the definition of reckless driving in North Carolina. The following behaviors are typically considered “heedless” or “careless” driving:

• Running a red light
• Illegal passing
• Failure to yield when yielding is necessary
• Racing on the highway
• Swerving aggressively
• Swerving between cars in a reckless way
• Running through a stop sign
• Tailgating the vehicle in front of you
• Cutting other drivers off in an aggressive manner

A driver who engages in any one of the behaviors mentioned above could have been engaged in reckless driving. Drivers who engage in more than one of these behaviors while speeding is would almost certainly be considered engaged in reckless driving. In North Carolina, reckless driving is a criminal offense. Receiving a reckless driving conviction could result in a sentence of jail time. Criminal convictions of reckless driving constitutes a Class 2 misdemeanor. Those convicted face penalties of up to 60 days in jail and possible fines of up to $1,000.

Reckless drivers can face criminal charges as well and face liability in a separate civil proceeding. The criminal conviction process is separate from a civil court trial. Regardless of whether or not the reckless driver receives a criminal conviction, an injured party has a right to bring a separate civil personal injury lawsuit.

To succeed in a civil personal injury lawsuit, the injured party must prove that the defendant's reckless driving caused the car accident that resulted in his or her injuries. Showing that the defendant engaged in reckless driving can be challenging, but it is not impossible.

At Arnold & Smith, PLLC we know how to investigate car accidents thoroughly. We gather all relevant information, including police reports and any available video footage of the accident. We also interview any witnesses to the crime and, when necessary, work with car accident experts to reconstruct the car accident.

When reckless drivers cause car accidents, the injuries can range from mild to severe. One of the most common injuries suffered in serious car accidents are internal injuries. When another driver or passenger’s body slams into the steering wheel or through the windshield, he or she can suffer massive internal injuries. Lacerations from broken glass or flying objects are also common in car accidents caused by reckless drivers. Concussions and traumatic brain injuries, neck and back injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries are also common.

If you have suffered an injury caused by a reckless driver in North Carolina, we can help. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our attorneys have helped many Charlotte area clients receive compensation for injuries suffered in a car accident. Contact our personal injury attorneys today to schedule your free initial consultation and learn how we can help.