Reckless Driving Fresno
In some situations, a car accident is completely unavoidable. But this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, reckless driving is to blame. Had the driver been more cautious, they could have avoided causing an accident.
If reckless driving in Fresno caused your accident, you may be eligible for compensation. The Grossman Law Offices wants to learn about your case. Our firm can discuss your options and, depending on your circumstances, can help you recover damages.
What is Reckless Driving?
Many car accidents are caused by negligence. One type of negligent behavior is reckless driving. When a driver behaves in a way that puts other individuals at risk, they are being reckless. Here are a few common types of reckless driving behaviors:
1. Driving too Quickly
The speed limit isn’t just a suggestion. It’s the law, and it’s intended to keep people safe. However, some drivers choose to ignore the speed limit. They drive too quickly, and the result is an accident.
When someone is speeding, they can’t control their vehicle easily. A slight turn of the wheel could cause a driver to completely lose control. But there’s another reason speeding is dangerous. As you go faster, it takes longer for your car to stop. If a car in front of you brakes, you might not be able to stop before hitting them. The same is true of road hazards and sharp turns.
2. Ignoring Right of Way
People who ignore right of way rules are reckless and dangerous. For instance, a pedestrian has a right of way at a crosswalk. If a driver doesn’t slow down or look for pedestrians, they could hit someone. The same issue occurs when drivers don’t yield to other vehicles.
3. Driving Under the Influence
Any type of driving under the influence is a prime example of reckless behavior. Although drinking alone isn’t reckless, drinking and getting behind the wheel of your vehicle puts others in danger. In 2015, Fresno police made 2,786 DUI arrests. Driving while on drugs is also common and equally dangerous.
Making matters worse is the fact that driving under the influence accidents often come with serious injuries. In some cases, the victims lost their lives.
How to Receive Compensation
If you were involved in a car accident caused by a reckless driver, you might be able to seek compensation. In California, the law takes reckless driving seriously.
If the other driver broke a law, then the police could arrest them. However, they won’t force the at-fault driver to give you money for the accident. Instead, they might file charges against them. Those charges result in a court case that could end with a fine or jail time.
By working with an attorney, you may take further action. You can file a personal injury lawsuit that could end with compensation for your missed wages, medical bills, and therapy. After an accident, the cost of your expenses can really add up. Your lawsuit could get you the money you need to pay those expenses.
If you achieve a successful outcome for your case, there are two possible scenarios. First, you could resolve the situation with a settlement. Your lawyer could work with the opposing counsel and negotiate a fair payout. In this case, there is no need to go to court.
The second successful scenario is a trial that ends in your favor. If your lawyer convinces the court, they could hold the other driver responsible for your damages.
Getting Help with Reckless Driving in Fresno
Did a reckless driver cause your accident? If so, you deserve a helping hand. Contact us at Grossman Law Offices for more information on what we can do for you. With our help, you could be on your way to a better future.