Speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, and other types of reckless driving are common on the busy roads of Atlanta. If you were hurt in an accident caused by a reckless driver, you have the right to sue for compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses.
However, insurance companies try to take advantage of accident victims by denying claims or offering a low settlement amount. You need an experienced Atlanta reckless driving lawyer to help you get the full compensation you deserve.
Our Atlanta auto accident attorneys at The Herro Law Firm have vast experience and are dedicated to fighting for your interests. Call us today at (404) 433-6876 for a free case review and consultation.
What Is Reckless Driving?
Georgia’s traffic act 40-6-390 defines reckless driving as a willful disregard for other road users’ safety. It is a misdemeanor. Failure to yield right of way at a stop sign, running a red light, and speeding are examples of reckless driving.
How Can Reckless Driving Increase the Chances of an Accident?
There are many types of reckless driving, and all of them increase the risk of an accident. Many drivers underestimate the dangers, viewing things like speeding as minor rule-breaking rather than a serious threat to others’ safety.
Driving and Texting
Accidents on highways and roads can happen in a split second when a driver is distracted by texting. Texting also requires the use of one hand, making it difficult to steer and use turn signals.
Texting while driving increases the risk of accidents by 23 times.
Speeding
Some road users are speed junkies. It is harder to control a car when speeding and it takes more time and distance to stop. Speeding accidents often lead to death and severe injuries. According to the NHTSA, speeding is a factor in around one-third of all fatal accidents over the past 20 years.
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Road rage and aggressive driving occur when people allow their tempers to flare, making them behave recklessly. Drivers that are angry are prone to making unsafe decisions.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your eyes, hands, or mental focus off the road. Common distractions include texting while driving, fiddling with the GPS or radio, and talking to passengers. Distractions make it more difficult for drivers to notice a potential threat and stop the vehicle in type.
According to the CDC, nine people in the United States are killed every day in distracted driving accidents.
Tailgating
Tailgating is unsafe and irritating. It can lead to road rage and result in rear-end accidents. Drivers should maintain enough room between them and the car in front to stop.
Ignoring Red Lights and Stop Signs
Many accidents happen because a driver ignores a red light or stop sign. It is extremely dangerous to run a stop sign or red light, especially at busy intersections.
Turning Without Using Turn Signals
Some drivers fail to use their left or right signals to indicate that they are about to change lanes or turn. Using these signals is one of the easiest ways to prevent accidents from happening.
What Damages Can Victims Get From a Car Accident in Atlanta, GA?
Your Atlanta reckless driving lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to show the other driver was at fault and calculate what your claim is worth. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for three types of damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate victims for expenses and financial losses that can be objectively measured. They include:
- Lost income
- Treatment and medical expenses
- Prescriptions
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are compensation for losses that impact your life significantly but can’t be easily given a dollar value. The losses can include:
- Lost quality of life
- Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases
- Disfigurement
- Emotional and mental distress
- Pain and suffering
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are reserved for cases where the at-fault party’s actions were extremely negligent. Georgia law normally limits punitive damages to $250,000. But the jury can award punitive damages over this amount in drunk driving accident cases.
How Can I Prove the Other Driver Was Behaving Recklessly?
Being injured in a car accident is not enough to secure compensation. Georgia laws require car accident victims to prove the other driver was liable.
A car accident attorney from The Herro Law Firm won’t leave any stone unturned when gathering evidence to prove the defendant was driving recklessly. Your lawyer will analyze the following:
- Speedometer calibration
- Eyewitness testimony
- The police report
- Skid marks at the accident scene
- Footage from dash cams and highway cameras
- Any tickets for speeding, texting and driving, reckless driving, etc
- Expert testimony from accident reconstruction professionals
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Atlanta, Georgia?
Victims of reckless driving accidents in Georgia have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury case. If you don’t meet this deadline, you lose your chance to pursue the claim in the future. It’s always best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to ensure your case is filed on time.
Why Do I Need an Atlanta Reckless Driving Lawyer?
Car accident claims are challenging. So, hiring a seasoned and dedicated attorney is the best way to level the playfield when facing the insurance company.
Here are some of the benefits of hiring a reckless driving accident lawyer in Atlanta.
Case Preparation
Your chances of getting the maximum compensation are better when you start the legal process on the right footing. Your lawyer will carefully investigate the accident, gather proof of the other driver’s reckless behavior, and evaluate how much compensation you can claim. They will also ensure your lawsuit is filed properly.
Settlement Negotiation
Your reckless driving accident lawyer will oversee all negotiations with the insurance company. Your attorney will not allow the insurance company to trick you into settling your case for less than what you deserve.
Trial Representation
While most cases are resolved with a settlement agreement, we prepare for every possibility at The Herro Law Firm. Your legal counsel will be ready for trial if negotiations are unsuccessful.
How Much Does a Reckless Accident Lawyer Cost?
You do not have to worry about the cost of hiring a reckless driving accident lawyer. That’s because, at The Herro Law Firm, we operate on a contingency fee basis.
This means that you don’t make any upfront payments for representation. We agree on a percentage of the compensation amount as payment. If we do not win your case, then you do not pay anything.
Find a Dependable Reckless Driving Accident Attorney at The Herro Law Firm
Speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, and other types of reckless driving are common on the busy roads of Atlanta. If you were hurt in an accident caused by a reckless driver, you have the right to sue for compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses.
Our team at The Herro Law Firm is ready to represent you. Call our Atlanta, GA office at (404) 433-6876 to schedule a free case review and consultation.
