Most Colorado residents cannot wait to get behind the wheel of a car even from a young age. Having the ability to drive wherever you want may have given you a sense of freedom that you still enjoy as an adult. Of course, now that you have gotten older, you may also understand that driving has its risks and that other travelers could pose a significant hazard to you while on the road.
Unfortunately, numerous car accidents occur every day due to drivers acting carelessly or recklessly. Because reckless driving can put so many people at risk, it often results in criminal charges. Of course, if you suffer injuries due to a person driving recklessly, you may wish to consider taking civil legal action of your own.
What constitutes reckless driving?
The exact actions that could result in reckless driving allegations may vary from state to state. However, even if state laws do not specifically name a certain action, local authorities could still deem particular maneuvers reckless. Typically, these behaviors put individuals at unnecessary risk, and police officers usually take a variety of factors into consideration, such as road conditions, traffic and weather, to determine whether a driver’s actions may have been reckless.
Some examples of actions typically considered reckless driving include:
- Driving at excessive speeds, specifically 20 to 25 mph over the speed limit
- Passing another vehicle on a hill, limited visibility increases danger
- Racing
- Speeding in school zones
- Stunt actions on public roads
- Aggressive driving
Other actions that generally ignore safety rules for an area could also result in a driver facing charges for reckless driving. Any of these mentioned behaviors and others could easily cause a serious car accident that leaves you or someone you love seriously injured.
What civil actions could you take?
If you have suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one due to the reckless driving of another individual, you may have legal grounds to pursue a civil lawsuit. A personal injury or wrongful death claim could allow you to take such action in hopes of obtaining compensation. The specific circumstances of your accident could substantially impact your case.
In order to better understand your legal options, you may wish to gain reliable information from local legal resources. If your case proves particularly complicated or you feel assistance could be useful, you may wish to consult with an attorney.
