Injuries Caused By Reckless Driving Can Trigger Personal Injury Lawsuits

 Posted on December 26, 2019 in Aggressive Driving

Car accidents injure approximately 3 million individuals in the United States every year. While many of these injuries are minor cuts and bruises, traffic accidents can also result in severe injuries that affect the injured person for many months or even years. Sadly, many of these serious car accidents are avoidable. They may be caused by a driver who is not paying attention to the road, is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or worse, intentionally chooses to disobey traffic laws.

When a person knowingly drives in a way that puts the motorists, passengers, and pedestrians around him or her in danger, he or she may be charged with reckless driving. If you or a loved one were involved in an accident caused by reckless driving, a personal injury lawsuit may help you hold the reckless driver accountable for their wrongdoing.  

Illinois Law Regarding Reckless Driving

The Illinois Vehicle Code describes the crime of reckless driving. A person can be arrested and charged with reckless driving if he or she:

• Drives with an intentional or unreasonable disregard for the safety of other people and property or
• Knowingly uses an incline to make his or her vehicle become airborne

Examples of reckless driving include driving at extremely high rates of speed, erratically changing lanes, and using a railroad crossing or other hill to launch a vehicle into the air.

Bringing a Personal Injury Suit Against a Reckless Driver

When reckless driving causes another person to be injured or killed, the driver may be considered “negligent per se.” This means that it is much easier for the injured person or a deceased person’s representative to bring a successful personal injury lawsuit. Instead of proving that the defendant acted negligently, the plaintiff will only need to prove that the defendant violated an Illinois statute, the violation caused the plaintiff’s injury, the violated law is one that is intended to prevent the injury that occurred, and that the plaintiff is a member of the class of people that the law is designed to protect. Reckless driving laws are designed to protect public safety, so a reckless driver is typically considered negligent per se. To learn more about how the concept of negligence per se can help you bring a successful personal injury suit against a reckless driver, contact a qualified attorney.

Contact a Waukegan Car Accident Injury Lawyer

A serious car accident can dramatically impact a person’s life and the lives of their loved ones. If you were hurt in an accident caused by reckless driving, an injury lawsuit can help you recover compensation while holding the driver responsible for his or her actions. Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Lake County personal injury attorney to discuss your case by calling 847-662-3303 today.

Sources:

http://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/062500050K11-503.htm

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding