Tennessee roads are full of reckless drivers who cause thousands of accidents annually, many times leading to severe and sometimes catastrophic injuries. But what makes drivers reckless in the eyes of the law? Almost any driving behavior can be considered reckless when they occur under certain circumstances.
Defining reckless driving
Reckless driving is any behavior occurring behind the wheel of a vehicle that demonstrates a conscious or unmistakable disregard for the safety of others, leading to motor vehicle accidents.
Some of these behaviors are easy to recognize. They include:
- Tailgating, leading to rear-end collisions
- Speeding and driving too fast for conditions, regardless of the speed limit
- Weaving through traffic and not signaling lane changes
- Driving on the shoulder and lane-splitting
- Driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, prescription medication or fatigue
Reckless behaviors can take a heavy toll on accident victims, inflicting physical, emotional and financial pain, and sometimes changing their lives forever. Many types of injuries can result from reckless driving accidents, including to the spinal cord, traumatic brain injuries, disfigurement, limb amputations, broken bones and whiplash.
Reviewing a crash’s circumstances and facts can help determine if a driver engaged in reckless behavior.
Taking action against reckless drivers
Severe injuries that occur as a result of reckless driving can require years of medical treatment and physical therapy. Sometimes, the victims never fully return to their former abilities and cannot work. Depending on the accident’s circumstances, parties other than the driver may be liable for the mishap, such as when a trucker causes a severe accident to deliver a load per company deadlines.
If you believe the injuries you sustained in a motor vehicle accident resulted from the reckless driving of another person, you have the right to pursue a lawsuit against that individual and possibly others who may have been involved. A successful claim can give you money to live on while you recuperate and compensate you for medical treatments, pain and suffering, and other losses.