Imagine you are driving down the highway. You are wearing your seatbelt, driving the speed limit, and obeying traffic laws. Seemingly out of nowhere, you are hit by another car. In the blink of an eye, you wind up seriously injured on the side of the road.
Drivers all across Albuquerque have experienced this unfortunately common scenario, and it is one that can happen to anyone. This is because there are reckless drivers on just about every road we travel on, and they put the lives of every other motorist in danger.
Characteristics of a reckless driver
A reckless driver is one who is engaging in behaviors known to be dangerous. This is different from a negligent driver, which is a driver who may not be aware of the risks of his or her behavior.
With this definition in mind, the signs of a reckless driver can include:
- Speeding
- Driving the wrong way down a one-way street
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Violating traffic laws
- Following other drivers too closely
How a reckless driver is identified
You probably won’t be able to confirm on your own whether the driver who hit you was reckless or not, especially because you need to focus on your injuries and getting help. However, police, attorneys, and accident reconstructionists can investigate a crash and talk to witness in order to determine if a driver was engaged in reckless behavior at the time of an accident.
What you can do if a reckless driver hits you
If you have been in an accident with a reckless driver, understand that you have the rights and the option to file a legal claim seeking compensation.
Money and lawsuits are not going to undo the damage already done, but they can help you secure the money you need to fix or replace your car, treat your physical injuries and cope with pain and suffering. A legal claim can also serve as a means of reminding people that reckless drivers are responsible for their actions when they cause injuries.
