If you are charged with a criminal traffic case, you can face the consequences and even have more concerns than restrictions when it comes to payment of fines and driving privileges.
Serious criminal traffic offenses often carry hefty penalties, which may affect you completely. Securing the skills of a professional attorney who has skills and experience in handling reckless driving car accidents will be thoughtful in order to protect your future and preserve your freedom.
What Is Regarded as Reckless Driving Car Accidents in NC
A reckless driving car accident is an umbrella term, which may apply to most serious traffic cases in North Carolina. In general, reckless drivers often engage in risky driving behaviors without looking into the risks that they pose to the safety of road users and theirs. Examples of behaviors associated with reckless driving may include the following
- Tailgating
- Unsafe passing
- Speeding
- Lane weaving
- Not using turn signals running stop signs, or red lights
- Taking part in illegal races
Liability Involved in Reckless Driving
North Carolina is one of the ‘fault’ car insurance states. Under this system, victims of vehicle accidents have the right to bring personal injury cases or insurance claims against an individual who is responsible for their crash.
But in order to bring a successful injury lawsuit or claim, victims of reckless driving accidents should prove liability. If a negligent driver injures you, you must prove that they were reckless when they hit you. For instance, if the reckless driver didn’t yield the right-of-way, this can be regarded as negligence.
You may also need to show the way the negligence of the driver contributed directly to your injuries and accident. Lastly, you must prove to the court of law or insurer that you suffered losses, including lost wages and medical expenses.
The Cost of Reckless Driving Charges
Reckless driving in North Carolina falls under Class 2 misdemeanor. The maximum penalty for the first reckless driving case is one month in jail and a $1,000 fine. And if you repeat the same mistake, you may even pay more or spend two months in jail time.
You also risk losing your valid driving license, especially if you drive faster than the vehicle’s speed limit. Reckless driving charges go beyond this as well. Your reckless driving behavior may easily disrupt your whole life, considering how much you depend on your vehicle to drive to school, get groceries, and drive to work.
What to Do Following an Accident
If you get involved in a reckless driving accident in North Carolina, what you do first can tremendously affect your case and recovery efforts.
Try to collect enough evidence at the accident scene. For instance, you may take pictures of your injuries and damages of the case, plus the exact position where you got involved in an accident.
The North Carolina laws also need you to report the accident to the police. This is especially if the accident resulted in serious property damages, injuries, or even death.
Conclusion!
Like other crashes, reckless driving accidents can be devastating to deal with. If a reckless driver injures you, you have the right to hold the party accountable for paying the compensation you deserve so you can cover losses, like medical expenses.