What Defines Reckless Driving in Michigan?

According to Michigan law, a reckless driver is one who shows “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property” while on any public road or space. This includes highways, parking lots, and even frozen lakes.

It is a greater offense than careless driving. As such, careless driving is considered a civil infraction while reckless driving is a crime.

Encountering a reckless driver is tricky because their behavior can be erratic and unpredictable. The best thing you can do is avoid the driver by slowing down, pulling over, or taking an alternate route. If you’re able to safely take down the license plate and description of the vehicle, however, you can call 911 to report the driver.

Common examples of reckless driving are speeding, tailgating, running red lights/stop signs, driving while intoxicated, weaving through traffic without signaling, passing illegally, drag racing, or any actions that are the result of road rage.

What Kind of Injuries Can Result From Reckless Driving?

There are many ways people are injured from reckless driving. Bruises, lacerations, and broken bones are among the most common. But more serious injuries to the neck, spinal cord, and head can also occur. There may also be injuries to the abdominal organs and even amputations, especially in the case of motorcycle accidents. In addition, there are often psychological injuries and traumatic stress.

Some injuries heal, but others can cause permanent damage or disability. Whatever the case, any every injury could cause financial damages in the form of medical bills and lost wages.

Dealing With Insurance

By definition, if your injury was the result of the willful negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The other driver made the conscious choice to drive irresponsibly and the accident was preventable.

In cases of reckless driving, your auto insurance provider will cover your “no-fault benefits.” But you’ll be required to sue the reckless driver to recover pain and suffering compensation. There is a statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. Reckless driving cases have a statute of limitations which gives you a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. In Michigan, it’s one year to file a lawsuit for a first-party claim (for no-fault benefits) and three years for a third-party claim (for bodily injury/pain and suffering).

This may seem like a long time, but it’s all too easy to miss that deadline. Especially if you’re struggling with the pain of your injuries as well as trying to deal with insurance companies. Securing a Michigan car accident attorney will make a huge difference, as she or he is pivotal in helping manage your insurance issues so you can focus on healing.

Recovering Compensation

Once it’s determined you were in a reckless driving accident, the kind and amount of compensation you receive will depend on the circumstances of your case. Factors will include the severity of your injuries, the amount of damage to your vehicle, and the financial costs you’ve incurred because of the accident.

You’ll likely be able to collect compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are easily calculated, such as medical bills, loss of income, and cost of repairs for any property damage.

Non-economic damages are not so easily calculated. They include pain, suffering, and emotional distress. The car accident injury attorneys at Kajy Law have experience valuing non-economic damages based on precedence.

Get Compensation for Your Pain and Suffering

Now that you know what defines reckless driving, you may be far more certain that your injuries resulted from the intentionally poor behavior of another driver.

If so, you need a reckless driving car accident attorney who’s familiar with the legal process and can guide you to the compensation you deserve.

The lawyers at Kajy Law will do just that. So call us at 877-KAJY-CARES or contact us to set up your free accident consultation. Don’t delay any longer!