Reckless Driving Accidents
Everyone understands that “accidents” can happen. A driver may make a slight mistake that causes a collision with another vehicle. The driver might forget to look over before switching lanes. A driver may follow a bit too closely and rear-end a car in front of them that stops suddenly. These things happen. But what about if another driver was operating their vehicle in a dangerous way that almost guaranteed a collision? What are your rights then?
Parnall Law Firm, LLC, helps accident victims pursue compensation for the injuries they sustain in any type of motor vehicle accident. When reckless driving causes you to miss work, suffer pain, or require medical treatment, our car accident lawyer will fight for your maximum financial recovery. Contact us today to learn how we can help after a reckless driving accident.
What Is Reckless Driving?
Some people think of reckless driving as any form of careless driving. However, New Mexico law defines the reckless driving offense as driving any vehicle “carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard” of the safety of others and “at a speed or in a manner” that would likely endanger any person or property.
Possible examples of reckless driving include:
- Driving at speeds above the speed limit or too fast for current road or weather conditions
- Excessive lane changing during times of heavy traffic
- Improper passing, such as passing on the shoulder or in such a way that other vehicles could collide or be run off the road
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Extreme distracted driving that takes the driver’s attention off the road for a substantial time that places other motorists at risk
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help with a Reckless Driving Accident
A personal injury lawyer can gather evidence to help show that reckless driving caused your accident. Personal injury lawyers can send spoliation of evidence letters that direct the defendant not to destroy evidence that is relevant to your claim. Your lawyer will also handle communication with the insurance company and negotiate for fair compensation for your case.
Parnall Law Firm, is committed to our clients’ satisfaction. We offer the Parnall Law Firm Difference, which lays out the rights you have as a client when working with our firm, including:
- The right to talk to your attorney within 24 hours of your contact.
- The right to be regularly updated about the progress of your case.
- The right to know the truth about your case and to receive personalized recommendations based on the facts specific to it.
- The right to have your legal rights and options explained clearly and understandably.
- The right to a fair fee for the work we do.
- The right to determine how to resolve your case.
While no lawyer can ethically guarantee a particular outcome in your case, we guarantee that if you are not 100% satisfied with our representation during the first 30 days of hiring us, you can take your file with you, with no attorney fees due or questions asked.
Dangers of Reckless Driving
Reckless driving behaviors are more likely to lead to crashes. Reckless drivers often operate their vehicles in an unpredictable manner, such as running red lights or weaving in and out of lanes. Other drivers might not be able to anticipate their actions or avoid these dangerous drivers.
Additionally, reckless drivers are more likely to cause severe accidents because of the higher speeds that tend to be involved in the resulting collisions. These crashes often result in serious injuries or deaths.
Drivers License Point System in New Mexico
New Mexico uses a driver’s license point system that assigns points to drivers for various driving infractions. The more serious the infraction, the more points are added to your license. For example, failing to wear a seat belt can result in two points added to your driving record, and three points can be added to your driving record for speeding between 6 and 15 mph over the speed limit. Reckless driving can result in six points added to a driver’s record.
The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division may issue a warning to drivers who accumulate six points in a year. After six points, the driver can lose their driving privileges for three months. After accumulating more than 12 points in a year, a driver can lose driving privileges for 12 months.
Reckless driving does not just result in a traffic ticket. A conviction means mandatory jail time of between 5 and 90 days, a fine of $25 to $100 for a first offense, or both. The potential imprisonment period for second and subsequent convictions is between 10 and 180 days. The fine can be as high as $1,000.
How a Criminal Reckless Driving Case Can Affect Your Claim
If the defendant is facing a reckless driving charge and is ultimately convicted of that offense, this can help your case. You can benefit from knowing the type of evidence that the prosecutor introduced to secure the conviction and try to use it on your case, too.
Since a criminal conviction requires a higher burden of proof than a civil matter, a conviction can serve as direct evidence of the defendant’s guilt. Additionally, a criminal conviction may make punitive damages available for your case, which are special damages intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior.
How Parnall Law Firm, Can Help After a Reckless Driving Car Accident
Were you hurt in a reckless driving accident? Then, call Bert. Parnall Law Firm, LLC has represented Albuquerque and Central New Mexico clients since 1997 who have been injured in all types of car accidents, including accidents caused by reckless driving, speeding, poor road conditions, distracted driving, and other negligent behavior. You can count on us to aggressively and tenaciously pursue justice for you. Contact us today to get started on your case.
