A reckless driver poses a risk to their own safety, as well as the safety of everyone around them. These risks impact not only other motorists but also cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists alike. When these drivers cause an accident, it is possible to hold them accountable for their recklessness through a personal injury case.
If you were struck by a reckless driver in Albany, you are entitled to pursue all available legal options against the driver with the help of an Albany reckless driving accident lawyer. Primarily, this involves a civil lawsuit. If your lawsuit is successful, you could recover a monetary award for your losses. Call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers at (404) 888-8888 right away to discuss your options.
Understanding Reckless Driving
In Georgia, reckless driving is not just a general description for motorists that operate their vehicles in a manner that they should know is likely to cause injury. Reckless driving is also a criminal offense under state law.
The state outlaws driving with a reckless disregard for others’ safety and property. Although this offense is related to driving, it is more serious than a standard traffic violation. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor under state law, which carries up to a year in jail and a fine of $1,000.
The criminal penalties are only some of the consequences that come with reckless driving. Whether a person faces criminal charges or not, the people they injure in an accident can pursue a civil claim against them. Your civil lawsuit is entirely independent of any criminal prosecution. This means you can bring a civil action in a situation where the other driver is not charged, or if they receive an acquittal in criminal court.
For a free legal consultation with a reckless driving accidents lawyer serving Albany, call (404) 888-8888
Examples of Reckless Driving
The laws related to reckless driving are broad. Instead of laying out specific acts, it instead provides a general outline of what constitutes reckless driving. For that reason, examples can help you understand this type of claim. Examples of reckless driving include:
- Driving far above the speed limit
- Passing on the shoulder
- Passing in a turning lane
- Driving while intoxicated
- Running a red light
- Driving in the wrong direction
In many cases of reckless driving, more than one of these factors is present. For example, driving at high speed and passing on the shoulder together could make a compelling reckless driving claim if those acts resulted in an accident.
The team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can advise you on whether the driver’s actions were reckless. We can evaluate your case and discuss your chances of recovery. If you decide to move forward, an Albany reckless driving accident lawyer can walk you through your claim step by step. To get started, dial (404) 888-8888 today.
Albany Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
The Deadline to File a Claim
There is a general deadline to file every lawsuit in Georgia, known as the statute of limitations. Injury claims stemming from an accident with a reckless driver are no exception. Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §9-3-33, the timeframe to file your lawsuit begins as soon as the accident happens, and the failure to do so can lead to steep consequences.
If you file your case after the statute of limitations expires, the defendant may file a motion to dismiss your claim with prejudice immediately. Outside of a handful of exceptions, the courts typically grant these motions. Valid exceptions to the statute of limitations are few and far between, so you should never assume they apply in your case. Thankfully, your attorney can help you ensure you file your claim before the statute expires.
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How an Albany Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer Can Assist You
Keeping up with the statute of limitations on your behalf is only one way our team can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Our firm takes a comprehensive approach to the cases we handle.
We begin each case with a thorough investigation. We will review the police report and interview you about what happened. We will also monitor any criminal charges against the reckless driver to determine if they face a conviction. Through our investigation, we can develop a theory of liability and establish the amount of compensation we believe you are eligible to recover.
We will also serve as your advocate, speaking with the other side, and negotiating a settlement on your behalf. If your case goes to trial, we will develop the strongest strategy available in our effort to obtain a verdict.
No matter what, we will provide you with legal counsel every step of the way. Whether it is considering a settlement offer or deciding a trial strategy, we will rely on our extensive experience to provide you with the strongest counsel available. That said, we will always heed your guidance and proceed with your case as you direct. We understand the importance of your injury claim and will work tirelessly to help you get the most out of it.
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You Could Receive Compensation for an Accident with a Reckless Driver
Your choice of injury attorney following an accident with a reckless driver is important. Your lawyer is responsible for not only investigating your claim and advising you of your options but also building your entire case for liability against the other driver.
The team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers builds strong cases against reckless and dangerous drivers. We will work to hold them accountable so that our clients can get the compensation they deserve.
If you are ready to move forward with an injury claim after an accident with a reckless driver, do not hesitate to contact our firm. Call (404) 888-8888 to discuss your options with the team as soon as possible.
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