When drivers make reckless decisions behind the wheel, lives are put in danger. From aggressive lane changes and tailgating to running red lights, these dangerous behaviors turn vehicles into potential weapons.
If you have been injured because someone else decided the rules of the road didn’t apply to them, you have the right to pursue justice via an insurance claim or lawsuit. Here are some of the most common reckless driving behaviors involved in these claims.
Excessive Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common forms of reckless driving. When drivers exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for the conditions, they have less time to react to hazards and require more distance to come to a complete stop. The force of impact in high-speed collisions is also greater than in low-speed crashes, leading to more severe injuries and fatalities.
Aggressive Lane Changes
Reckless drivers often weave in and out of traffic, cutting off other vehicles and failing to signal lane changes. This erratic behavior can cause nearby drivers to swerve or brake suddenly to avoid a collision, potentially leading to multi-vehicle pileups. Aggressive lane changes can result in particularly dangerous lane changing accidents in high-traffic areas and construction zones.
Tailgating
Following too closely behind another vehicle, or tailgating, is a form of aggressive driving that significantly increases the risk of rear-end collisions. When drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance, they have little time to react if the vehicle in front of them slows down or stops suddenly.
In poor weather conditions or periods of limited visibility, tailgating can easily lead to a crash. This behavior also increases the likelihood of multi-vehicle accidents, as the tailgating driver may cause a chain reaction of collisions.
Driving Under the Influence
Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a blatant disregard for the safety of others on the road. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and difficulty maintaining control of their vehicles. Drunk driving accident attorneys in Kansas City suggest drunk drivers can face steep legal penalties for their reckless actions, including fines, jail time, and license suspension.
Ignoring Traffic Signals
Running red lights, stop signs, and other traffic signals is a common cause of accidents at intersections. Reckless drivers who fail to obey traffic signals put themselves and others at risk of T-bone collisions, where one vehicle collides into the side of another. This can lead to serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal bleeding. Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable when drivers ignore traffic signals, as they have little protection against the force of an oncoming vehicle.
Road Rage
Road rage is a form of aggressive driving fueled by anger or frustration. Drivers experiencing road rage may engage in multiple reckless behaviors, such as excessive speeding, tailgating, cutting off other vehicles, or even physical confrontations. These incidents can quickly escalate, putting everyone on the road in harm’s way.
Seek Justice After an Accident with a Reckless Driver
Reckless drivers leave a trail of devastation that can forever alter your health, career, and quality of life. Whether you were injured by someone speeding excessively, weaving through traffic, or driving under the influence, you deserve justice.
A Kansas City car accident lawyer with experience in reckless driving cases can help prove the other driver’s careless behavior and secure the compensation you need to move forward. Protect your future today and contact a Kansas City reckless driving accident attorney to discuss your next steps.