If you are a victim of reckless driving, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. However, there are some important things that you should know before you contact an attorney. One of the first things you should do is contact your insurance company and notify them of your accident. You should be as honest as possible, so the insurance company can cover your damages. If you provide false information, your claim may be denied.
Aggressive driving is a form of reckless driving
Aggressive driving is a common cause of car accidents. Aggressive drivers fail to obey traffic laws, such as yielding the right of way, and they often weave in and out of traffic. They are also more likely to run red lights and stop signs, and they can cause serious injuries.
Aggressive driving is considered a traffic infraction in most states, but it is a misdemeanor criminal offense in California. Drivers convicted of aggressive driving may face a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, and loss of their driving privileges. They may also face civil liability for any damages caused to other people by their reckless behavior.
Speedometer calibration is evidence of reckless driving
Speedometer calibration is a crucial piece of evidence that can help your reckless driving case. If your speedometer is not accurate, you may be charged with reckless driving, but by providing the results of a speedometer calibration test, you can convince the court to reduce the charge to a simple speeding ticket. This is especially important if you were unaware that your speedometer was not calibrated correctly.
Despite the fact that speedometer calibration is important evidence of reckless driving, it only works in some scenarios. If you are charged with speeding or have an elevated speeding ticket, it is important to seek the assistance of an attorney as soon as possible. The good news is that speedometer calibration is a relatively easy process and usually only costs about $75.
Punitive damages are intended to punish a driver whose conduct is abhorrent
Punitive damages are awarded in addition to actual damages to punish the defendant’s outrageous conduct and to serve as a deterrent to others. These damages can be worth up to ten times the original amount of damages, and they’re designed to send a message to potential repeat offenders, so the help of a reckless driving accident lawyer is very useful. Punitive damages are not available in every case, though; they’re generally awarded only in cases where the conduct was malicious or egregious.
Currently, punitive damages are only awarded in about 5% of verdicts. Judges evaluate whether punitive damages are warranted in a particular case, and evaluate their use in comparison to compensatory damages. Although there is no specific test, the Supreme Court has suggested that courts focus on the “reasonability” of a driver’s conduct and a “reasonable ratio” between compensatory and punitive damages.
Documenting your injuries to prove negligence
If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to document your injuries to prove negligence. In addition to collecting medical bills, it is important to collect evidence of how you were injured. These expenses may include ambulance rides, emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, and expert opinions. You should also document lost wages and income. Your attorney can help you gather this evidence.
It is important to gather all the information related to the accident, including witnesses’ names and contact information. Also, you should gather photographs and videos of the scene of the accident. In addition, you can also collect eyewitness statements and accident reports from other drivers.