Utah Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer

Drivers in Utah are expected to operate their vehicles in a safe manner that does not endanger fellow motorists, but not everyone is motivated by the threat of a ticket or reckless driving conviction. Those who drive aggressively or recklessly are putting other people’s lives unnecessarily at risk. Innocent people should not have to suffer due to someone else’s negligence.  

If you or a loved one has been injured in a reckless driving accident, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation. Our personal injury attorneys can explain your legal rights and options and help you develop a plan to hold the reckless driver accountable for the injuries you sustained.

Fielding Law has been proudly advocating for the legal rights of car accident victims in Utah for many years. Contact a member of our legal team today at 877-880-4090. Someone is available to answer your call 24/7. 

How Utah Defines Reckless Driving

Reckless driving in Utah is defined as “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Under Utah Code §41-6a-528(1)(b), reckless driving consists of 3 or more traffic infractions within a 3-mile stretch of road. For example, if a driver is tailgating, speeding, and texting, this would likely be considered reckless driving. 

Reckless driving is not taken lightly and can be punishable by law. A motorist charged with reckless driving may face:

• Fines up to $1,000
• License suspension
• 80 demerit points on his or her driving record
• Reckless driving conviction and criminal charges

Types of Reckless Driving Cases We Handle

A reckless driver purposely disregards traffic laws and endangers the safety of pedestrians and other motorists. There are a variety of driving behaviors that may constitute reckless driving. 

The following are some examples of reckless driving accident cases we handle:

• Excessive speeding: The faster a person drives, the more difficult it is to stop suddenly in the event of an emergency. A driver who is speeding is more likely to cause a rear-end collision. 

• Tailgating: A driver who is following too closely may cause an accident if the vehicle ahead needs to brake suddenly. 

• Unsafe lane changes: A driver who weaves in and out of traffic, often at high speeds and without signaling, is a hazard to everyone else on the road. 

• Failing to obey traffic signals: When a driver intentionally runs a red light or stop sign, this could be considered reckless driving and result in a severe accident. 

• Distracted driving: Texting is one of the most common forms, but distracted driving can involve anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving. 

• Passing a school bus unlawfully: Utah has strict regulations about passing a school bus when loading or unloading passengers. Violators of the law have caused devastating accidents. 

• Driving under the influence: Utah has a stricter policy regarding drinking and driving than other states. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle if you’re 21 or over and your blood alcohol level (BAC) is .05 or higher. 

• Road rage: This type of angry and aggressive driving may include honking, rude gestures, purposely cutting off another driver, getting out to confront another driver, or bumping a vehicle on purpose.  

How Can You Prove Someone Was Driving Recklessly?

After taking on your case, your Utah reckless driving attorney will immediately begin working to determine fault and establish negligence. Proving that the driver who caused the accident was driving recklessly will be essential to your claim. 

Obtaining evidence that proves reckless driving can be challenging. However, the lawyers at Fielding Law know how to investigate motor vehicle accidents and build a solid reckless driving case on behalf of clients.

Evidence that may prove the motorist was driving recklessly includes:

• Cell phone records can prove that the driver was texting or on a call when the collision occurred
• Photographs documenting the scene of the accident
• Police reports showing the motorist committed a traffic offense or received a reckless driving charge
• Footage from dashcams or nearby surveillance cameras
• Skid marks showing there was breaking before the collision
• Medical records showing the extent of injuries you sustained and your prognosis

The attorneys of Fielding Law work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and other specialists to obtain a clear picture of how the accident occurred and who is at fault. 

Car Accident Do’s and Don’ts

Since car accidents are always unexpected, the moments immediately following a collision can be confusing and overwhelming. Nevertheless, the actions you take in the aftermath can have a lasting effect on your health and financial well-being.

The following are some things you should and shouldn’t do following a reckless driving accident:

• Do immediately contact emergency services if anyone is injured and request medical help

• Do file a police report and request the names and badge numbers of the officers at the scene

• Do take pictures of the vehicle damage, street signs, skid marks, insurance cards of those involved, and anything else that seems relevant

• Don’t apologize or admit to any degree of fault

• Don’t give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company

• Do seek medical attention even if you feel your injuries are minor

• Don’t neglect to contact your insurance company

• Doexchange contact information with all parties involved in the accident

• Don’t post about the accident or your injuries on social media

• Do speak to a Utah reckless driving attorney before accepting a settlement offer

Recovering Compensation After a Utah Reckless Driving Accident

A car accident can put a serious financial burden on you and your family, especially if your injuries are severe and require that time off work. But there is hope. If you’ve been injured in an accident due to a reckless or negligent driver, you could be eligible to receive several types of damages to cover the resources you need while you recover. 

Depending on the individual circumstances of your case, your Utah reckless driving attorney may help you recover damages for:

• Medical expenses: You could receive reimbursement for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation therapy, and other medical expenses. If your injuries require ongoing medical care, you may be eligible for coverage of future medical bills. 

• Lost wages: These damages include compensation for the time you were unable to work while recuperating and loss of future wages. 

• Property damage: This could include the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and reimbursement for any personal belongings damaged in the accident.

• Pain and suffering: These damages are awarded as compensation for the physical and emotional trauma a person has suffered as a result of the accident. 

• Wrongful death: If your loved one was killed in a reckless driving accident, you could be reimbursed for burial expenses, medical expenses required to treat the victim, and loss of monetary support. 

• Punitive damages: Sadly, sometimes a reckless driving ticket and charges may not be viewed as enough to deter similar actions in the future. That’s why this category of damages exists – to punish the guilty party in cases of extreme negligence, such as driving under the influence in certain cases.

Contact a Utah Reckless Driving Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to someone else’s reckless driving in Utah, you could hold that party liable and receive compensation for your losses. We understand that filing a claim or lawsuit might be the furthest thing from your mind. However, you do not want to forgo the chance to receive compensation if your injuries should worsen over time and require continued care. 

While filing a claim may seem daunting, you don’t have to go face the challenges alone. When Fielding Law takes on your case, your Utah reckless driving attorney will be there for you every step of the way. Our team can gather the evidence and witnesses needed to build a comprehensive case against the reckless driver, file all necessary paperwork, and handle all negotiations on your behalf. 

Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no attorney fees unless we win your case. Schedule your initial free case consultation with a member of our skilled legal team today. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at (877) 880-4090, start a live chat on our website, or fill out the online evaluation form.