Lawyer for Accident Due To Reckless Motorcycle Driving
We all know them or have seen their behavior on the road: A reckless driver can wreak havoc on another person’s life when their conduct results in an accident. Motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable to a reckless driver’s conduct, as a peaceful motorcycle ride can quickly turn into a serious injury when you are faced with a reckless driver.
Whether the reckless conduct involved excessive speed, failure to respect traffic laws, or performing a dangerous maneuver, if you have been injured by a reckless driver, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages.
What Is Considered Reckless Driving?
Each state sets its own definition for the violation known as reckless driving, along with the fines and penalties that may apply to violators. For example, Kansas defines reckless driving as follows:
Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving…Except as provided in K.S.A. 8-2,142, violation of this section is a misdemeanor. Upon a first conviction of a violation of this section, a person shall be sentenced to not less than five days nor more than 90 days imprisonment or fined not less than $25 nor more than $500, or both such fine and imprisonment. On a second or subsequent conviction of a violation of this section, a person shall be sentenced to not less than 10 days nor more than six months imprisonment, or fined not less than $50 nor more than $500 or both such fine and imprisonment.
Reckless driving can take many different forms. For example:
- Driving too fast based on road conditions
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Unlawful or dangerous passing or lane changes
- Swerving or cutting in front of other vehicles
- Going around barriers, such as railroad gates
- Racing other vehicles
- Ignoring traffic laws or basic safety considerations
- Showing indifference or irreverence to the safety of others on the road
Types of Reckless Driving Motorcycle Accidents
There are lots of different factors that can lead to reckless driving and end up causing a motorcycle accident. Some reckless driving accidents occur when a driver is dangerously exceeding the speed limit by a considerable amount, while others result from running a red light or stop sign. Reckless driving accidents include distracted, impaired, or drunk driving crashes, as well as aggressive driving or road rage collisions. Going the wrong way, performing a dangerous maneuver such as swerving or an improper lane change, and rollover accidents are all examples of reckless driving motorcycle accidents as well.
Common Injuries Sustained in Reckless Driving Motorcycle Accidents
There are many different injuries that can happen as a result of a motorcycle accident involving reckless driving. Personal injuries to the neck, back, and shoulders are common in these types of crashes, as are head injuries, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries. Road rash, burns, broken or fractured bones, skin issues, whiplash, and soft tissue injuries are all common as well. In some serious accidents, catastrophic injuries might be possible, such as paralysis or even wrongful death.
Personal injuries from a motorcycle accident tend to result in significant financial losses. If another person is at fault for the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages, including:
- The costs of your medical imaging, testing, and treatments
- The costs of a hospital stay
- Doctor’s visits and specialist visits
- Prescription medication costs
- Expenses related to physical or occupational therapy, nursing, or rehabilitative care
- The costs of repairing or replacing your motorcycle
- Wages or income you have lost as a result of being unable to work after the accident
- Your pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress
- The loss of your ability to engage in activities that you can no longer do as a result of your accident
- The overall, general decline in your quality of life
Typically, if the other party was driving recklessly and caused the accident, you will be able to bring a claim against them in order to recover compensation for your damages. However, it is important to note that reckless driving motorcycle accident cases are not always easy to prove, and they can involve complicated issues of liability.
Generally, you will need to prove that the other party was negligent, meaning they breached their duty of reasonable care to be safe towards you on the road. In reckless driving cases, however, much more may be at stake — particularly because these types of cases can result in higher damages. You will need to prove that the party’s reckless driving was the direct cause of your injuries and damages.
A reckless driving motorcycle accident case can quickly become complex, requiring the help of an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney. They will investigate the facts of your case, explain the applicable laws, and make sure your claim is filed in the correct venue. They will also negotiate with the other party and their insurance company toward a favorable resolution. If a settlement does not result, they will build and present your case on your behalf in court.
Why Trust Bretz Injury Law with Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
A reckless driving motorcycle accident can wreak havoc on your life, leaving you with serious injuries and resulting damages. Having a knowledgeable, experienced attorney by your side to help with your motorcycle accident case can make all the difference. In fact, according to a study by the Insurance Institute, people who hire an attorney to represent them receive two-and-a-half to three times higher settlements than those who do not seek legal assistance.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident as a result of someone else’s reckless driving, you shouldn’t have to handle the aftermath on your own. When you trust your case to Bretz Injury Law, you get more than a single lawyer on your side; you get an entire team of seasoned legal professionals all working together to secure the best possible outcome on your behalf.
Our Kansas personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and fight for the fair compensation you are owed. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
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