Reckless Driving Accidents

According to Alabama Code § 32-5A-190, reckless driving is defined as "any person who drivers any vehicle carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard for the rights or safety of persons or property, or without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property, shall be guilty of reckless driving."

Those convicted of reckless driving will receive prison time of at least five days, but not more than 90 days, or a fine of up to $500. It is possible for the reckless driver to receive both a fine and imprisonment. The second offense carries a slightly higher prison time and fine. Additionally, the court can decide to suspend the reckless driver's license for a period not exceeding six months.

Reckless driving involves more than a driver just making a simple mistake during the operation of a motor vehicle. Someone driving recklessly, also known under Alabama law as wantonness, involves a driver acting in conscious disregard for the safety of others. Examples of reckless or wanton conduct would be driving while impaired from drugs or alcohol; going 20 miles per hour over the speed limit on the interstate; and speeding while also texting and driving. If a person is guilty of reckless driving, then they will also be exposing themselves to punitive damages in court. If a driver is guilty of simple negligence or carelessness, then the injured party is only allowed to recover compensation for their injuries. However, if a driver is reckless and causes someone to be injured, then the injured party can also claim punitive damages to punish to reckless driver and deter others from engaging in the same or similar conduct.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed by a reckless driver, or in any other type of automobile accident, call the Alabama reckless driving attorneys at Hollis, Wright & Clay, P.C. for a free and confidential consultation at 844.LAW.TALK or 205.324.3600. You can also reach us online here. You may be entitled to receive compensation for a number of injuries related to the accident, including lost wages, medical bills, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more.

Reckless driving is also known as aggressive driving and is one of the more common causes for car accidents. Reckless and aggressive driving consist of a combination of traffic offenses that place drivers, as well as property, in danger. The following offenses can all be classified as reckless driving.