Reckless driving is a misdemeanor in the state of California.
In California, The legal definition of reckless driving is driving that involves multiple traffic violations that place other drivers at risk for a car accident. Becoming a victim of someone who was reckless driving can result in severe injuries and sometimes even death. Hiring a personal injury lawyer in these circumstances gives you the best chance of receiving compensation for your damages.
When a driver is angry and begins to drive aggressively, they typically lose a sense of care and regard for those around them. It is likely an aggressive driver will not pay attention to laws or the other people around them. Tailgating, speeding, sudden lane changing, and unexplained braking is all typical of an aggressive driver and can lead to a serious car accident.
What Happens If I Hurt Someone Driving Recklessly?
In the state of California, you have different levels of penalties for reckless driving. You will need help and representation from a qualified reckless driving lawyer to help you address any charges.
Penalties for conviction
If you have been convicted of reckless driving in California, you will face one or more of the following penalties –
- Jail time for 5 to 90 days
- Penalty of 2 points on your Driver’s License
- Between $145 to $1000 in fines
- License suspension for 6 months
Penalties for causing minor injuries to others
Minor injuries refer to any injuries that become evident during the accident, but which aren’t too serious or fatal and don’t require intense medical care. There are two types of minor injuries.
One is the suspected minor injuries, which typically includes bruises, abrasions, shallow cuts, sprains, bumps/lumps on the head etc. The other is the possible minor injuries where the injuries aren’t evident but implied due to loss of consciousness, limping, pain, nausea etc.
In either of these cases, you may face jail time of 30 days to 1 year.
Penalties for causing severe injuries to others
In California, severe injuries include road fatalities, broken limbs, severe lacerations, extreme blood loss, severe burns, paralysis, neural/spinal injuries, etc. In these cases, your reckless driving lawyer may need to defend you against charges of a felony. This could result in up to 3 years in prison and a fine of $10000, with your car possibly being impounded.
Penalties for child endangerment
If you have a child in your vehicle while driving recklessly, you may face an additional penalty, as follows –
- Minor injuries – Up to 1 year in jail.
- Major injuries/felony – Between 2 and 6 years in jail.
Speeding In California
California traffic laws also require drivers to take into consideration road and weather conditions while driving. For example, if an aggressive driver is trying to pass a line of traffic slowed due to poor weather conditions like rain, fog or snow, he or she could be in violation of California speeding laws where the drivers would be expected to reduce speeds in such conditions.
Tailgating
California has laws in place that state how close you should be driving behind someone. Make sure to give yourself enough time to come to a complete stop without colliding into the car in front of you. Someone who is driving aggressively would be driving near the rear bumper with no hope of stopping in case you were to suddenly hit the brakes.
Sudden Lane Changing
This could mean cutting someone off or crossing over yellow lines to get in front of a line of traffic. Maybe even rapidly switching lanes on a multi-lane highway without looking or giving proper space.
Unexplained Braking
Also known as brake checking, this is often a tactic used to intimidate other drivers to back off. Suddenly braking for no reason can lead to a multi-vehicle car accident with many injuries. If you are driving and find yourself in close proximity to an aggressive driver, move as far away from the driver as possible.
Talk To A Car Accident Lawyer At Krasney Law For Free Today!
In the event that an aggressive driver causes you to collide with them, another car, or even a fixed object on the side of the road, seek the advice of a car accident lawyer. Even if they drove off, your uninsured motorist coverage can be used to pay for your expenses from a car accident. Call Krasney Law at (909) 380-7200 for a free consultation.