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We have all experienced a frustrating situation while driving when another motorist speeds by, weaving in and out of traffic, disregarding the safety of others around them. Experiences like this can be nerve-wracking and dangerous. It can lead to serious accidents that could have been prevented.
Being involved in a reckless driving incident can be traumatic and leave you unsure of what to do next.
Reckless driving occurs when a driver abandons the rules of the road, exercises intentionally poor judgment, or engages in dangerous behavior while driving. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that car accidents are a major concern in the United States, killing an average of 32,000 people and resulting in around 2 million injuries every year. Reckless driving contributes significantly to this problem.
Every reckless driving case is unique. Ensure your legal rights remain protected by discussing your options and with an experienced Cheyenne reckless driving attorney at Olson Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact us now for a free case review.
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What Is Considered Reckless Driving in Cheyenne?
As defined by Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 31-5-229, a motorist who displays “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.” This language was kept intentionally vague by lawmakers primarily because the offense of reckless driving encompasses several different dangerous and negligent acts.
While reckless driving may be open to subjective consideration by law enforcement, there are certain activities that put drivers at a greater risk for a reckless driving citation, such as:
- Aggressive driving or road rage
- Ignoring safety rules and regulations
- Speeding in a school zone
- Racing or performing stunts in a vehicle
- Distracted driving
- Operating a vehicle with faulty or damaged parts/equipment
Wyoming law distinguishes reckless driving from a similar offense called careless driving. The difference between reckless driving and careless driving rests primarily in the seriousness of the offense as well as the associated penalties. Reckless driving is considered more severe and carries harsher penalties including potential jail time.
Cheyenne Reckless Driving Laws
In Cheyenne, reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor, meaning the crime is considered less than a felony, and the associated penalties are not as severe.
If a person is found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while recklessly driving, this could be classified as a “wet reckless” charge. Wet reckless convictions carry different penalties from traditional reckless driving charges in Cheyenne.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Cheyenne
Motorists convicted of a first reckless driving offense could face six months in jail and up to $750 in fines. While Wyoming does not utilize a point system, the state records every moving violation on your driving record. Receiving four Cheyenne reckless driving tickets in a year can lead to a 90-day suspension of your license and up to $10,000 in fines.
Reckless driving is considered a serious offense for commercial truck drivers. This type of violation could carry federally mandated penalties serious enough to impact a commercial driver’s career and income.
How Reckless Driving Causes Crashes
Reckless driving is one of the most common causes of car crashes in Wyoming. Unfortunately, car accidents due to reckless driving occur every day in the country, and Cheyenne is no exception to this statistic.
Common reckless driving behaviors include speeding, ignoring traffic signs, tailgating, and texting and driving, weaving, failing to signal turns, and drunk driving, among others. These behaviors cause the driver to lack vigilance and proper awareness on the road, resulting in avoidable car crashes and even injury or death.
Injuries Caused by Reckless Driving Car Accidents
The consequences of reckless driving can be severe and life-threatening. Accidents resulting from recklessness on the road have been known to cause injury and even death. Some of the injuries frequently associated with reckless driving in Cheyenne include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Burn injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Joint damage
- Deep cuts and abrasions
Injuries resulting from reckless driving can range from minor to severe, and victims of reckless driving can sustain more than one type of injury in a car crash.
Liability in Reckless Driving Accidents
Determining liability in reckless driving accidents is not always clear. This is mainly because reckless driving can be challenging to prove, especially without witnesses or other evidence of recklessness. In some cases, however, it is obvious which driver is at fault. For example, if a motorist disregards a stop sign at an intersection and crashes with another vehicle, liability is clear, and the motorist who ignored roadway signs is at fault.
Reckless driving charges against another driver in the crash can be a good indicator of civil liability for the accident. However, keep in mind that traffic violations and civil responsibility are separate matters. A reckless driver could be found at fault for the crash in your personal injury claim even if they were never charged with reckless driving or if the charges were dropped, reduced, or ended in acquittal.
Liability in reckless driving cases is measured based on several circumstances, which vary from case to case. Some of the most important factors to consider when evaluating liability are:
- Negligence of the driver
- Failure to drive responsibly
- Resulting injury or death from the accident
Because determining liability in reckless driving cases is not always straightforward, you should consider talking with an experienced reckless driving attorney in Cheyenne at Olson Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your unique situation.
Get Help from Our Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers
Sharing the road with reckless drivers is an unnerving experience that can lead to serious property damage, severe injuries, and even death. Reckless driving threatens the safety of motorists and passengers and is all too common in Cheyenne. Unfortunately, even the safest driving practices cannot adequately protect you from the recklessness of other motorists on the road.
If you were involved in a reckless driving accident, you may be unsure where to turn for assistance. Fortunately, our reckless driving attorneys in Cheyenne can help reduce the burden. Contact our team of experienced reckless driving lawyers at Olson Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your case and learn more about your options during a free consultation.
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