Anyone who drives a vehicle in California risks getting into a motor vehicle accident that is not their fault. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists also find themselves facing risks. Many times, reckless drivers are the reasons behind numerous catastrophic and fatal injuries. Persons injured by careless drivers could explore their options for recovering compensation.
Reckless driving and injuries
Reckless driving involves a thorough disregard for the health and welfare of others. Someone who drives under the influence puts many at risk because they would be unable to control their vehicle in many situations. Impatient and aggressive drivers who do not stop at stop signs or step down on the gas pedal to blow through a recently changed red light could cause a significant crash in an intersection.
Reckless driving can cause multi-car collisions that damage vehicles and harm pedestrians. The unexpected nature of many reckless accidents makes avoiding them challenging. Persons hurt by a reckless driver could file a personal injury lawsuit to recover their losses.
Lawsuits and insurance claims
Filing an insurance claim is one of the most common ways to recover losses after reckless driver-related motor vehicle accidents. Under auto liability coverage, the insurance company accepts the driver’s negligence risks, and the company must pay legitimate claims up to the policy’s limits. The victims could sue for amounts above the policy if the policy limits are insufficient. Another option – if possible – involves victims filing uninsured or underinsured driver claims against their auto policies.
The behaviors of a reckless driver may be so egregious that victims may claim punitive damages. Such damages are intended to punish the driver and are frequently awarded in fatal collisions. Insurance policies typically do not cover punitive damages, so the victims may need to file a lawsuit and litigate in court.
