Reckless Driving Accidents in California: How a Lawyer Can Help You Win Compensation

Being the victim of a reckless driving accident can be both traumatic and frustrating. Unfortunately, this dangerous behavior occurs far too often on California roads. As you’ll see below, such irresponsible driving continues to endanger public safety and has contributed to a steady rise in traffic collisions across the state.

Fortunately, the law is on your side—especially when you have the right legal representation. At Adamson Ahdoot, our team of California reckless driving attorneys has more than 100 years of combined legal experience and a proven track record of securing the compensation our clients deserve.

Keep reading to discover alarming statistics on reckless driving, understand your legal rights and options, learn why hiring an experienced lawyer matters, and see real case results we’ve obtained for past clients.

If you or a loved one has been injured by careless driving, contact us today. Call (800) 310-1606 or submit an online consultation request to explore your legal options for free.

What Is Considered Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving involves behavior that shows a disregard for the safety of others on the road. Also known as careless or negligent driving, this dangerous behavior poses a direct threat to the lives and well-being of all roadway users. It often results in serious accidents that can lead to severe injury or death.

Reckless Driving Under California Law

According to California Vehicle Code Section 23103, reckless driving is defined by state law as follows:

In other words, the driver acts negligently despite being fully aware of the risks their behavior poses.

Common Examples

• Excessively exceeding the speed limit.
• Running red lights or stop signs.
• Making aggressive or sudden lane changes without signaling.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Engaging in illegal street racing.

Reckless Driving Causes Thousands of Accidents Every Year

According to a recent study, California currently ranks third among U.S. states with the worst drivers. While this ranking is largely due to the high number of DUI arrests, it also highlights a deeper issue: widespread reckless driving throughout the state.

Recent data reveals an alarming trend: several California cities rank among the most dangerous in the nation for reckless driving. QuoteWizard’s analysis of 70 major U.S. cities, based on speeding tickets, red-light violations, and other risky driving behaviors, placed five California cities in the top ten.

• Riverside ranked 3rd.
• Fresno and Sacramento ranked 5th and 6th, respectively.
• Bakersfield and Los Angeles followed closely behind in 7th and 10th place.

Impact on the Community

Reckless driving hasn’t gone unnoticed by California residents. A survey conducted by UC Berkeley revealed that 19.7% of respondents identified reckless driving and speeding as the greatest threats to road safety.

Although speeding-related incidents have declined slightly over the past decade, the consequences remain devastating. In 2021 alone, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities nationwide, highlighting the persistent danger this behavior poses to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.

Who Is Liable in a Reckless Driving Accident?

Now that we’ve defined reckless driving and examined its impact, it’s important to explore the legal implications.

Establishing liability in a reckless driving accident is generally straightforward, especially with an experienced legal team equipped with the right tools, technical resources, and expert support. Since reckless driving is a clear form of negligence, fault is often directly and clearly attributed.

Typically, the reckless driver is held liable for the accident and resulting damages. However, every case is different, and several factors can influence liability. These may include the location of the crash, the availability and strength of the evidence, and whether the vehicle involved was owned by a company or a third party.

Legal Implications for the At-Fault Driver

A driver found at fault for a reckless driving accident is legally responsible for compensating the victim for injuries, property damage, and other losses. The amount of compensation awarded varies depending on the severity of the accident and the legal strategy employed.

Additionally, because reckless driving is classified as a misdemeanor in California, the at-fault driver may also face criminal penalties. These can include monetary fines, points added to their driving record, license suspension, and even jail time.

While this legal information is accurate, every accident is different. Determining legal responsibility with certainty requires the insight of an experienced reckless driving accident lawyer. At Adamson Ahdoot, our skilled legal team has the knowledge and resources to thoroughly assess your situation, identify all liable parties, and build a strong case on your behalf.

With the right legal support, you can safeguard your rights and protect your family’s future during this challenging time.

Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Reckless Driving Accident

Although proving reckless driving may seem straightforward, the subsequent legal process is often anything but simple. Without proper legal representation, even clear cases of negligence may not result in the compensation you deserve.

Liability alone is not enough. If the evidence isn’t presented persuasively or the legal strategy isn’t strong, you risk receiving less than you deserve. That’s where the experienced team at Adamson Ahdoot comes in. Our car accident attorneys are committed to ensuring that your case is handled with skill and attention.

In addition to gathering the necessary evidence to prove that the other driver was at fault, our personal injury lawyers will:

• Maximize the compensation you may be entitled to.
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
• Represent you in court if your case goes to trial.
• Coordinate your medical care and connect you with recovery resources.
• Manage all legal aspects of your case to alleviate your stress.
• Protect your rights throughout the entire legal process.
• Thoroughly assess all damages to ensure no losses are overlooked.

Real Settlements and Cases Won by Adamson Ahdoot

If you are injured in a reckless driving accident, choosing the right lawyer is crucial. You need attorneys who not only have legal knowledge and determination but also specialize in dangerous driving cases.

Studies show that victims with quality legal representation receive up to 3.5 times more compensation than those who pursue their claims alone or with inexperienced lawyers.

Due to California’s high rate of reckless driving accidents, Adamson Ahdoot has developed a proven track record of successfully representing injured victims. Our legal team has secured substantial settlements, including:

• $2.8 million for a rear-end accident caused by speeding.
• $2.2 million following a collision caused by a negligent driver at an intersection.
• $1.9 million for a high-speed rear-end crash.
• $1.55 million for a collision after an at-fault driver ran a stop sign.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Were you injured by a careless driver? If so, don’t face it alone: contact a reckless driving accident lawyer at Adamson Ahdoot today. Our legal team will review your case in detail, provide a clear and personalized legal evaluation, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Don’t let the at-fault driver go unpunished. Get the compensation you are entitled to with the help of one of California’s most experienced legal team in reckless driving cases.

Our bilingual legal team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and support you throughout the process. Get your free consultation now by calling us at (800) 310-1606 or submitting your request online.