Around the world, reckless driving is a very common occurrence. It is sadly no different in Fort Myers. Driving recklessly includes anything from speeding to speaking on your cell phone while driving to not paying attention to the road in front of you. Under Florida law, you are supposed to at all times abide by the rules of the road, but sadly, driving recklessly accounts for a large portion of total accidents occurring per annum.
If you have been in a car accident where the other driver was driving recklessly, you are within your rights to file a claim and seek compensation for any damages you may have suffered as a result. This means that the services of a personal injury accident attorney will be needed. Our law firm in Fort Myers specializes in these types of cases and will be happy to take on your case for you.
Contact us today on (941) 444-4444 for a free consultation, and a lawyer from our legal team will advise and assist you.
How to Define Reckless Driving
Florida Statute 316.192 provides this direct definition for reckless driving: “any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
Therefore, reckless driving is quite a serious offense as it is intentionally and willfully choosing to disregard and jeopardize other people as well as yourself (as the driver) while operating a vehicle. It is, however, difficult to quantify reckless driving, and is often up to other parties to investigate and determine to what degree a driver behaved recklessly. You would also need to consider that drivers may drive carelessly and make mistakes while driving but not intentionally or outwardly put anyone at risk or outwardly break the law.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Fort Myers and think it has something to do with reckless driving, our law firm will do a full investigation to see what sort of case you may have. Our team has decades of experience, and we highly recommend seeking the advice of a legal expert, such as ourselves.
For a free legal consultation with a reckless driving accidents lawyer serving Fort Myers, call 941-444-4444
Examples of Reckless Driving in Fort Myers, Florida
In Fort Myers, all drivers are required to drive in accordance with the safety regulations and rules of the road as set out in Florida Statute 768.81. Furthermore, drivers are to assume a certain duty of care when using the roads to ensure everyone can have a safe and happy road using experience. However, driving recklessly is a common occurrence. Some examples of this include:
- Swerving in and out of traffic.
- Being a tailgater.
- Being distracted while driving, such as using your cellphone.
- Driving when intoxicated.
- Not stopping at red lights and stop signs.
- Driving without car lights on at night or during poor weather conditions.
- Passing other cars in a dangerous way.
- Not driving the speed limit and exceeding it.
- Illegally passing heavy-duty or bigger vehicles.
- Not yielding when you need to.
It is sometimes difficult to prove when a person has driven recklessly, and therefore, a proper investigation led by an experienced legal team is needed. Our law firm in Fort Myers has the expertise necessary to ensure your case is handled correctly and to achieve the most favorable outcome, especially where your injury is concerned.
Fort Myers Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me 941-444-4444
Expected Punishments for Reckless Diving Behavior
The fines for misdemeanors and felonies in Fort Myers, Florida, can be viewed under the Florida Statute 775.083. Driving recklessly is seen as a misdemeanor, and the punishment for that is:
- 90 days of jail time.
- A fine of up to $500.
- In some cases, both of the above.
Repeated offenders will receive harsher punishments such as hefty fines and more jail time.
When a reckless driver causes a car crash or accident and another driver or passenger is seriously injured, the driver who caused the accident can be charged with a serious offense. These will be worked out on a case by case basis but can go up to 5 years in jail with much larger fines.
If you have been in such an accident or know someone who has, you will require the services of an accident attorney in Fort Myers. The Law Place can offer you a free consultation to seek proper advice before making a decision to proceed. We urge you to get in touch today so that a legal professional can review your case.
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Reckless Driving in Young Adults
It has been found in Fort Myers that a lot of the reckless driving accidents that occur are those of young adult drivers. Of these drivers, more appear to be young males who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and as a result, are suffering from a temporal impairment that limits their inhibitions. The state is trying to be strict when it comes to these types of occurrences so they can be avoided.
Attempts at clamping down on young people in the hopes of reducing the number of young adults’ reckless and often inebriated driving are:
- Must comply with attending school.
- Zero tolerance for drinking and driving (it should be noted the legal drinking age in Florida is 21, and therefore teenagers are illegally drinking).
- Minors are not allowed to be in possession of tobacco or alcohol products.
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Compensation Available for Reckless Driving Accident Victims in Fort Myers
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash in Fort Myers, you are eligible to claim compensation. Some personal injury cases will be more complex than others, and having a proper legal guide by your side is necessary. Our law firm will also deal with insurance companies on your behalf to mitigate the stress of dealing with external parties. We highly recommend seeking proper legal advice from our dedicated team. We can assist you in claiming compensation for:
- Personal injury and associated medical bills (past, current, and future).
- Any rehabilitation needed and therapies.
- Pain and suffering referring to emotional and mental stress.
- Loss of income for your or a loved one who might have been in the car with you.
- Disability of any kind, such as paralysis.
After reviewing your case, our team will advise on what type of compensation you are eligible to claim.
How to Reduce the Risk of Being in a Reckless Car Accident in Fort Myers
Reckless driving is a serious offense that could lead to serious injury for those involved. With that said, there are people who drive recklessly and tend to disregard the law. You can do small, simple things to stay alert and avoid being in contact with these types of drivers so far as possible. When driving, try to do the following:
- Keep focused and avoid the fast lane unless you are using it to pass another car.
- Exercise caution always, be especially cautious around large vehicles. Employ the mirror rule (if you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you).
- Scan your rear-view and side mirrors frequently and remain alert of all around you at all times.
If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention and then to find a lawyer with integrity and experience to represent you so that you know what you are entitled to and the proper course of action when laying claims or filing a lawsuit.
Contact The Law Place Today!
Put the worries of the legal aspects in our hands. After a car accident, there is much stress involved. Whether it is emotional, physical, mental, or perhaps all of these, there is a lot for you to deal with. Let us take care of the legal aspects of your case while you focus on your recovery and adjusting to a new way of life.
If you have suffered any injury, you will need time to recuperate and likely could do without dealing with unnecessary paperwork. We are a dedicated team with years of experience within the law accident sphere.
Our lines are open 24/7 so that you can get the service you require as fast as possible without delay. Contact us today on (941) 444-4444, and one of our team members will assist you.
Call or text 941-444-4444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form