Reckless Driving and Car Accidents in Brevard County
The vast majority of auto accidents happen on account of human error. Drivers are not perfect and mistakes happen. However, reckless driving is an entirely different problem. Reckless drivers know what they are doing and do it anyway. This can include driving at excessive speeds, ignoring traffic signals, not accounting for pedestrians, along with a host of other harmful and avoidable behaviors.
Victims of auto accidents and reckless driving would be wise to set up a consultation with Steve Charpentier and the team of experienced personal injury lawyers at Charpentier Law Firm, P.A. in Melbourne, FL. We understand that auto accidents are a painful ordeal. That is why we work diligently to win full compensation for our clients.
What Constitutes Reckless Driving?
Between two and three million Americans get injured in car accidents every year. Even when no one is hurt, car accidents usually result in property damage. Many of these accidents come at the hands of reckless drivers. In Florida, "willful or wanton” disregard is the standard for reckless driving. In other words, drivers must know what they are doing and act with purpose. Reckless driving can result in a misdemeanor or felony offense, largely depending on whether serious injury occurred. Here are some examples of reckless driving:
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Excessive speeding
- Drunk driving
- Improper passing or lane changes
- Wrong way driving
- Failure to attempt to avoid a collision (for example, not reducing speed ahead of impact)
- Failure to account for pedestrians
How Can I Reduce My Chances of Getting Hurt?
There are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood you will become victim to another driver’s willful disregard. They include:
- Keep a safe distance: You can only control your own actions on the road. It is wise to keep ample space between you and another driver should the other driver attempt to pass you illegally, merge into your lane without signaling, or make another aggressive maneuver. Keeping a safe distance can save your life, or at the very least, help you avoid serious injury and property damage.
- Keep an eye on your surroundings: Check your rear and side view mirrors regularly to see where you are in relation to other drivers. Keep a watchful eye for drivers who speed, cut off other cars, and weave through traffic.
- Keep your hands positioned properly: Sometimes we forget the basics. When you were taught to drive, chances are you learned to keep your hands in the ten and two positions. Doing so will give you the best chance to evade a reckless driver heading right at you.
Get Help With Your Car Accident Case
Although Florida is a no-fault state, reckless drivers can be held responsible for full financial compensation if their actions lead to death or serious injury. If you have been seriously injured by a reckless driver, it is important to understand your options. Attorney Steve Charpentier and the team at Charpentier Law Firm, P.A. have an excellent track record in helping clients receive full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. To learn more about our personal injury services, visit us online or call 321-308-8020 today.
WE HAVE A HISTORY OF SUCCESS
IN BREVARD COUNTY
Over the past 40-plus years of helping Brevard County's injured and mistreated, our firm has obtained some $65 million in recoveries on behalf of our clients, highlighted by an $15.5 million product liability award.
The team at Charpentier Law Firm has the negotiation skills to reach favorable settlements in many cases, but also has the experience and perseverance to try a case to verdict whenever it is in the best interests of our clients. Our history of success illustrates our dedication to our clients and their pursuit of justice. Our personal injury attorneys in Melbourne, Titusville, and Cocoa are proud to offer superior legal representation to victims and their families throughout Brevard County and Central Florida.