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Injured by a Reckless Driver? Contact Our Injury Lawyers Today
Reckless driving is a big problem in Las Vegas, especially with all the new drivers who refuse to adapt to Nevada's way of driving. This problem caught the attention of our Nevada law firm, the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm, which is why we seek to represent anyone who has been impacted by a reckless driver and fight for the settlement they deserve.
Call us today to learn more about how we can help and about getting started on your claim.
About Founding Attorney Rodney Okano
Attorney Rodney Okano is a skilled Nevada personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of experience in Nevada and personal injury law. With his expertise, he has helped thousands of people injured in accidents obtain the financial settlement they're entitled to.
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Defining Reckless Driving in Nevada
Under Nevada law, reckless driving is a motor-vehicle offense that requires a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others on public highways or roads.
It often includes excessive speed, unauthorized speed contests, illegal street racing, and other aggressive driving behaviors that endanger people or property. When a client is injured by reckless driving, my legal team and I review the specific circumstances and push for the highest degree of accountability from the reckless driver so our client gets compensated, so that the reckless driver never commits those acts again.
What Behaviors Meet the Legal Definition of Reckless Driving
Nevada law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with a willful disregard for safety. This includes excessive speeding, tailgating, erratic lane changes, running red lights, and ignoring traffic signals.
It also covers driving under the influence, egregious distracted driving, weaving through traffic, street racing, and road rage incidents. Each of these actions can trigger serious civil or criminal penalties under state law.
Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Reckless Driving Charges
In Nevada, a reckless driving offense can be charged as a misdemeanor, a gross misdemeanor, or felony reckless driving. A misdemeanor may carry fines of $250-$2,000, up to six months in county jail, 50-200 hours of community service, a 6-month-to-2-year suspension of driving privileges, and 15-30 days of vehicle impoundment.
A gross misdemeanor increases the fines and jail time. A felony reckless driving, often arising from high-speed or aggressive actions that cause death or serious injury, can result in 1-6 years in state prison, fines of $2,000-$5,000, and lasting effects on employment and license privileges.
Consequences of a Reckless Driving Conviction
Even though I'm a personal injury attorney serving the Las Vegas area, I have seen defendants whom I'm suing on behalf of my client facing reckless driving convictions, and I understand how a reckless driving charge can ripple through a person's life. The penalties go beyond fines, including license suspension, demerit points, higher insurance rates, and potential jail time for repeat or severe traffic violations. These repercussions also affect future employment and their own civil liability claims.
Impact on Your Driving Record
Reckless driving adds eight demerit points to a driver's driving record, and reaching 12 points in a year can trigger a license suspension. Also, insurers typically raise premiums after such violations, and repeated offenses may result in the cancellation of the driver's policy.
A felony conviction for reckless driving remains on a driver's file permanently, increasing legal and financial burdens.
Potential Penalties and Demerit Points
Reckless driving adds eight demerit points, a high amount that can quickly push drivers over the 12-point limit that triggers automatic license suspension.
Additionally, depending on how many times a driver was charged with reckless behavior, they may also face a jail term and fines that can reach $5,000. Luckily, attending traffic school or a victim impact panel can lower points, and a driver facing a reckless driving charge could work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to get reduced charges.
Compensation You Can Seek in a Reckless Driving Accident
Being a Las Vegas reckless driving attorney at the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm, I have provided legal assistance to countless victims seeking compensation after being injured by a reckless driver and understand the types of compensation these victims often get from claims against reckless drivers.
With help from a skilled lawyer and a strong case, you can expect to obtain compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (These are almost always awarded by the court in cases of reckless driving)
For a favorable outcome in your claim against a reckless driver, contact an experienced attorney from our firm today.
Insight into Working with a Nevada Reckless Driving Accident Attorney
Seeking help from a Las Vegas reckless accident attorney can significantly strengthen your personal injury claim, as they will coordinate evidence, witness statements, and legal strategy, ensuring that insurance companies pay you on time and fairly.
Also, they will
- Organize all medical and accident reports
- Develop an accident timeline
- Prepare for possible court proceedings
What to Expect During the Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation with an attorney, you can expect to review the details of the accident, such as when and where it occurred, the injuries sustained, and statements made by the other driver and witnesses.
Also, during a consultation, you'll be able to ask questions regarding the attorney's experience, fee structure, and any legal options they may have in mind for you.
How an Attorney Can Improve Your Case
An experienced Las Vegas attorney can build you a stronger and more valuable case by first identifying key evidence and legal angles relevant to the accident.
Next, they'll gather police reports, witness statements, and medical records, including details on the driving behavior of the reckless driver, such as whether they were intentionally cutting or engaging in an unauthorized speed contest.
Then they'll negotiate with insurers, aiming for fair compensation while avoiding premature settlements, and if negotiations stall, at your order, the attorney can prepare your case for trial.
Choosing the Right Representation
As a personal injury attorney in Las Vegas, I've seen how reckless driving cases unfold. Choosing legal representation that understands local courts, insurance tactics, and your personal needs can make all the difference. An experienced attorney, such as Attorney Rodney Okano, with proven results in reckless driving claims, can guide you through negotiations and potential litigation smoothly, even in the most severe cases.
Questions to Ask Potential Lawyers
When looking for a good attorney to handle your case, ask the following:
- How many reckless driving cases have you handled, and what were the outcomes?
- What evidence-gathering steps do you take before settlement negotiations?
- Will you take the case to court if the insurer refuses a fair offer?
- How comfortable are you with Nevada's reckless driving laws?
- What is your fee structure, and do you provide a free initial review?
These questions will give you a good idea of what type of attorney you are working with.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Before hiring Las Vegas car accident attorneys, watch for common red flags such as vague promises of guaranteed results, insisting on large upfront fees, or refusing to provide a clear fee schedule. If the attorney rarely answers calls or emails, it may signal poor communication.
A lack of local experience with severe reckless driving car accidents, often seen in out-of-state law firms, can hurt your case by failing to address the relevant law, using the correct experts, and navigating Nevada's court system. Also, look out for the lawyer who insists you cannot negotiate with insurers or offers unrealistic settlement expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reckless Driving Accident Cases
Is Careless Driving Less Serious?
Many people think careless driving is only a minor slip, but in Las Vegas, it can still be deemed reckless under Nevada law if the driver shows a willful disregard for safety.
Can a Passenger File a Claim?
Nevada law permits each injured passenger to file an individual claim for medical costs, pain, and emotional distress, even if they were in the car with the reckless driver.
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