Hit By A Reckless Driver? What Are My Options?

May 30, 2013 | By O'Connor Acciani & Levy
Hit By A Reckless Driver? What Are My Options?

A statistic from the Ohio Department of Public Safety exhibits there were 290,216 auto accidents throughout Ohio in 2011. As reckless drivers often demonstrate erratic driving behaviors, it is extremely difficult to drive safely around these individuals. This is a huge safety issue which affects everyone in the surrounding area and greatly increases the chance of an accident occurring. If you or member of your family has been injured in an accident caused by a reckless driver, our car accident attorneys believe the victim may find they are entitled to compensation for their losses and damages. Our attorneys are proud to represent members of this community with our legal guidance and will seek the maximum compensation benefits available in the court of law.

For more information, complete the Free Case Review form on this page Its 100% free or call our law offices today at (877) 288-3241.

Causes Of Reckless Driving In Ohio

Reckless driving can be displayed in a number of different forms; of course it typically involves an individual driving in disregard to their own safety or the safety of drivers in the surrounding area.  In most states, individuals who are caught reckless driving will receive a ticket, fined, and in some cases may risk losing their license. Some common causes of reckless driving include:
  • Drinking then driving
  • Failing to obey traffic signs
  • Failure to use turn signal
  • Fleeing law enforcement
  • Improper or excessive lane changing
  • Running a red light
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Taking drugs then driving
Drivers who are operating their vehicle around a reckless driver should treat them like any hazardous situation slowing our speed, increasing our distance, and abiding by all traffic laws.

Ohio Road Rage

In many cases, reckless driving will lead to road rage, however the difference is that reckless driving is a traffic offense, whereas road rage is a criminal offense. Road rage consists of inappropriate gestures, verbal insults, and the deliberate driving in a threatening or unsafe manner. Unfortunately, road rage may lead to assaults, collisions, and altercations, which often cause injuries or death. Some examples of road rage include:
  • Chasing other vehicles
  • Close tailgating
  • Cutting other drivers off in a lane
  • Excessive flashing of lights or horn
  • Getting out of your vehicle to confront another driver
  • Inappropriate gestures
  • Purposely causing a collision between automobiles
  • Sudden acceleration or braking
  • Throwing items at another automobile
  • Verbally assaulting another driver
Due to these out of the ordinary behaviors, it may cause long-lasting psychological and physical effects on an individual. Therefore, our attorneys are here to assist you though this difficult time.

How To Respond To Reckless Drivers

At one point or another, every driver will encounter reckless drivers. By recognizing how you can respond to these drivers will assist in keeping yourself and others safe across our Ohio roadways.  As responsible members of our community, our attorneys have gathered some helpful tips to keep you safe around these negligent and reckless drivers. Some responses to reckless driving include:
  • Avoid flashing your lights at these drivers
  • Avoid honking your horn at these drivers
  • By all means get out of these drivers way
  • Call the sheriff or police and report their driving behavior
  • Do not gesture or make eye contact with these drivers
  • Do not try to hold your own against these drivers
  • Make sure you and all passengers are wearing seatbelts
Of course, even the most defensive driving habits may not be able to help drivers avoid an accident due to some reckless driving behaviors.  These behaviors may lead to accidents and possible injuries or death.

Injuries Caused By Reckless Driving

Throughout our Ohio roadways, there were over 196,621 automobile accidents caused in 2011 due to reckless driving habits. This number clearly demonstrates the amount of reckless drivers who can affect our driving habits. Often times, these accidents will also lead to a variety of different types of injuries. Some injuries caused by reckless driving include:
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Concussion injuries
  • Facial injuries
  • Dental injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • Lacerations
  • Loss of limb
  • Rib and torso injuries
  • Seat belt injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Whiplash injuries
  • Wrist injuries
If you have been injured in a car accident with a negligent driver, it is imperative to get medical attention as soon as possible following the accident. This will not only assure your injuries have been properly taken care of, but these medical documents can also be used in the court of law against these negligent individuals.

Contact An Experienced Ohio Attorney

At O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, our Cincinnati personal injury attorneys will work tirelessly to achieve the maximum compensation benefits you deserve from your injuries, losses, and damages. Our attorneys have won millions in successful verdicts and settlements for our clients and will only charge you for our services if we recover for you. Being located in Columbus and Cincinnati, we have the ability to serve clients throughout the entire state of Ohio. Some of the areas locations we serve include:
  • Northside
  • Westwood
  • Indian Hill
  • Mt healthy
  • Johnstown
  • Sunbury
  • Westland
  • Hilltop

If you are interested in learning more about our law firm, our would like to schedule your free case consultation, we welcome you to contact us at (877) 288-3241 or complete the Free Case Evaluation form located on this page. It is completely free, confidential, and easy.