Most of us have encountered a reckless driver at some point in Tampa whether they were traveling at high speeds and weaving in and out of traffic on Hillsborough or running red lights on Florida Avenue.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of the negligence of a reckless driver, you have the right to hold that person responsible for their reckless behavior with a car accident claim. A Tampa reckless driving accident lawyer is here to help. At Distasio Law Firm, we understand that car accidents can be traumatic. We also understand that the thought of pursuing compensation for your personal injuries while you are still healing can be overwhelming.
While we cannot turn back time and stop your car wreck from happening, our experienced Tampa car accident attorneys can build a strong case to pursue financial relief afterwards and file a lawsuit if necessary. We can investigate the collision, determine liability, and negotiate with the at fault driver’s (defendant) lawyers or the insurance company to pursue compensation for your accident injuries in your car accident case when someone drives recklessly and causes injury.
FACTS ABOUT RECKLESS DRIVING IN FLORIDA
Florida Statute Chapter 316 § 192 defines reckless drivers as “any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
It is a moving violation that can include behaviors like:
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to use signals when changing lanes
- Speeding
- Failing to stop at traffic lights or signs
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Failing to use lights at night
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COMMON CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES CAUSED BY RECKLESS DRIVERS
There are several types of injuries that victims sustain after reckless driving wrecks in Tampa, including:
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES (TBIS)
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), often referred to as concussions in their milder form, can occur because of a sudden jolt or blow to the head. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that vehicle accidents are the second-leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations in the United States at 20%.
While many victims may only experience mild symptoms like headaches or momentary loss of consciousness, many others experience more severe symptoms, such as cognitive impairments and changes in behavior. Some victims even have to re-learn everyday behaviors after a TBI.
SPINAL CORD INJURIES
Spinal cord injuries can be catastrophic for car accident victims. Because the spinal cord is responsible for delivering messages from the brain to other parts of the body, any damage to the spinal cord can impair the body’s ability to function properly. This type of injury can cause loss of sensation or loss of mobility in the limbs. Though some people are able to live full and productive lives after a spinal cord injury, the unfortunate truth is that most people will require the use of wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices.
INTERNAL BLEEDING
Internal bleeding is a symptom of other trauma that has occurred to the body. It can lead to life-threatening injuries of its own if left untreated. While the body can heal minor ruptures, severe hemorrhaging—like what someone may experience after being in a car crash—can lead to external bleeding, seizures, organ failure, coma, and eventually, death. What makes these injuries particularly dangerous is the victims often do not know they are bleeding, as the injury may not be readily visible, which is why it is always important to be evaluated by a medical professional after a serious accident.
BROKEN BONES
Broken bones are relatively common in car accidents because of the force created on impact during a collision. This type of injury is typically not serious and will usually heal properly after treatment by a medical professional. However, complications can arise. If the broken bone breaks through the skin, for example, it creates a possibility for severe bleeding and infection. If the person who has broken a bone is a young child, there is the possibility that the bone may grow unevenly in relationship to other bones.
KNEE INJURIES
Knee ligament injuries can also occur in car accidents. The most common type of ligament injury is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Tears of the ACL can cause sudden, severe pain or make it difficult to walk properly. People with this type of injury may even find that their knee suddenly gives out on them, and they fall. Any ACL injury can create severe pain for the victim, and they often require surgery and extensive rest to heal properly.
If you are experiencing any of these injuries or something else because of an accident involving a reckless driver, you have the right to hold them responsible for their actions. A Tampa reckless driving collision attorney is here to help. Contact us today for a free review of your case.
RECOVERABLE COMPENSATORY DAMAGES AFTER A RECKLESS DRIVING WRECK
Every case is different, so our Tampa lawyers cannot estimate the specific types of damages you may receive after your accident caused by a reckless driver. However, we have worked on many cases like these before, and some common types of damages include, but are not limited to:
- Medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Future wages if you cannot return to work
- Disfigurement or dismemberment
- Property damage
If your family member did not survive the wreck, your family may be able to recover:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs left to the family to pay
- Lost wages and benefits previously provided by the deceased
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of support and protection
While rare, in some cases, the court may award punitive damages. These damages do not provide further relief to the plaintiff, but rather punish the defendant for grossly negligent behavior. Again, these damages are uncommon, but they can be awarded in reckless driving accidents depending on the circumstances involved in the case.
CONTACT A TAMPA RECKLESS DRIVING ACCIDENT ATTORNEY FOR HELP TODAY
A Tampa reckless driving accident lawyer at Distasio Law Firm is here to help you pursue compensation for your accident while you focus on recovering from your accident injuries. We can gather evidence and investigate the details of your case, establish liability and calculate the full value of your injuries, and negotiate to pursue a fair settlement for you. For a free, no-risk review of your personal injury case, contact our Tampa car accident lawyers today.
