Reckless driving endangers everyone on the road, as drivers deliberately ignore safety laws by speeding, weaving through traffic, or running red lights. When these actions cause accidents, the consequences can be catastrophic, leaving victims with serious injuries and mounting medical bills.
If you’ve been hurt in a reckless driving accident in Maryland or the Laurel area, McGowan & Cecil, LLC will guide you through the recovery process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer.
What Is Reckless Driving?
Under Maryland law, reckless driving means operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others. This is more serious than negligent driving, which is usually unintentional. Reckless driving often involves behavior that shows conscious disregard for the rules of the road, such as:
- Excessive speeding
- Tailgating or aggressive lane changes
- Ignoring traffic signals or signs
- Street racing
Because these actions are intentional, the consequences are often more severe, and the responsible driver can face both civil and criminal penalties.
Common Causes of Reckless Driving Accidents in Maryland
Reckless driving can take many forms, but some patterns are pervasive on Maryland roads:
- Excessive Speeding–Driving more than 30 mph and at least 15 mph over the speed limit increases stopping distances and reduces reaction time.
- Aggressive Driving–Road rage, weaving through lanes, or sudden braking can trigger multi-vehicle collisions.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs–Intersections in Laurel, College Park, and other busy communities are frequent sites of T-bone crashes caused by reckless drivers.
These behaviors are entirely preventable, which makes the injuries they cause especially tragic.
Injuries Caused by Reckless Driving
Because reckless drivers often travel at high speeds or take aggressive actions, the injuries they cause are usually severe. Victims may experience:
- Whiplash or other soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries from violent impacts
- Severe cuts, bruises, or internal bleeding
Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists in Maryland and Laurel are particularly vulnerable when struck by reckless drivers, as they have little protection against a fast-moving vehicle.
Proving Reckless Driving in an Accident Claim
Establishing that another driver acted recklessly is essential for recovering compensation. Evidence may include:
- Police Reports–Officers often note whether reckless driving contributed to the crash.
- Witness Statements–Bystanders can confirm behaviors such as speeding or swerving.
- Video Footage–Dashcams, traffic cameras, or surveillance videos can capture reckless maneuvers.
- Accident Reconstruction–Experts can analyze vehicle damage, skid marks, and speed at impact.
Because Maryland follows the contributory negligence rule, victims must demonstrate that they were not at fault in any way. Strong evidence of the other driver’s recklessness is key to success.
Compensation Available to Victims
If you were injured by a reckless driver in Maryland or Laurel, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Long-term disability or permanent impairment
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life, which is why thorough documentation and legal support are critical.
How a Maryland Reckless Accident Lawyer Can Help
Reckless driving claims can be challenging because insurance companies often try to downplay the driver’s actions or shift blame onto the victim. A lawyer can:
- Investigate the crash and collect critical evidence
- Work with experts to reconstruct the accident
- Handle communication with insurance companies
- Build a strong case to prove liability and damages
- Pursue compensation through settlement or trial
Having a lawyer by your side ensures that your voice is heard and that your rights are protected throughout the process. That’s where McGowan & Cecil step in. We have decades of experience fighting for accident victims and will work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. You pay nothing to us until we recover for you.