Despite driving with the utmost care for other motorists, reckless drivers can cause vehicle accidents in Kansas City. Although Missouri law does not specifically refer to the act of reckless driving, there are legal penalties for careless and imprudent driving, which are similar to reckless driving violations in other states. If you were injured due to a reckless driver, you may seek monetary compensation through a reckless driving accident claim.
Our team at Goza & Honnold understands how significantly a reckless driving accident can impact your life long term. If you sustained injuries and other accident-related losses due to a driver without concern for the safety of other drivers and pedestrians, we fight to hold them accountable for their negligence. As award-winning reckless driving accident lawyers, we are prepared to guide you through the legal process and offer professional legal counsel every step of the way.
What Is Reckless Driving in Kansas City?
Missouri law mandates drivers to uphold the highest degree of care when they are behind the wheel, which means they must drive in a careful and prudent manner at all times. If a motorist is driving unsafely, it may be a violation of the law. In an accident, a responding officer may charge the at-fault driver with a careless and imprudent driving violation.
The following are examples of reckless driving in Kansas City:
- Speeding where you may be endangering other persons or property
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Road rage or aggressive driving
- Street racing
- Dangerously passing
- Tailgating
- Ignoring traffic signs or signals
If an at-fault driver caused an accident due to reckless driving, they may face severe penalties. Depending on the jurisdiction, they may receive a four-point penalty on their driving record and be charged with a class B misdemeanor. If convicted, they may receive up to six months in jail or $1,000 in fines. An accident involving safe and imprudent driving may result in a Class A misdemeanor, which means penalties of up to a year in jail or $2,000 in fines.
Liability in a Reckless Driving Accident in Kansas City
If you were injured by a reckless driver in Kansas City, you may hold them liable for accident injuries and accident-related losses. In order to prove fault in a reckless driving accident claim, you must provide the following evidence:
- Police report, which may include the at-fault driver’s violation
- Witness testimony
- Medical bills and other documentation pertaining to the accident
- Photos and videos of the accident scene, including dash cams or surveillance footage
- Testimony from expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists or medical experts
- Physical evidence from the accident
Determining fault in a reckless driving accident may be challenging without the help of a seasoned reckless driving accident lawyer. Our reckless driving accident attorneys at Goza & Honnold are well-versed in conducting extensive investigations to determine negligence and the cause of your accident-related injuries.
If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover compensation under Missouri pure comparative fault laws. However, it may be reduced by your percentage of fault for the accident. Working with a reckless driving lawyer is imperative to mitigate any legal challenges and to bolster your chances of obtaining maximum compensation.
Compensation in a Successful Reckless Driving Accident Claim
In a successful reckless driving accident claim, you may be eligible to recover monetary compensation for economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages account for your measurable losses, whereas non-economic damages are more subjective.
In a reckless driving accident claim, you may be compensated for the following losses:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages in exceptional cases
The Kansas City reckless driving accident lawyers at Goza & Honnold can help evaluate the value of your claim and maximize your potential compensation. With our track record of success, we have recovered millions for clients affected by negligence.
Speak With the Kansas City Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers at Goza & Honnold
Reckless drivers can cause significant harm due to their disregard for other motorists’ safety. If you have been injured in a reckless driving accident, the Kansas City personal injury lawyers at Goza & Honnold can help you hold them accountable for their negligence. We are seasoned trial lawyers with a local and national track record of success. We have helped reckless driving accident victims recover complete and fair compensation by handling all aspects of their claims, from initial consultation to trial.
You should not have to cover the financial costs of someone else’s negligence. We help you fight for the justice you deserve for the suffering caused by a negligent driver. Speak with one of our Kansas City reckless driving accident lawyers today by calling (913) 451-3433 or filling out our contact form.