Injuries and reckless drivers

March 2, 2023 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Reckless driving takes many forms, and virtually all types of dangerous driving could fit the legal definition of recklessness. Under some circumstances, accident victims may be able to seek compensation for their injuries in a Florida civil courtroom.

Reckless driving behaviors and consequences

Anyone engaged in reckless driving displays little or no regard for their safety or the safety of others. Ignoring traffic laws and driving aggressively increases the chances of an accident and could increase the severity of injuries. For example, the impact created by a vehicle traveling 30 miles per hour over the speed limit may inflict severe harm upon crashing.

Besides speeding, tailgating, lane-splitting, cutting other drivers off, making turns without signaling and driving under the influence are all examples of reckless driving. Motor vehicle accidents caused by such behaviors might involve multiple cars and victims.

Potential injuries

Rear-end, head-on and other motor vehicle crashes could leave victims with catastrophic, life-threatening injuries. The same could be true when a reckless driver hits a bicyclist or pedestrian since the vehicle’s weight may crush the victim. Traumatic brain injuries might result when someone gets knocked to the ground after getting hit by a car. Fractures, concussions and damage to internal organs are all possible when someone is hit by a reckless driver.

Victims could face high medical bills even when they have health insurance. The insurance might not cover all the necessary procedures, and there could be out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, the victim might require rehab and other post-care costs that could be significant. Filing a civil claim might help victims minimize the financial impact of the necessary care.


Jared K. Newman Esq. is the Managing Partner of the Personal Injury division at South Florida Law, PLLC. Mr. Newman is an experienced civil litigation attorney who has dedicated his practice to representing those injured while driving, walking, at work or elsewhere due to the negligence of others. He is an experienced advocate for his clients against insurance companies that refuse to pay fair and just compensation for the injuries caused by their insureds. His expertise in litigation rounds out the capabilities that form the personal injury practice area of the firm. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, he received his bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. Mr. Newman has been a member of the Florida Bar since 2010.