Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer
Reckless driving motor vehicle accidents can cause extreme frustration, stress, and fear. In such a challenging time, negotiating with insurance companies or calculating damages is the furthest thing from your mind. A reckless driving accident lawyer from Grissim & Waterman is here to help you get back to normal life through compassionate and experienced legal representation. Contact us for a free consultation, and let us handle the paperwork.
Holding Dangerous Drivers Accountable After a Car Accident
Knowing what to do after a car accident that wasn’t your fault is crucial to seeking compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage. Get photos of the accident scene and of your injuries before calling the police and filing a report. You should also seek medical treatment as soon as possible at an emergency room, such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Once you’re safe, call a car accident lawyer. We will investigate the accident, prove the reckless driver was liable, and negotiate fair compensation with the insurance adjusters.
What Is Legally Considered Reckless Driving in Tennessee?
Tennessee law defines reckless driving as operating any motor vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property” (TN Code ยง 55-10-205). It is classified as a Class B Misdemeanor, and if an auto accident occurs, it can result in jail time or fines.
Common Examples on Nashville Roads
Excessive Speeding: In general, 25 miles above the speed limit is considered excessive speeding. Drivers on Briley Parkway may rush to their destination without concern for fellow motorists.
Weaving Between Lanes: Drivers frustrated at tourists along West End Avenue may weave in and out of traffic, trying to avoid slower motorists.
Tailgaiting: I-40 is always congested, but reckless drivers may try to force others to speed up by staying on their bumper.
Street Racing: Drag racing is strictly forbidden, but some drivers may try to race along Old Hickory Boulevard. This form of reckless driving can result in catastrophic injuries for innocent accident victims, including traumatic brain injuries and broken bones.
Road Rage: Encountering road rage can be truly terrifying, especially on dangerous corridors like Nolensville Pike. Not only may this result in personal injury from a crash, but perpetrators may also cause property damage, such as hitting doors or smashing windows.
The Link Between Reckless Driving and Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is always reckless driving, even if the person does not receive a DUI. Not only does alcohol slow reaction times and impair judgment, but it can also make it harder for the person to gauge how fast they are going. If the liable party was intoxicated, our reckless driving accident lawyers can use that as proof of negligence.
Proving the Other Driver Was at Fault
To recover compensation, our personal injury lawyers must show that the other party was primarily liable. We will use strong evidence, such as:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Surveillance and dash cam footage
- Vehicle data, like speed and braking patterns
- Breathalyzer reports, if applicable
- Accident diagrams and reconstructions
- Expert testimony
Securing Fair Compensation for Your Injuries and Losses
You may receive both special and general damages. Special damages cover your financial losses from the accident, which can include:
- Medical bills
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages
- Property damage
General damages consider how the accident has affected you overall, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
For fatal reckless driving crashes, loved ones can seek damages for funeral and burial expenses, grief, and loss of companionship.
Why You Need an Experienced Nashville Accident Lawyer
An attorney is crucial for your case, as these types of claims are often eligible for both compensatory and punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are meant to punish someone for egregious conduct, such as a severe accident that causes traumatic brain injuries.
Our personal injury lawyers can build a case that accurately reflects the tremendous impact this accident has had on your life. We will also show that the accident could have been avoided if the defendant had behaved responsibly.
How Our Legal Team Investigates Your Case
Our Nashville personal injury attorneys will meticulously investigate your car accident claim and ensure you have the best possible chance of fair compensation. This includes the following steps:
- Identify liable parties
- Gather evidence, such as police reports and medical records
- Evaluate damages, including medical expenses and lost income
- File a demand letter with the insurance carrier
- Negotiate for fair compensation based on your damages
- If necessary, file a lawsuit with the Davidson County Circuit Court
We handle all third-party communications and document management, helping to alleviate your stress during this painful time.
Contact Our Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a reckless driving accident, you deserve justice. With decades of experience in Middle Tennessee, our Nashville law firm provides skilled and compassionate legal representation. Call us at 615-255-9999 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal rights.
