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The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. Your trusted legal advisors since 1976

Tampa Reckless Driving Lawyer

Speeding, swerving in and out of lanes, running red lights, and passing stopped school buses can all be forms of reckless driving. Reckless driving is a major cause of collisions here in Florida, and many of the resulting collisions leave victims with tremendous medical bills, debilitating injuries, and expensive property damage. You can be compensated for these damages, as well as pain and suffering, loss of joy of life, and more. Our Tampa reckless driving lawyers can help you reach a desirable settlement, or take the other side to court and settle the matter in trial. The Matassini Law Firm is here for you during these difficult times.

Reckless Driving, According to Florida Law

Reckless driving is often confused with careless driving. In fact, if you were injured by another driver, their actions can seem incredibly reckless to you, yet still be classified as merely “careless,” which carries a much lower traffic penalty than careless driving. In order for the at-fault driver to be charged with reckless driving, their irresponsible driving actions must fit a very specific set of criteria. Florida law defines reckless driving as driving a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property or who flees from the police in a motor vehicle. Examples of potential reckless driving include:

  • Speeding 20+miles per hour over the speed limit;
  • Aggressively tailgating to intimidate another driver;
  • Erratic lane changing;
  • Ignoring traffic signals;
  • Passing a school bus that is stopped;
  • Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; and
  •  More.

Unfortunately, reckless drivers are allowed back on the roads with little to no serious penalties. It is very uncommon for a reckless driver, or drunk driver, to lose their license for any long period of time. As such, repeat offenders are free to cruise the streets, causing collisions and serious injuries to innocent drivers, occupants, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.

How Does the Other Driver’s Reckless Driving Impact My Personal Injury Claim?

Reckless driving comes with criminal charges, but that is separate from a personal injury claim. Personal injury claims are dealt with in the civil courts and an injured party can file a claim even if the liable driver is not convicted of reckless driving. However, if the other driver is cited with reckless driving, it increases their chances of being held 100 percent liable in a personal injury claim, which is good news for you. Florida adheres to the doctrine of comparative negligence, which means that any degree of fault that you may have can be deducted from your overall compensation. Reducing or eliminating this degree of fault, or liability, is important in personal injury claims to ensure that you walk away with everything that you are owed.

Contact A Tampa Reckless Driving Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you were injured in any type of collision, you need to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that you are properly compensated. The reckless driving personal injury attorneys at the Matassini Law Firm are here for you in your time of need. Call us at  813-217-5715 to schedule a free consultation.

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