Did you get hurt after being hit by a reckless driver? These car crashes typically put victims in a position where they’re dealing with serious injuries, expensive bills, and a sense of injustice that no one should have to face all by themselves.
The good news is you don’t have to figure everything out on your own, especially with Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers on your side. As your reckless driving lawyer in Kansas City, we will always advocate for your rights and defend you against predatory insurance practices.
With 45 years of combined experience, our attorneys understand what to look out for in these cases and how to move through the legal process with confidence.
We’ve recovered more than $1 billion, and you can trust us to pursue justice as your Kansas City car accident lawyer.
What Counts as Reckless Driving?
When another driver behaves with disregard for the safety of others, their actions may legally qualify as reckless driving. These behaviors are not just violations of traffic laws. They can lead to life-changing accidents and serious harm for innocent people on the road.
These are common examples of reckless driving that often lead to collisions:
- Speeding excessively, especially in unsafe conditions
- Weaving through traffic or changing lanes without signaling
- Tailgating aggressively
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Passing on curves or in no-passing zones
- Driving distracted or impaired
These behaviors are particularly dangerous in already sensitive areas like school zones, construction sites, or dense neighborhoods.
If you were injured because another driver engaged in any of these actions, that driver may be held legally responsible for your damages. A Kansas City personal injury lawyer can investigate the crash, gather evidence on your behalf, and hold the reckless party accountable.
The Legal Consequences for the Driver and What That Means for You
In Missouri, reckless driving is a Class B misdemeanor, and drivers found guilty can face penalties such as:
- Up to six months in jail
- Fines of up to $500, if not more
- Points added to their driver’s license
- Higher auto insurance rates
- Potential license suspension
While these are criminal consequences for the reckless driver, they do not cover the harm you suffered as the victim. That’s where a civil claim comes into the picture.
As an injured victim, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the following losses or consequences of the collision:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
Even if the at-fault driver faces criminal charges, it’s important to have your own legal representation to pursue full civil compensation on your behalf.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
How Courts Determine Recklessness
In a civil case, proving reckless driving means showing that the driver’s actions went beyond simple negligence. It also involves proving that they exhibited a willful disregard for the safety of others.
To build a strong case, your lawyer will likely examine the following factors:
- The driver’s speed at the time of the crash
- Weather and road conditions
- Traffic patterns
- Visibility and lighting
- Whether the driver had a history of similar offenses
Objective evidence—such as dashcam footage, speed reports, or traffic tickets—and subjective elements—like witness testimony or patterns of aggressive driving—can both be used to show that the at-fault driver behaved recklessly and caused your injuries.
How Reckless Driving Causes Accidents and Results in Injuries
Reckless driving often leads to high-impact, violent collisions because the driver is ignoring basic rules of road safety. As a result, victims like you may suffer from:
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Permanent disability
In many cases, the at-fault driver walks away with little or no injury, while victims face months or years of recovery. These accidents can also lead to long-term emotional trauma and serious financial hardship.
With a Kansas City reckless driving attorney by your side, your lawyer will work with investigators, speak to accident reconstructionists, and meet with medical professionals to fully understand how the crash happened and what your recovery will require.
Insurance Issues for Victims of Reckless Drivers
After an accident, insurance companies often try to minimize how much they pay victims—even if it has been proven that the driver they provide insurance coverage for acted recklessly and caused the collision.
These are predatory practices your Kansas City reckless driving lawyer will look out for when negotiating with insurers on your behalf:
- Disputing liability
- Blaming you for part of the crash
- Delaying or denying your claim
- Offering a lowball settlement
Your Kansas City reckless driving attorneys won’t let them take advantage of you. At Foster Wallace, we know how to push back against these tactics and make sure you’re treated fairly. We’ll handle all communication with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
You can also trust us to fight for the compensation you’re owed. Keep in mind that reckless driving can also affect how insurance companies evaluate your claims.
If the liable driver has a history of violations or was cited at the scene, this can increase the odds of a favorable outcome.
Call Our Kansas City Reckless Driving Law Firm Today
If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a collision caused by recklessness, you may be feeling uncertain about what to do next or where to turn. At Foster Wallace, we want to remind you that you do not have to face these circumstances all alone.
As your reckless driving lawyers in Kansas City, you can count on us to make sure your rights are respected, upheld, and protected at all times.
We’ll make it our mission to pursue fair compensation on your behalf. Contact us today for more information.
