What Is Considered Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving isn’t just a simple mistake—it’s a dangerous choice that puts everyone on the road at risk. While most drivers try to follow the rules, reckless drivers often ignore them, engaging in behaviors such as speeding, weaving through traffic, or driving aggressively in ways that can cause serious harm and lead to car accidents.

If you were injured because of a reckless driver in Seattle, you may be entitled to compensation. Since every state defines reckless driving differently, here’s what you need to know about how Washington law handles these cases.

What Is Reckless Driving in Seattle?

Washington law defines reckless driving as the operation of a vehicle “in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This is not mere carelessness or negligence. Willful conduct is intentional conduct. The driver knowingly and intentionally operated their vehicle in this manner.

Wanton conduct means that the driver disregarded the effects of their behavior. In other words, they knew their behavior was exceptionally dangerous, yet they decided to behave in that manner anyway.

What Penalties Can You Face for Reckless Driving?

One important distinction here is that reckless driving is a criminal offense. It is not a simple traffic violation. 

This means that drivers who are convicted of reckless driving may face:

• Fines
• Jail time
• License points
• License suspension
• Speed limiting devices
• Ignition interlock devices (if alcohol was a factor)
• SR-22 insurance requirements

Drivers convicted of reckless driving will also have a criminal record. This can also affect your insurance rates and future employment opportunities.

What Is Considered Reckless Driving?

There are no specific elements that must be present for a reckless driving charge to occur. If the officer determines that the driver’s conduct met the definition of reckless driving, then they may decide to charge the driver. 

For instance, driving 5 miles per hour over the speed limit would likely result in a simple speeding ticket. However, driving 30 miles per hour over the speed limit may be enough to warrant a reckless driving charge.

Some of the factors that may be considered when deciding whether reckless driving has occurred are:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Unsafe lane changes
• Failure to yield
• Passing outside legal driving lanes
• Passing in blind curves
• Racing
• Running red lights

The more of these behaviors that are present, the more likely it is that reckless driving charges will occur. When vehicles travel at high speeds, accidents are much more likely. Plus, victims who are injured in car accidents involving excessive speed may suffer more severe injuries.

What Are Some Common Injuries Resulting from Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving accidents often have catastrophic consequences. 

Victims who are hurt in these accidents may face severe injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Severe burns
• Wrongful death

Some reckless driving accident victims never fully recover from their injuries. These victims may be entitled to significant compensation as part of a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.

What Damages Are Available After a Reckless Driving Accident?

If you have been hurt in a reckless driving accident, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. 

This includes:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Lost benefits
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Diminished quality of life
• Loss of consortium
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

These damages help cover the financial and personal impact of the crash, and a lawyer can help determine the full value of your claim.

What Should I Do After a Reckless Driving Accident?

After the accident, seek immediate medical treatment for any injuries. Failure to get treated for your injuries could reduce the value of your claim. If you can, gather evidence from the scene, such as photos of the vehicles and contact information of any witnesses.

Notify the police so that they can respond to the scene and create an accident report. Notify your insurance company, but do not give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company without talking to an experienced personal injury lawyer. 

Your lawyer can help you navigate the legal claims process and help maximize the amount of compensation that you may be able to recover.

Contact the Seattle Car Accident Attorneys at Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

Reckless driving accidents can leave victims facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and long-term pain. You don’t have to handle these challenges alone. The Seattle car accident lawyers at Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can support you through every step of the recovery process.

If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and its surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:

Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 727 4000
Hours: Open 24/7