We’ve all been there: Somebody is tailgating so closely to your car you can’t even see their running lights. Many of us have also witnessed vehicles that dodge and weave through highway traffic at such an alarming speed it makes you fear for your safety. You may have wondered if there are laws against such consciously unsafe driving practices. Certainly, it would be a public safety hazard if anyone could drive any way they wanted!
Indeed, under the law, reckless driving can lead to significant legal consequences. If you feel you’ve been victimized by another person’s reckless driving – especially if it’s led to an auto accident or injury – it’s best to speak to a trained car accident lawyer to determine if you have a viable case.
Before you schedule a consultation, it can be helpful to examine what constitutes reckless driving in the first place. Let’s go over the basics.
Reckless Driving: A State-Specific Offense
While all states have laws in place regarding unsafe driving practices, the penalties and definitions surrounding these practices vary. It’s important to consult with a state-specific car injury lawyer to determine the exact viability of your potential case.
In Minnesota 2019 statutes, reckless driving is clearly differentiated from careless driving. For driving to be considered reckless, the law dictates that the driver must be aware of and disregard the risk that their driving could lead to somebody else’s harm or could damage somebody else’s property. On the other hand, careless driving simply requires that the driver disregard the rights of others, or operates their vehicle in such a way that could cause damage to people (including drivers and passengers) or property.
● Reckless driving that results in injury or death to another is a gross misdemeanor. Under Minnesota law, if reckless driving occurred and nobody was hurt, the act still is a misdemeanor.
● Racing vehicles can be considered reckless driving in Minnesota. If the contestants use any street or highway, it’s considered reckless. This rule is in play regardless of whether speed limits were obeyed or not.
● The statutes also dictate additional locations where reckless driving laws come into play. It’s always best to talk to a renowned car crash injury lawyer to see if your case is covered under the law.
Hurt by a Reckless Driver? JD Haas is Here to Help
Were you or a loved one hurt in an accident? Do you believe that someone else is at fault? Contact JD Haas & Associates, PLLC for a free case evaluation. We understand car crashes can be traumatizing and stressful. With compassionate service and an attentive listening ear, we hope to make the legal process as easy and comfortable as possible. Give us a call now at (952) 234-2925. In addition to Minneapolis, we also serve Saint Paul, Bloomington, and Rochester.
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