Tulsa Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers
Legal help when you’re harmed by a reckless driver in Oklahoma
Driving a car is a big responsibility. When people choose to ignore the rules of the road, they put everyone in danger. Reckless driving is one of the riskiest behaviors a driver can engage in, and it’s certainly a problem here in Tulsa and throughout Oklahoma. It doesn’t matter whether it’s excessive speeding, tailgating, or running red lights – reckless driving increases the chances of serious accidents and life-threatening injuries.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident caused by a reckless driver, you do have legal options. At Biby Law Firm, our Tulsa car accident attorneys help victims hold reckless drivers accountable for their actions and fight for the compensation to which they’re entitled.
How can we help?
- What is reckless driving?
- What are some examples of reckless driving in Tulsa?
- What is the difference between reckless driving and negligent driving?
- What are the penalties for reckless driving in Oklahoma?
- What should I do if I’m injured by a Tulsa reckless driver?
- How can your Tulsa reckless driving accident lawyers help with my case?
- Do you have a Tulsa reckless driving accident lawyer near me?
What is reckless driving?
Reckless driving is when a driver is operating their vehicle in a way that shows a willful disregard for the safety of others. What this means is that the driver isn’t just making a simple mistake. They’re knowingly engaging in dangerous behavior that puts lives at risk.
Oklahoma law defines reckless driving as driving a vehicle “in a careless or wanton manner without regard for the safety of persons or property.” This makes it clear that reckless driving isn’t just about breaking traffic laws. It’s about endangering others on the road.
Reckless driving can lead to serious car accidents, including head-on collisions, multi-car pileups, and pedestrian accidents. When a reckless driver causes an accident, they can be held legally responsible for the damages and injuries they cause.
What are some examples of reckless driving in Tulsa?
Reckless driving can take a variety of forms, but some behaviors are more common than others. Some of the top ways drivers engage in reckless behavior on Tulsa roads include:
- Driving over the speed limit is one thing, but excessively speeding (like going 30+ mph over the limit) is reckless. Speeding reduces reaction times, increases stopping distance, and makes crashes far more severe.
- Following another vehicle too closely (tailgating) can be extremely dangerous. If the driver in front suddenly stops, a reckless tailgater won’t have enough time to brake, leading to a rear-end collision.
- Failing to obey stop signs or red lights can lead to deadly T-bone accidents at intersections. These types of crashes are especially dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians.
- Changing lanes without signaling, cutting off other drivers, or weaving through traffic at high speeds is reckless behavior that can easily lead to an accident.
- Honking, yelling, making rude gestures, or even intentionally swerving toward another vehicle are all signs of aggressive driving. When drivers let their tempers take over, they put everyone on the road at risk.
- Illegal street racing is reckless and highly dangerous. Racing at high speeds increases the chances of losing control of the vehicle and causing a devastating crash.
- Operating a vehicle while drunk or on drugs is another clear example of reckless driving. Drugs and alcohol impair judgment, slow reaction times, and make crashes more likely.
- Passing on a blind curve, ignoring no-passing signs, or crossing solid yellow lines to overtake other cars can lead to head-on collisions.
- Reckless drivers often fail to adjust their driving in bad weather. For example, speeding on icy roads, failing to use headlights in heavy rain, or ignoring foggy conditions can cause serious crashes.
No matter how your Tulsa car accident happened, the lawyers at Biby Law Firm can help you assign liability and seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
What is the difference between reckless driving and negligent driving?
Don’t confuse reckless driving with negligent driving. Under Oklahoma law, these are two separate offenses.
Negligent driving happens when someone makes a mistake or is careless but doesn’t necessarily intend to drive dangerously. For example, a driver who forgets to use their turn signal when changing lanes.
Reckless driving is more serious because it involves knowingly disregarding traffic laws and the safety of others. For example, a driver who aggressively weaves through traffic at high speeds, cutting people off.
The distinction between reckless and negligent driving matters when filing an accident claim. If a driver was merely negligent, you may still recover damages, but if they were reckless, you could be eligible for punitive damages, which is extra compensation meant to punish the driver for their dangerous actions.
At Biby Law Firm, we thoroughly investigate accidents to determine whether reckless driving was involved and fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve.
What are the penalties for reckless driving in Oklahoma?
Reckless driving is a serious offense, and Oklahoma law has strict penalties for those who engage in it. The penalties for reckless driving vary depending on whether it’s a first-time offense or a repeat violation.
For a first offense, drivers face a misdemeanor, which includes up to 90 days in jail, fines between $100 and $500, and points added to their driving record (which can lead to higher insurance rates).
A second offense is also a misdemeanor, which includes up to six months in jail, fines between $150 and $1,000, additional points on their driving records, and potential driver’s license suspension.
If reckless driving results in an accident that causes serious injuries or death, the penalties become much more severe. They can include felony charges, significant prison time, large fines, and permanent license revocation.
What should I do if I’m injured by a Tulsa reckless driver?
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident caused by a reckless driver, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Here’s what you should do after the crash:
- Call 911. Always report the accident to the police, who can manage the scene and create a police report, which may be valuable for your insurance claim.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you think you’re fine, remember that some injuries (like internal injuries or concussions) can take time to appear.
- Anything you say at the scene can be used against you later, so stick to the facts.
- Call BIby Law Firm. Our experienced Tulsa car accident attorneys can help you file a claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How can your Tulsa reckless driving accident lawyers help with my case?
Here at Biby Law Firm, we understand the devastating consequences reckless driving accidents can have on victims and their families. If you’ve suffered an injury because of someone else’s reckless behavior, we can help you recover compensation for your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Punitive damages (in some extreme cases)
We know how to prove reckless driving in the courtroom, negotiate with insurance companies, and hold dangerous drivers responsible for their behavior.
Do you have a Tulsa reckless driving accident lawyer near me?
Biby Law Firm has two Tulsa offices located at 9810 E. 42nd Street, Suite 211 and 6305 E 120th Ct., Suite F, as well as an office in Grove, OK. We also meet clients at their homes or healthcare facilities when necessary and can conduct video conferences when desired or required by the circumstances. Our lawyers are respected by former clients, insurance companies, and defense lawyers for our record of strong representation of our personal injury clients.
Tulsa reckless driving accident attorneys working for you
If you or a loved one has been injured in a reckless driving accident in Tulsa, don’t wait. Contact Biby Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’re prepared to review your case, explain your legal options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. To schedule your consultation, call our offices or fill out our contact form. We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. We proudly serve all Oklahoma communities but especially focus on Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Claremore, Vinita, Grove, Afton, Jenks, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Wagoner, Muskogee, and the surrounding areas.