How Do Reckless Drivers Cause Accidents on Charleston Roads?

Reckless drivers can turn peaceful roads into danger zones. From zooming through red lights to cutting other drivers off, reckless drivers put lives at risk with their risky choices.

If you have injuries from a reckless driver causing an accident, do not hesitate to seek legal counsel from a licensed attorney. A knowledgeable attorney can help you get the compensation you need to recover from injuries and damages.

At Roden Law, our Charleston car accident lawyers are here to help. Schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. Contact us to discuss your case during a free consultation. When we are fighting for you, there are no upfront costs for our legal services unless you receive the compensation you deserve.

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Reasons Drivers Act Recklessly

Drivers engage in reckless behavior for psychological and situational reasons. Emotional states like rage, frustration or aggression often trigger dangerous driving choices. Some drivers feel invincible behind the wheel, causing them to speed, tailgate or weave through traffic without considering the consequences.

Young or inexperienced drivers may lack proper risk assessment skills or feel peer pressure to drive dangerously. Some drivers disregard traffic laws, viewing them as inconvenient rather than essential safety measures. This combination of personal, emotional and situational factors creates dangerous conditions on heavily trafficked Charleston roads like I-26.

Time pressure plays a significant role. Some drivers may be running late, causing them to rush to work or appointments, resulting in unnecessary risks.

Other interruptions can lead to reckless drivers. Distraction from phones, passengers or other activities diverts attention from safe driving practices. Substances like alcohol and drugs can severely impair judgment and reaction time. If drivers take prescription drugs before they drive, it can also alter their behavior and become the root cause of their reckless driving.

What Are the Most Common Forms of Reckless Driving?

Reckless drivers have various types of behaviors and activities that they do. Some of the most common forms of reckless driving are:

• Distracted Driving: This includes activities like texting, eating, adjusting your seat or review mirror while driving.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the risk of accidents.
• Aggressive Driving: This involves tailgating, weaving through traffic or not yielding to other vehicles
• Street Racing: Racing on public roads is hazardous and illegal
• Disregarding Traffic Signs and Laws: Running red lights or not stopping at stop signs

How Does Reckless Driving Lead to an Accident?

Reckless driving creates dangerous situations that quickly escalate into crashes. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases impact force. When drivers weave through traffic or tailgate, they leave no safety margin for sudden stops or emergencies.

Weather conditions and the flow of traffic could amplify these risks. During coastal storms or heavy tourism seasons, reckless driving becomes especially dangerous on routes like Highway 17 and the Ravenel Bridge. Roads already crowded with commuters, tourists and port traffic become hazardous when reckless drivers ignore safety protocols.

In some incidents, reckless drivers can cause multiple-vehicle car accidents. Erratically changing lanes or running a red light can cause multiple vehicle accidents. These chain-reaction accidents frequently cause severe injuries and extensive property damage.

Are Reckless Drivers Always Liable for An Accident?

Reckless drivers typically bear primary liability for accidents, but other factors can influence fault. These drivers must generally prove another party’s negligence contributed to the crash to reduce their liability.

Contributing factors that may affect liability:

• Road conditions or maintenance issues
• Vehicle mechanical failures
• Other drivers’ reactions
• Traffic signal malfunctions

In some cases, both parties may share fault for the car accident. This is called a modified comparative negligence system. In South Carolina, if both parties are found to be partially at fault, each party’s compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30 percent at fault for an accident and your total settlement amount is $100,000, you will only receive $70,000.

Note that a party cannot recover compensation if they are more than 50 percent at fault.

What Should I Do If I Encounter a Reckless Driver on The Road?

If you encounter a reckless driver, prioritize your safety by creating distance between your vehicle and theirs. Never engage with or challenge aggressive drivers.

Key actions to take:

• Pull over safely or change lanes to let them pass
• Maintain a safe following distance
• Call 911 to report dangerous driving
• Note the vehicle description and license plate if safe
• Exit the highway or take an alternate route if needed

Call Roden Law After a Reckless Driver Causes an Accident

Reckless drivers can make other drivers feel anxious and frustrated on the road. If a careless driver causes a crash that leaves you injured or with damaged property, seek the legal help you need.

Let Roden Law’s experienced Charleston attorneys protect your rights after a reckless driving accident. We understand how these crashes impact victims and their families. Our legal team will investigate your case, gather evidence and fight for maximum compensation while you focus on recovery.

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