Reckless driving is more than just aggressive or careless behavior behind the wheel—it’s a serious offense under Illinois law that puts lives at risk. From speeding and running red lights to dangerous stunts, reckless driving endangers everyone on the road.
Whether you’re trying to understand what qualifies as reckless driving or what to do after being hit by a reckless driver, this guide covers the legal definitions, penalties, prevention tips, and how an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer can help you recover.
Under Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/11-503), a person commits reckless driving under the following circumstances:
Reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois. A conviction may result in:
Up to 1 year in jail
A maximum fine of $2,500
If reckless driving leads to bodily injury, the offense may be upgraded to aggravated reckless driving, a Class 4 felony punishable by:
1 to 3 years in prison
Fines of up to $25,000
If the victim is a child who suffers great bodily harm, the charge may be elevated to a Class 3 felony, which carries:
2 to 5 years in prison
Fines up to $25,000
In addition to the legal penalties, reckless driving is one of the top causes of traffic accidents in Illinois and can result in life-altering or fatal injuries.
When drivers act dangerously on the road, such as by ignoring traffic laws, speed limits, or road signs, fatal accidents can happen. Reckless drivers are often distracted or under the influence of alcohol.
Other times, they may simply be careless about safety — failing to stop at a red light, cutting outside of their lane, or making an illegal turn without warning. However, by understanding the common behavior of reckless drivers, and being prepared to react, you can avert a possible auto accident.
Always stay aware of your surroundings. You never know what another driver will do, but by keeping track of where other vehicles are on the road in relation to your car, you can react quickly if something goes wrong.
When you spot an unstable vehicle or visibly absent-minded driver, pull over or change lanes immediately. For example, if the car behind you is tailgating excessively, you should get out of the situation as soon as possible before an accident occurs. You should also report any suspicious vehicle that is moving illegally or endangering other drivers to local law enforcement.
Most of the time, abiding by traffic regulations will reduce the chances for collision. Moreover, safety laws such as wearing a seatbelt at all times can minimize injury even when an accident is unavoidable.
Unfortunately, reckless driving accidents are not always preventable and can happen to anyone. If you or someone you love was recently injured in a car accident after being hit by a reckless driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. is a team of experienced Chicago personal injury attorneys committed to helping the victims of reckless driving recover in the aftermath of a traumatic accident.
Many families are burdened by financial struggles due to consequent medical expenses, lost wages and car repair costs. We can file a legal claim on your behalf, and work to obtain a settlement award that helps restore your financial losses and move on with your life after a serious accident.
Call Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today at (312) 236-2900 to schedule a free appointment with one of our attorneys to discuss your case. Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan.
Top 25 Causes of Car Accidents and What You Can Do To Prevent Them. For this month of October, the Illinois attorneys at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. will be developing a blog series breaking down these leading causes of car crashes.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
