What Is Reckless Driving?
If you were recently in a vehicle accident that involved reckless driving, you may be confused about what it is and what it will mean for your case. Reckless driving is a serious violation, especially when the offense causes injuries.
What Is Reckless Driving?
What’s reckless driving in Colorado? State law defines reckless driving as a driver who operates a vehicle with wanton or willful disregard for life and property. A driver need not be operating a car, truck, or motorcycle, as bicycles and low-powered scooters fall under the law as well.
Colorado law categorizes reckless driving as a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $300. With a second or subsequent reckless driving conviction, a Colorado driver faces 10 days to 6 months in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
While the punishment for a first offense may seem light for putting other drivers at risk, a reckless driving charge is often accompanied by additional violations with harsher penalties.
Reckless Driving Examples
Drivers engage in a variety of risky behaviors while behind the wheel. But what’s reckless? Here are some common reckless driving behaviors.
- Excessive speeding, especially when weather conditions and traffic flow require more care on the roads
- Carelessly changing lanes
- Cutting through or around traffic
- Driving the wrong way on a one-way road
- Passing another vehicle in a no-pass zone
- Driving in the dark with the headlights turned off
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving (e.g., talking on the phone, texting, eating, reading and more)
- Street racing
- Driving in a manner that puts people or property at risk
- Evading police officers
Some of these examples of reckless driving behaviors may come with their own charges and penalties, a few far stiffer than a reckless driving charge.
Driving while under the influence (DUI), for example, could be reduced to a wet reckless driving charge. However, in many cases, it earns a Coloradan a misdemeanor DUI charge if their blood alcohol content (BAC) hits 0.08 or higher at the time of driving.
If it’s the driver’s first offense, they face from two to 180 days in jail and a fine of $200 to $500. The penalties increase if they’re a repeat offender. For instance, a driver who has been convicted of driving under the influence three or more times faces two to six years in prison.
Colorado law bans the exhibition of speed contests on the state’s public highways. Offenders face a traffic misdemeanor punishable by 10 days to one year in jail and fines of $150 to $1,000.
When Reckless Driving Causes Injury or Death
If a reckless driving accident causes injuries or fatalities, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by 10 days to one year in prison, a fine of $300 to $1,000, or both.
The types of injuries from crashes involving reckless driving can include:
- Whiplash
- Broken ribs
- Herniated discs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Abrasions and bruises
- Organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Distracted driving, a common type of recklessness, is a leading cause of crashes on the state’s public roads. Over 90% of Colorado drivers self-report driving distracted. Not surprisingly, these distractions lead to tragedies. In 2020, distracted driving caused 10,166 crashes in Colorado, injuring 14,476 and killing 68.
Although Colorado doesn’t have laws prohibiting each distraction, drivers have a responsibility to pay attention and obey traffic laws.
Injured in a Reckless Driving Crash?
Anyone seeking compensation after sustaining injuries or property damage from a reckless driving-related accident should keep in mind that they must file a civil action. The criminal action is treated separately. It will not address the victim’s claim for the harm caused by the driver’s reckless behavior.
However, you can still win your civil claim regardless of how the criminal process plays out. Contact a car accident lawyer for a free consultation to learn about your options.
Contact our Denver Car Accident Lawyers at Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information please contact Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a Denver car accident lawyer.
Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120. Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
