Reckless Driving Causes Many Virginia Auto Accidents

Car accidents may be caused or influenced by many things, such as a loss of control due to excessive speed, an illegal attempt to pass another car or inattention to the road. A fairly common cause of car accidents is reckless driving while speeding. Regardless of the cause, the resulting consequences far outweigh the potential commuting time saved by speeding or driving recklessly

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were a total of 123,579 reported car accidents in the commonwealth in 2012. In those crashes, 67,004 of the people involved were injured and 775 were killed.

In recent Virginia news, for example, Mars candy company co-owner Jacqueline Badger is being charged with reckless driving after causing a fatal accident in October. The accident killed one person, 86-year-old Irene C. Ellisor, and seriously injured Ashley Blakeslee, who was eight months pregnant and lost her unborn child.

A reckless driving conviction can stay on your record for longer than you might realize. The most minor charge, speeding 20 miles per hour or more above the posted limit, stays on a person’s record for at least five years. If classified as reckless driving, however, that same charge — along with all other reckless driving charges in Virginia, from failure to properly signal to racing — stay on your record for up to 11 years.

Most car accidents require a thorough investigation before liability can be established. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in which you suspect the other driver was at fault, you may be able to seek compensation for damages. Speak with an experienced Norfolk, Virginia attorney right away to discuss your options.