Reckless Driving Examples North Carolina (2024)

Every state in the country enforces unique traffic laws, and North Carolina takes reckless driving very seriously. However, many drivers carry misconceptions about what reckless driving actually means, and many do not know what to do if they are charged with this offense. Conversely, reckless driving can easily cause devastating accidents, and if you or a loved one was hurt by a reckless driver in any way, you need legal counsel you can trust to hold them accountable for the harm they’ve done.

If You Face Reckless Driving Charges, You Need an Attorney

Christina Rivenbark & Associates has years of professional experience handling all types of reckless driving cases, including defending those charged with the offense as well as helping victims of reckless driving recover their damages. We strive to provide our prospective clients with the information they need to make better legal decisions, and it’s important for all drivers to know the risks that reckless driving presents and the behaviors that fall under the definition of reckless driving.

Common Examples of Reckless Driving

The term “reckless driving” is quite broad and can apply to any situation in which a driver intentionally neglects their responsibility to operate their vehicle safely. A few of the most commonly reported types of reckless driving include:

• Inattentive driving. Using a cell phone or engaging in any other distracting activity while operating your vehicle is extremely dangerous.
• Speeding. North Carolina enforces absolute speed limits, so any speed over the posted speed limit qualifies as a speeding offense. However, speeding more than 15 mph over the speed limit or in excess of 80 mph can lead to a reckless driving charge.
• Road rage. Unfortunately, some drivers engage in aggressive and extremely dangerous behaviors out of frustration. If you encounter a driver who seems to be excessively aggressive behind the wheel, it’s best to do your best to disengage and drive defensively.
• Intentional misconduct, such as refusal to follow traffic patterns or intentionally disregarding traffic signals. This puts the driver and everyone around them at extreme risk.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the ways that reckless driving might manifest. However, if you believe a recent accident occurred because of another driver’s recklessness, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible about your options for legal recourse. The intentional and illegal nature of their actions can impact your subsequent legal proceedings in many ways, and your attorney can help you understand the implications these variables can have for your impending civil case.

What to Do After a Reckless Driving Accident

If you experience an accident due to the actions of a reckless driver, the first steps you take immediately following the crash can have a tremendous impact on your recovery efforts. If you are able to do so, try to gather as much evidence as possible from the scene of the crash. For example, take photos of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, and the positions of the vehicles involved in the accident. If other drivers saw the accident occur, make sure you obtain their contact information. North Carolina law requires drivers to report accidents resulting in death, injury, or serious property damage, so report the accident to the police and wait for first responders to arrive.

An experienced attorney can help their client develop a solid personal injury case against the driver responsible for the reckless driving accident. Beyond the victims’ economic damages and their pain and suffering, the defendant may also face punitive damages to reflect the illegal nature of their behavior.

FAQs About North Carolina Reckless Driving

What Is the Most Common Form of Reckless Driving?

The most commonly cited form of reckless driving across the United States is distracted driving, which is also the leading cause of all motor vehicle accidents in the country each year. Manual, visual, and cognitive distractions can all easily lead to devastating accidents, and any driver who causes an accident in this manner may face liability for the victim’s damages and a criminal charge for reckless driving.

What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving?

The penalties for reckless driving in North Carolina vary from case to case based on the severity of an offense. At the very least, a reckless driving charge is a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a fine of $1,000, suspension of the defendant’s driver’s license, and demerit points against their license that will persist for three years. Additionally, their auto insurance premium rate may increase, and they will also face civil liability for any harm done to others.

How Do Drivers’ License Points Work?

A driver accumulates demerit points on their driver’s license for committing a traffic offense. Different offenses carry different point penalties, and if a driver accumulates 12 or more in a three-year period, they face driver’s license suspension. Points will drop off their license after three years, so timing is an important factor when it comes to demerit point accumulation. Too many points in too short of a time can easily lead to the suspension of their license.

What Should I Do if a Reckless Driver Injured Me?

If you or a loved one recently sustained injuries in an accident caused by a reckless driver, it’s crucial to consult an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible. They can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for the damages they caused and guide you through any and all legal proceedings necessary for ensuring accountability for your losses. The sooner you consult an experienced attorney, the more likely you are to maximize the results of your recovery efforts.

Christina Rivenbark & Associates can provide the compassionate legal support you need after being hurt by a reckless driver. We also provide criminal defense representation and can defend a driver charged with reckless driving. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the legal services we offer.