Reckless driving is considered a criminal offense in Idaho. This act can lead to serious car accidents, possibly resulting in death and significant vehicle damage. If you’re a victim of a reckless driving accident in Idaho, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Craig Swapp & Associates for professional assistance on your car accident case! We’re proud to have a top reckless driving accident attorney in Idaho.

Keep reading to learn more about reckless driving, including its penalties, accidents caused by this crime, possible injuries, and what to do if you’re a victim.

What is Reckless Driving?

According to Idaho Code 49-1401, reckless driving involves careless, heedless, or reckless behavior while operating a motor vehicle on property that’s available for public use, whether it’s public or private land. These actions must be likely to harm another individual or negatively impact their property in some way. This behavior includes situations involving excessive speed in conjunction with a limited line of sight or other conditions.

Idaho also has a related offense called inattentive driving. While it’s still a criminal offense, the penalties are far less severe. Rather than driving in a manner that’s considered reckless or careless, inattentive driving involves operating a motor vehicle in a manner that’s inattentive or imprudent. If convicted of inattentive driving, the accused faces up to 90 days in jail and/or a maximum of $300 in fines.

If you’re the victim of an Idaho reckless driving accident, our law team is here to help. Contact Craig Swapp & Associates today to get every penny you deserve!

Penalties for Reckless Driving in Idaho

If convicted of this misdemeanor and it’s your first violation, you’ll face up to six months in jail and/or a maximum of $1,000 in fines. For a second or subsequent reckless driving offense within five years, the convicted could be charged with up to a year in jail and/or a maximum of $2,000 in fines.

Once convicted, the driver will have their license suspended for 30 days in the event of their first violation. If you have a second charge in two years, the license suspension lasts for 90 days. A third conviction in a three-year period results in a one-year suspension.

For more information about reckless driving, contact the car accident lawyers Boise Idaho residents can trust—Craig Swapp & Associates!

Accidents Caused By Reckless Driving

Reckless driving can lead to several different types of car accidents, and many of them are life-threatening. One very common act of reckless driving is tailgating. This involves driving too close to the vehicle in front of you. While some people don’t consider this act as “reckless,” it could be used against you in court.

Ignoring red lights and stop signs is another popular cause of reckless driving. Sudden braking and driving under the influence are other common culprits. 

Take a look at additional causes of reckless driving below:

  • Failing to use a turn signal when changing lanes or turning
  • Texting, talking on the phone, or participating in any distracting activity while driving
  • Making illegal lane changes or turns
  • Failing to use headlights when required, such as at night or in hard-to-see situations

While these actions are often mistakes by the driver, they can still result in reckless driving charges. If you’ve been involved in an accident, it’s important to act quickly. Reach out to us today to speak with an Idaho reckless driving accident attorney!

Possible Injuries and Damages

Reckless driving accidents can be quite serious. That said, these wrecks can lead to several injuries and health issues. Some of the most common include whiplash, broken bones, cuts, bruises, brain damage, and spinal cord injuries. Not only can these injuries impact your physical abilities, but they can also take a toll on your mental health. In fact, these accidents could lead to physical and mental problems you’ll have for life.

Regardless of the seriousness of your injuries, we encourage you to contact a reckless driving accident attorney in Idaho. Look no further than Craig Swapp & Associates! Our experienced Idaho car accident lawyer will fight for every dollar you deserve.

Getting Compensation

When you’re hurt in a car wreck as a result of reckless driving, it’s important to understand your rights. If you’re not the one at fault, you may be entitled to compensation. These injuries can lead to thousands in medical costs, and you may also have to miss time at work. These factors can lead to more money out of your pocket. To get compensation for these damages, choose the experts at Craig Swapp & Associates. We’re happy to have car accident lawyers Boise Idaho residents can trust!

Why Choose an Idaho Car Accident Lawyer?

If you’re involved in a reckless driving accident in Idaho, it’s common to be unsure of what to do next. While you might hesitate to call a lawyer, contacting one right away can make a huge difference.

Here are some common reasons why you should call an attorney:

You don’t fully understand car accident law

Understanding the ins and outs of car accident law isn’t easy. While most people are unaware of how the law works, this can lead to poor compensation on your behalf. When you hire an Idaho reckless driving accident attorney, you’ll have an experienced professional fighting for your rights. These specialists can offer legal advice, help you through the process, and make the experience less frightening overall.

Your insurance claim is insufficient or denied

Insurance companies can be a pain to deal with after a reckless driving accident. On many occasions, claims result in lower compensation than expected. Also, some claims are denied altogether, leaving the victim in a tough position. This is where an experienced attorney comes in to help! They will guide you through the insurance claims process and find ways to get every penny you deserve.

You could have substantial injuries and damages

If a car accident results in problematic injuries or damages, this is another top reason to call a lawyer. After all, you would hate to pay for medical costs and damages if the wreck wasn’t your fault. Also, if you fail to choose a lawyer, calculating the appropriate costs can be challenging. A skilled lawyer can help you receive full compensation.

Contact Our Trusted Car Accident Lawyers Today!

Craig Swapp & Associates is considered the leader in serious injury and car accident law. If you’ve been hurt in a wreck, our experienced attorneys will fight hard for your rights. We have worked with hundreds of car accident cases in Idaho, so we’ve seen just about everything. Furthermore, we don’t charge any legal fees until your case is settled! 

Contact us today for a FREE consultation with one of our legal professionals!

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp