Some examples of reckless driving in Indiana include unlawfully passing another car or bus, speeding, operating while intoxicated (OWI), distracted driving, or negligence that ends in property damage or injury.
Indiana imposes severe penalties for reckless driving that may include jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, community service, or probation. In addition, a person who is convicted of reckless driving may face additional personal or professional consequences.
Some Reckless Driving Examples in Indiana
According to IC 9-21-8-52, some common examples of reckless driving cases and penalties in Indiana include:
Standard Reckless Driving
Standard reckless driving cases in Indiana typically include unlawfully passing another driver up a hill or around a curve. A driver who is driving too fast under certain conditions may also be cited for reckless driving. Standard reckless driving violations are class C misdemeanors.
Passing a School Bus Unlawfully
Indiana has strict rules regarding passing a school bus. Violations may include passing a school bus when loading or unloading passengers, passing a school bus while stopped at train tracks, or passing a bus when the bus stop sign is flashing or displayed. This type of violation is categorized as a class B misdemeanor.
Texting and Driving
Like most states, texting and driving are against the law in Indiana. As such, drivers can be convicted of the use of a telecommunications device while operating a motor vehicle under IC 9-21-8-59.
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)
In the state of Indiana, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is referred to as operating while intoxicated (OWI). Per IC 9-30-5, a driver can be convicted of an OWI if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more, demonstrate signs of impaired driving, or have a schedule I or II controlled substance in their body.
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Penalties for Reckless Driving in Indiana
The penalties that a motorist may receive for reckless driving depends on the circumstances of the violation. Penalties may include:
- Fines
- Driver’s license suspension
- Jail time
- Probation
- Community service
- Steering wheel/ignition interlock device
A person may also be required to attend traffic school or take a mandatory alcohol or drug addiction treatment program.
Professional consequences of a reckless driving charge may include a suspension or revocation of a professional driver’s license or CDL. This can affect the driver’s ability to get a job in Indiana.
Personal Injury Lawsuits in Reckless Driving Cases
If someone’s reckless driving leads to property damage or personal injury, they may face a civil claim or lawsuit in addition to legal penalties. In a civil case, the injured person may be able to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company to recover damages.
Damages in a personal injury case against a reckless driver may include:
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Lost pay during recovery
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- And more
A reckless driving lawyer in Indianapolis may be able to help a victim establish who is at fault for the accident and estimate the value of their claim depending on the total amount of the losses.
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What to Do if You Were Injured in a Reckless Driving Accident
If you are injured in a reckless driving accident, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. Seeing a doctor after your accident can create a link in your medical record between your injuries and the accident. If possible, document the accident and keep careful records of your medical treatment.
Next, you may want to consult a reckless driving law firm. They may be able to review your case and discuss your legal options. If you hire a lawyer to represent you, they can typically:
- Communicate with all parties on your behalf
- Investigate your case for fault and liability
- Gather evidence in your defense
- Gather evidence of your damages
- Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company based on evidence of your losses
- Represent you in court if you decide to file a lawsuit against the insurance company
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We Defend Victims of Reckless Driving Accidents
If you were injured in an accident by a reckless driver, the Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. would like to speak with you. We may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
The Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. is dedicated to protecting the rights of personal injury victims. Call us today at (317) 636-7777 for a free consultation with a member of our team.
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