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Colorado Springs Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers

Drivers have a fundamental duty to operate their vehicles safely with reasonable care. This means not only following traffic laws but also avoiding negligent behaviors that endanger others. Unfortunately, reckless driving remains a serious problem in Colorado, resulting in both criminal and civil consequences. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a reckless driver in El Paso County, the experienced Colorado Springs reckless driving accident attorneys at McCormick & Murphy, P.C. can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.

What Is Reckless Driving?

Colorado Revised Statutes Section 42-4-1401(2) defines reckless driving as operating a motor vehicle, bicycle, or scooter in a manner that shows “wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This differs from careless driving, which involves operating a vehicle in a “careless and imprudent” manner. Reckless driving behaviors often include excessive speeding, street racing, performing distracting activities while driving (like texting, shaving, or reading), driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and other dangerous conduct that significantly increases accident risk.

Why Is Reckless Driving So Dangerous?

Reckless driving is particularly hazardous because it disregards the safety of others on the road. When drivers engage in behaviors like distracted driving, excessive speeding, or erratic lane changes, they dramatically increase the likelihood of accidents. Vehicle speed is directly related to both collision risk and severity—faster speeds mean greater force upon impact, resulting in more severe property damage and personal injuries. This reckless conduct endangers everyone sharing Colorado roadways, from other motorists to pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists.

Injuries in a Reckless Driving Crash

When reckless drivers cause accidents, victims often suffer severe injuries, especially in high-speed collisions. These traumatic injuries can include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Loss of use of limb injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Facial injuries and disfigurement
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Severe lacerations
  • Neck and back injuries

These physical injuries also lead to significant emotional trauma, mental anguish, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, substantial medical expenses, reduced quality of life, loss of consortium, and other damages. Our Colorado Springs reckless driving accident lawyers are committed to helping you recover the full value of all damages you’ve suffered.

Holding a Reckless Driver Liable for Your Harm

To recover compensation after a reckless driving crash, you need to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance and potentially against the driver personally. You must present evidence showing the accident occurred because of the reckless driver’s actions. Even if the driver wasn’t issued a citation, various forms of evidence can strengthen your case, including:

  • Physical evidence (vehicle positions, skid marks, property damage)
  • Traffic camera footage
  • Cell phone records
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Police reports
  • The driver’s previous driving record

Our law firm will work diligently to prove the other driver operated their vehicle recklessly, that this reckless behavior directly caused your crash, and that your injuries resulted from the accident. We’ll also help calculate your damages and demonstrate the full extent of harm you’ve suffered.

Criminal and Civil Actions Are Separate

Even if the at-fault driver receives a citation for reckless driving (a Class 2 misdemeanor in Colorado), you won’t automatically receive compensation for your injuries. Criminal and civil cases are completely separate legal proceedings. To recover financial damages, you must proactively pursue a personal injury claim. Our lawyers will guide you through this process to ensure you receive fair compensation for all economic and non-economic losses. Remember that Colorado law gives you three years from the date of your car accident to file a lawsuit, making it crucial to begin the claims process promptly.

Call Our Colorado Springs Reckless Driving Accidents Lawyers Today

When drivers operate vehicles recklessly, they endanger everyone around them. At McCormick & Murphy, P.C., our Colorado Springs reckless driving attorneys believe this behavior is unacceptable and will aggressively advocate for your rights. Our process begins with a free case consultation to review your evidence and provide legal guidance. If you choose to hire our firm, we’ll work on your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today at 719-389-0400 to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice after a reckless driving accident.

Reckless Driving Accident Attorney Services