Cape Girardeau Reckless Driving Car Accidents
Car Wreck Lawyers Representing People Hurt in Cape Girardeau
Those who have driven through Missouri recently have undoubtedly seen wrecked vehicles pulled over on the side of the road. While driving by, it is natural to hope those involved did not suffer serious injuries and be thankful that you were not the one involved. While accidents can typically be prevented before the occur, individuals continue to exhibit negligent and reckless driving. If you or someone in your family has been victimized by a reckless driving car accident, call our Cape Girardeau car accident attorneys today. Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz is a large regional personal injury law firm, and we have served injured victims for more than 30 years.
What Is Reckless Driving?
Under Missouri law, a person acts recklessly when he or she “disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that circumstances exist or that a result will follow, and such disregard constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care which a reasonable person would exercise in the situation.” Examples of reckless driving can include driving at an excessive speed, improper passing, tailgating, aggressive driving, and drunk driving.
I Was Hit by a Reckless Driver – What Next?
After any motor vehicle accident, you should call the police. The Cape Girardeau Police Department regularly responds to and investigates auto accidents, and officers are dispatched from 40 South Sprigg Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703. Their phone number is 573-335-6621, and for emergencies, you can dial 911. Troop E of the Missouri State Highway Patrol also serves the Cape Girardeau area, and they can be reached by calling 573-840-9500. The police will be able to conduct an on-scene investigation and create an accident report that contains citations, diagrams, measurements, witness information, and more.
Being able to establish the other driver’s recklessness will be critical in terms of recovering compensation for your bodily injuries. Reckless driving car accident victims may require emergency room medical treatment and follow up visits with a primary care physician, physical therapist, or specialist. A car wreck lawyer in the Cape Girardeau area can help you gather documentation to satisfy your burden of proof, including the accident report and medical bills and records. The extent of your injuries can impact the compensatory damages you recover, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
A separate class of damages may apply to your case if you were struck by a reckless driver. Punitive damages are awarded to punish a defendant and send a message that such conduct will not be tolerated in the community. One may obtain punitive damages by showing that the defendant acted with reckless disregard for the plaintiff’s rights and interests. Insurance companies will not automatically offer you punitive damages simply because their insured exhibited reckless conduct or was cited for such conduct by the police. However, by hiring a lawyer of your own, you stand a better chance at recovering all types of compensation to which you could be legally entitled.
Let Our Law Firm Help You Today
Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz has fought for the interests of injured victims for more than 30 years, and we understand how a reckless driving car accident can turn one’s life upside down. We take pride in protecting the rights of those who have suffered harm due to no fault of their own. For a free consultation with one of our car wreck lawyers, complete our online form or call 800-529-4004. Our law firm serves personal injury victims in the greater Cape Girardeau area, including Benton, Kelso, Scott City, McClure, and Jackson. We also represent those injured in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky.
1440 Kurre Lane
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Phone: 573-381-0510
Fax: 573-803-1389
