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Virginia State Police officials are investigating a two-vehicle crash that happened at 6:24 p.m. on January 9 on Interstate 95 in Spotsylvania County, VA.
According to news reports, the accident occurred around Mile Marker 127 on I-95. An 18-year-old man was driving southbound on I-95. He swerved to avoid slower-moving traffic, which caused him to lose control of his vehicle and collide with a tractor trailer heading southbound.
The impact of the vehicle caused the tractor trailer driver to run off the right side of the roadway, where he hit several trees. The truck driver suffered life-threatening injuries and was flown to VCU Health for treatment.
The car driver suffered serious injuries and was taken to Mary Washington Hospital for treatment. He was charged with reckless driving and failure to maintain proper control.
According to Virginia law, reckless driving is defined as someone exhibiting dangerous behaviors when driving. This includes excessive speeding, aggressive lane changes, running red lights, or even distracted driving. These behaviors significantly increase the risk of serious accidents. According to traffic safety research, reckless driving accidents often result in more severe injuries than other types of crashes due to higher speeds and reduced reaction time. Common consequences include:
From a legal perspective, reckless driving is typically considered a serious offense, often a misdemeanor or felony, depending on circumstances and jurisdiction. The reckless driver may face criminal charges and civil liability if an accident occurs.
If you’re in an accident with a reckless driver, your immediate priority should be ensuring everyone’s safety and calling 911. While waiting for help, remain in your vehicle if it’s safe to do so, or move to a secure location away from traffic if you need to exit.
Document everything thoroughly at the scene. Take photos of all vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, and the overall accident scene from multiple angles. Gather the other driver’s information including their name, contact details, insurance information, and license plate number. Look for any witnesses and politely ask for their contact information, as their accounts could be valuable later.
When police arrive, provide a factual account of what happened without offering an opinion or admitting fault. Request a copy of the police report or information on how to obtain it. Even if you feel fine initially, seek medical attention promptly, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Keep records of all medical visits and treatments.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Be thorough in describing the reckless behavior you observed. Consider consulting with a legal professional, especially if there are injuries or significant damages, as reckless driving cases often involve complex liability issues. Save all documentation related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and any correspondence with insurance companies or other parties.
Throughout this process, avoid discussing fault or details of the accident on social media or with the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting your own insurance provider or Virginia car accident attorney. Focus on documenting facts rather than making accusations about the other driver’s behavior.
If you were involved in an accident with a reckless driver, our car accident lawyer in Northern Virginia can help. Contact us for a free consultation.
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This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. If you or a loved one has been injured, please seek immediate medical care.
