Denver Reckless Driver Accident Lawyer
- Every Colorado driver owes a legal duty of care to operate their vehicle safely. Reckless driving violates that duty and can expose the at-fault driver to both criminal penalties and civil liability.
- A reckless driving accident can generate a criminal case against the driver in addition to your civil claim for damages, and those parallel proceedings affect your recovery strategy.
- Cheney Galluzzi and Howard has helped many injured Coloradans recover after all types of car accidents, including those caused by reckless drivers in Denver.
If you were hurt in an accident caused by a reckless driver in Denver, a Denver reckless driver accident lawyer can help you gather evidence, navigate insurance, and pursue every form of compensation available under Colorado law.
CGH Injury Lawyers has represented injured Coloradans since 2016 from one Denver office at 2701 Lawrence Street. Kevin Cheney is Managing Partner, a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and Treasurer of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association.
Denver Reckless Driver Accident Attorneys
Every driver has a legal responsibility to operate their vehicle safely. Unfortunately, some drivers choose to ignore this duty of care and operate their vehicles in dangerous and irresponsible ways. Reckless driving can easily lead to a serious accident, which, in turn, can lead to criminal penalties and civil liabilities for the at-fault driver. A Denver reckless driver accident lawyer can help you recover if you have experienced such an accident.
Experienced Legal Counsel for Reckless Driver Accidents in Denver, CO
Cheney Galluzzi and Howard has a strong professional record of successful legal counsel in Denver. Throughout the years of our operation, we have helped many past clients recover from all types of car accidents. Proving fault is an essential first step in resolving any car accident case, and it is natural to have many important legal questions when your recent accident was the result of reckless driving.
Reckless driving can take the form of:
- Speeding
- Dangerous tailgating
- Intentional moving violations
- Street racing
In short, reckless driving involves anything that violates a driver's duty of care to operate their vehicle safely and responsibly. It's possible for a reckless driving accident to generate a criminal case against the at-fault driver in addition to a civil claim for damages from an injured victim.
Your Denver reckless driver accident lawyer can assist you with gathering the evidence you may need to prove fault, such as footage captured by traffic cameras, vehicle computer data, and testimony from witnesses who saw the accident happen. If the driver is found to have caused the accident by driving recklessly, they are likely to be arrested, and your attorney can explain what implications this may have on your recovery efforts.
Read CGH's Colorado car accident injury claims page for a full overview of how fault and damages work in Colorado crash cases.
Recovering From a Reckless Driver Accident in Denver
All Colorado drivers are required to have auto insurance that meets the state's minimum coverage requirements. However, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they will almost always fight back against claims for coverage. It is also possible for your damages to eclipse the scope of coverage provided by the at-fault driver's policy. Your attorney can help you navigate all insurance-related issues following your accident.
If you must file a personal injury claim against the driver who caused your accident, you will need to prove the full extent of the damages they inflicted. You have the right to claim compensation for all the economic damages that they caused, along with limited pain and suffering compensation. However, when the defendant has broken the law in causing the accident, this may complicate your case, but it may also create opportunities for additional compensation.
You may receive punitive damages in addition to your other claimed losses to reflect the illegal nature of the defendant's actions. It is also possible for them to be sentenced to pay restitution, along with their other penalties, in criminal court. This type of case can be very difficult for an injured driver to navigate on their own, so it's vital to have legal counsel you can trust on your side after a reckless driver accident in Denver.
If the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, additional coverage options may be available. See CGH's guide to Denver car accident claims for more detail on how insurance layers work in Colorado crash cases.
Cheney Galluzzi and Howard: Your Denver Reckless Driver Accident Lawyers
Cheney Galluzzi and Howard has the skills, resources, and experience necessary to resolve the toughest accident claims. If you need to speak with a Denver reckless driver accident lawyer about your case, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team and learn how we can assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as reckless driving in Colorado?
Reckless driving involves anything that violates a driver's duty to operate their vehicle safely and responsibly. Common examples include speeding, dangerous tailgating, intentional moving violations, and street racing. Any conduct that disregards the safety of others on the road can support a reckless driving claim.
Can a reckless driver face both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit?
Yes. A reckless driving accident can generate a criminal case against the at-fault driver and a separate civil claim from the injured victim at the same time. The criminal case may result in arrest, fines, and restitution orders, while your civil claim pursues compensation for your injuries and losses. Your attorney can explain how the criminal proceedings may affect your civil recovery.
What evidence helps prove a reckless driving accident?
Useful evidence includes traffic camera footage, vehicle computer data, witness testimony, police reports, and any evidence of prior traffic violations. Your attorney can help identify and preserve this evidence, which is one reason to reach out quickly after the accident before key records are lost or overwritten.
Can I recover punitive damages after a reckless driving accident?
Punitive damages may be available when the defendant's conduct was willful and wanton. When a driver's reckless behavior rises to that level, you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to your economic and non-economic losses. Your attorney can evaluate the facts and advise whether punitive damages are available in your case.
This article is general information for Colorado injury readers. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not promise that any rule or remedy applies to your situation. Reckless driving, criminal proceedings, punitive damages, and personal injury questions require case-specific legal review.
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