Reckless Driving-Related Car Accidents In Nevada

Nevada’s Definition Of Reckless Driving

Nevada’s definition of reckless driving is found in NRS 484B.653 as follows:

It is unlawful for a person to:

• Drive a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property
• Drive a vehicle in an unauthorized speed contest
• Organize an unauthorized speed contest
• Drive a vehicle in an unauthorized trick driving display
• Facilitate an unauthorized trick driving display

Reckless driving can include:

• Speeding significantly over the posted speed limit
• Ignoring traffic signals
• Using shoulders or medians for passing
• Erratically making lane changes 
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Driving aggressively
• Road rage
• When a cop pulls someone over, they flee the scene and cause an accident

Criminal Penalties For Reckless Driving In Nevada

Reckless driving in Nevada can result in different criminal penalties, depending on the specific circumstances of the offense, such as:

• Reckless driving without causing severe bodily injuries: This is a misdemeanor offense with fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 and eight demerit points added to your driver’s license. You can also be sentenced to up to six months in jail.  
• Reckless driving with causing severe bodily injuries: This type of reckless driving is classified as a Category B felony with fines ranging between $2,000 and $5,000 and between one and six years in jail. 
• Reckless driving causing death: When someone dies due to a reckless driver, it is considered vehicular manslaughter, which is a misdemeanor. If convicted and found guilty, the person could be imprisoned for up to six months and face fines of up to $1,000 for a first offense. 

Civil Liability For Reckless Driving Accidents

Every person operating a motor vehicle has a duty of care to others. When they violate this duty and drive recklessly, they can be held civilly liable for any personal injuries and property damages they cause. 

It is vital to remember that in reckless driver accidents, the driver can face criminal charges, and the victim can file a civil lawsuit to recover monetary compensation for any damages they have experienced. 

Insurance Implications For Accidents Caused By Reckless Driving

Reckless driving has several insurance implications whether an accident occurs or not, and include:

• Increased premiums: Your insurance premiums will increase because you are considered a high-risk driver. 
• Cancellation: Your insurance company could cancel or refuse to renew your policy. 
• Mandatory filing of SR-22 form: Nevada will require you to prove you have insurance and that you maintain the minimum required coverage on any vehicles you own for the next three years. You are required to file form SR-22 with the DMV if your insurance company does not do it. 

Proving Fault In A Reckless Driving Car Accident

Proving fault in reckless driver accidents in Nevada requires you to provide sufficient evidence demonstrating that the other driver violated their duty of care. Evidence could include:

• Police reports
• Photos and video of the accident scene
• Medical reports
• Video footage from traffic cameras, business security cameras, or dashcams
• The extent of property damage to the vehicles
• Witness statements
• The extent of your injuries

The evidence must show that the other driver was operating their vehicle recklessly and that you suffered personal injuries and property damages due to their actions. 

Steps To Take After A Reckless Driving-Related Accident

The steps on how to report a reckless driver-related accident are: 

1. Call 911: Nevada law requires all accidents where personal injuries and property damages occur to be reported immediately. 
2. Seek medical treatment: You should seek medical care as soon as possible, even if you do not believe your injuries are severe. Reckless driving accidents can involve high-speed impacts, which could cause internal injuries not always apparent immediately following the crash. 
3. File a police report: Verify the police are going to file the report on your behalf. Stick to the facts when speaking to the police about how the accident occurred. 
4. Obtain details about the other driver: Get their license plate number, address, phone number, and insurance information.
5. Get contact details for witnesses: Ask witnesses to provide their names and phone numbers. 
6. Schedule a free consultation with a car accident injury lawyer: Before contacting the insurance companies, it is worth your time to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer. 

It is important to stress that if you are severely injured, taking care of your medical needs first should always be your top priority. Your injury lawyer can assist you with collecting the evidence needed and filing a police report if you are unable to complete any of the on-scene steps. 

Defending Against Reckless Driving Charges

Various defenses can be used to attempt to fight reckless driving charges. In regards to personal injury civil suits, the defendant could attempt to use one of these defenses:

• Their vehicle malfunctioned: If an actual defect in their vehicle’s performance caused them to drive recklessly, the car manufacturer, part manufacturer, or other parties could be responsible instead.
• They were not completely at fault: If you were speeding or driving in a manner that contributed to the accident, they could claim you are partially at fault. 
• Another driver caused them to drive recklessly: If another driver contributed to their reckless driving, that driver could also be held liable for your damages. 

For criminal matters, a criminal defense lawyer could argue different defenses based on the specific circumstances of the reckless driver accident. For example, they might argue that the driver was driving negligently but not recklessly in an attempt to reduce the charges. 

It is important to remember that criminal cases and civil cases related to personal injury are handled separately. So, regardless of the criminal case’s outcome, you can still obtain a monetary settlement for your losses. 

Hiring A Lawyer For Reckless Driving Accident Cases In Nevada

After a reckless driving accident in Nevada, hiring an injury lawyer can make a huge difference in the settlement amount you receive. Your lawyer provides several benefits, including:

• Legal expertise: Your lawyer is experienced in personal injury laws and Nevada traffic laws and how they relate to personal injury lawsuits.
• Emotional support: Your lawyer provides emotional support and guidance during this stressful and challenging time.
• Represents your interests: Your lawyer will file all paperwork, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance companies, allowing you to focus on healing and recovery.
• Proves negligence: Your lawyer uses the evidence they gather to build a strong case and prove the defendant was negligent. 

Nevada Statutes On Reckless Driving And Related Penalties

Some of the Nevada statutes related to reckless driving and their penalties include:

• NRS 484B.653(3) – Reckless driving: Fines vary based on whether there were bodily injuries or death from $250 up to $5,000 and up to six months to six years in jail. 
• NRS 484B.600 – Restrictions on speeding: Fines can include $20 for each mile over the posted speed limit up to $1,000 when physical injuries, death, and property damages occur. 
• NRS 484B.657 – Vehicular manslaughter: Fines up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail when impairment was not involved.
• NRS 484C.430 – Driving under the influence: If severe injuries or death occurs while recklessly driving under the influence, there can be fines between $2,000 and $5,000 and jail time ranging from two years to 20 years.

Other Nevada car accident laws may also apply, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. 

Request Your Free Reckless Driving Accident Injury Consultation Today

You have the right to recover monetary damages after being injured in a reckless driving accident in Nevada. At Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, our caring and compassionate legal team is here to provide support and assistance to ensure you recover the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today. 

Nevada Reckless Driving FAQs

What Qualifies As Reckless Driving Under Nevada Law?

Reckless driving in Nevada can include excessive speeding, road rage, stunt car driving, drag racing, and other behaviors that disregard the safety and well-being of other drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and their property. 

Can I Sue A Reckless Driver For Damages In A Nevada Car Accident?

Yes, you can sue a reckless driver in Nevada for damages if they are mostly or entirely at fault for your car accident. 

What Are The Criminal Consequences Of Causing An Accident Due To Reckless Driving In Nevada?

The criminal consequences of a reckless driving-related accident in Nevada include varying fines and potential jail time, along with increased insurance rates and points added to your license.