Can Reckless Drivers in Knoxville Be Held Liable Under Tennessee Personal Injury Laws? Learn About the Intersection of Reckless Driving Laws and Personal Injury Laws in Knoxville, Tennessee
Although the majority of Knoxville drivers intend to drive their cars, trucks, and SUVs safely, and simply want to get from Point A to Point B to complete their errands, pick up their children, or get to work on time, the unfortunate truth is that reckless drivers also share the road, and they can cause serious, and even fatal car accidents. Indeed, a life can change in the blink of an eye when a reckless driver is involved, as erratic driving, speeding, wrong-way driving, and tailgating, can all lead to deadly outcomes. In Knoxville, reckless driving is unlawful under Tennessee criminal laws. In addition, victims of serious car accidents caused by reckless drivers in Knoxville may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses under personal injury laws. But what are the laws that entitle Knoxville reckless driving car accident victims to compensation for their injuries and losses, and how do Knoxville car accident victims recover this important compensation in court? To help victims of serious car accidents in Knoxville better understand the intersection of criminal and civil laws when it comes to reckless drivers, we answer those questions here.
Tennessee Criminal Laws and Civil Personal Injury Laws Hold Reckless Drivers Accountable in Knoxville
The Tennessee Code establishes that, “Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property commits reckless driving.” In addition, under the Code, “A person commits an offense of reckless driving who drives a motorcycle with the front tire raised off the ground in willful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property on any public street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway, or on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park, apartment house complex, or any other premises that are generally frequented by the public at large…” Accordingly, a Knoxville driver who drives a car recklessly, or a motorcyclist who performs a “wheelie” maneuver may be charged under Tennessee criminal laws. In addition, however, victims of reckless driving accidents in Knoxville can also bring a civil personal injury action in court to recover compensation for things like the loss of their vehicle, their medical expenses, lost wages due to being out of work to treat their injury, and pain and suffering related to their injury. These two actions are separate actions, one brought by the State of Tennessee, and the other by the injured reckless driving car accident victim. In order to determine whether you may be entitled to compensation for your reckless driving car accident injuries in Knoxville, it is best to speak with an experienced Knoxville car accidents lawyer about your case.
Finding a Lawyer for Your Car Accident Case in Knoxville
If you were injured in a car accident in Knoxville and you need legal help holding the reckless or negligent driver who caused your injuries accountable for their actions, contact the experienced Knoxville car accidents lawyers at Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC. The experienced Knoxville car accidents lawyers at Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC are here to help victims of serious car accidents in Knoxville get justice. Contact Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC today and speak to a lawyer about your case now.
