What is reckless driving? This major traffic offense endangers public safety and commonly results in severe car wrecks. If you are involved in a reckless driving incident in St. Louis, the team at Burger Law can help you learn about your rights and pursue justice.

What Is Considered Reckless Driving in Saint Louis?

In Saint Louis, reckless driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. It also includes conduct that demonstrates a willful or extremely reckless disregard of traffic laws and the safety of the public. Missouri’s laws tend to pursue these kinds of actions via careless and imprudent driving statutes, which apply to anything from wildly speeding to weaving aggressively through traffic.

According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, this may even include mandatory court appearances depending on the seriousness of the reckless driving. Those actions can have legal and personal consequences.

Types of Reckless Driving

Reckless driving takes on many forms, and they all lead to unsafe conditions on the road. Here are some behaviors that could lead to serious consequences:

• Driving Too Fast: Vehicles speeding well above the posted limit give little time to react to unforeseen circumstances, sharply increasing the odds of an accident.
• Follow Too Closely: When you tailgate, you’re not just making the driver ahead of you uncomfortable; you have little time to halt if they slam on the brakes.
• Ignoring Traffic Lights and Signs: Running a red light or blowing through a stop sign can disrupt traffic and typically lead to severe crashes.
• Driving Recklessly: Cutting off other cars, weaving in and out of traffic, street racing—all of these demonstrate utter disregard for the safety of all.
• Excessive Distraction While Driving: Taking your eyes off the road to text, adjust the radio, or for any other reason can all too quickly turn into reckless driving if it results in dangerous maneuvers.

The Missouri Driver Guide stresses the importance of staying focused and following traffic laws to avoid these types of dangerous behavior.

Penalties for Reckless Driving in St. Louis

The penalties for this behavior in St. Louis are steep and reflect the seriousness of the offense. The consequences depend on the circumstances, such as whether the reckless behavior caused injury or property damage. Typical penalties include:

• Fines: Large monetary punishments are used to discourage unsafe driving behavior.
• Points on Your License: Reckless driving places points against your driving record, and too many points can result in suspension or revocation under Missouri’s point system.
• Prison Time: For serious offenses (and especially those resulting in injuries), drivers could serve a jail sentence.
• Mandatory Court Appearance: Some reckless driving charges are mandatory court appearances as per local ordinances.

These penalties are a harsh reminder for all that safe and responsible driving is a must.

“I’ve dedicated my entire life to helping our clients receive full compensation for their injuries.”

Gary Burger

Personal Injury Attorney

Get Help from a Car Accident Attorney

If someone’s reckless driving has hurt you in a car accident, you don’t have to face this alone. Moreover, contacting a dedicated car accident lawyer is crucial. They can help you navigate the process and secure what you rightfully deserve. They can help you secure what you rightfully deserve. An experienced legal professional has the expertise to hold negligent drivers accountable. They can help you recover medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for emotional trauma. Additionally, they will guide you through Missouri’s traffic laws.

Take Action Today

As the Chicago car accident lawyer at Staver has seen, a car accident can be terrifying. Call Burger Law at [dynamic-phone-number]. 501 N. Broadway, Suite 1860, St. Louis, MO 63102. Let us fight for your rights and help you rebuild with confidence.