The holiday season should be a joyful occasion for you and your loved ones, but sometimes, anxiety over to-do lists can turn roads dangerous. The rush to finish errands and the influx of travelers eager to return home quicky can spike reckless driving.
Why the rush leads to risk
During the holiday season, some drivers meet the standard for reckless driving in the state code, as they are distracted, tired or in such a hurry that they forget about the speed limits and the adverse weather conditions. And according to law enforcement, during the Thanksgiving season, over 1,700 drivers were charged with this misdemeanor.
As inoffensive as a little rush can be, in Virginia it is a legal duty to avoid reckless driving, as it can endanger other drivers and pedestrians and cause property damage. And a driver with this behavior is legally responsible for the damage they cause.
Immediate steps after an accident caused by reckless driving
If the holiday rush has led to an accident, follow these steps to safeguard yourself:
- Check on every person involved: Your health is the top priority. Make sure everyone is safe and seek medical assistance if there are any injuries
- Contact the authorities: A police report is crucial as it provides an unbiased account of the incident, which is important for your recovery process
- Gather information: If possible, capture photos of the vehicles involved and the surrounding area
- Seek support: Since Virginia adheres to the strict rule of contributory negligence, insurance companies might try to assign you a small portion of blame to avoid settling your claim.
An accident due to the holiday rush can put a damper on the holiday season, you can pursue damages with the help of an attorney. They can review your case while you focus on your recovery.