If you’ve been injured by a reckless driver in Florida, you may be facing a painful recovery, time away from work, and mounting medical expenses, all because someone chose to ignore the rules of the road. Whether your car crash occurred on I-95, US-1, or in downtown Melbourne, FL, the consequences of reckless driving can be devastating.
At Andrew Pickett Law, we hold reckless drivers accountable for the harm they cause. With offices in Melbourne and Titusville, we represent clients throughout Florida who are injured by drivers who treat public roads like racetracks. Call 321-415-8053 today for a free consultation with an experienced Melbourne, FL reckless driving accident attorney.
What Is Reckless Driving Under Florida Law?
Under Florida Statute § 316.192, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. This isn’t a simple traffic violation, it’s a criminal offense. And when reckless behavior causes an accident, victims have the right to pursue a personal injury claim for damages.
Examples of reckless driving include:
- Excessive speeding (especially in school zones or residential areas)
- Racing on public streets
- Weaving between lanes or unsafe lane changes
- Blowing through stop signs or red lights
- Driving aggressively or tailgating
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Evading police or fleeing the scene of another crash
Reckless drivers make our roads dangerous. Our job is to ensure they, and their insurance companies, are held fully responsible for the damage they cause.
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Please describe what happened. We will review your case for free and work to secure the highest legal compensation possible.
5000+ Cases Reviewed
Sebastian Martinez
$200,000 Verdict
"Our family is flat out impressed with the Andrew Pickett Law firm technical mastery, they never wavered with kind direction as our recovery prolonged during the COVID-19, and they delivered the maximum settlement possible."
Types of Accidents Caused by Reckless Driving
Reckless driving often leads to violent and high-speed crashes, including:
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone crashes at intersections
- Rear-end collisions at high speeds
- Sideswipes from unsafe passing or weaving
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Pedestrian incidents and cyclist accidents
These crashes commonly result in severe injuries or fatalities. At Andrew Pickett Law, we build strong cases that show not just how the crash happened, but why the driver’s behavior rose to the level of recklessness.
Common Injuries Caused by Reckless Drivers
The force of a reckless driving crash often leads to catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Facial disfigurement
- Amputations
- Severe emotional distress or PTSD
- Wrongful death
Many of our clients require long-term care or are never able to return to work. We fight to ensure their settlements or verdicts reflect the full scope of their losses, not just what the insurance company wants to offer.
how the claim process works
Step 2
We take action
Our dedicated team gets to work investigating your claim.
Step 3
We fight for you
If we take on the case, our team fights to get you the maximum compensation legally possible.
Free Case Evaluation
Please describe what happened. We will review your case for free and work to secure the highest legal compensation possible.
5000+ Cases Reviewed
Beatrice Maxime
$1,000,000 Verdict
"I am so very grateful to have had this firm represent me. I was in a car accident a few years ago, but the car insurance company of the person who totaled my car would not replace my car, nor pay for my medical bills. We ended up going to court and because of Mr. Pickett, we won the case. Thank you so much for all you did for us!!!!"
How Is a Civil Case Different from Criminal Charges?
Even if the reckless driver in your case was criminally charged, that does not automatically compensate you as the victim. A criminal case is about punishment. A civil personal injury claim is about getting you compensated for what you lost.
You can pursue a personal injury claim at the same time as a criminal prosecution, or even if the driver is never charged at all. That’s why it’s important to speak with a reckless driving lawyer who focuses on civil liability.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Reckless Driving Accident?
If you were hurt by a reckless driver, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment and follow-up care
- Future surgeries or long-term rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional trauma
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed)
Our legal team works with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and financial analysts to calculate the true value of your case, and we never accept less than what’s fair.
Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law in Reckless Driving Cases
Even in cases involving reckless behavior, Florida law applies a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages. If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation will be reduced proportionally.
Insurers may try to argue you shared responsibility for the crash, even when the other driver was clearly out of control. At Andrew Pickett Law, we push back hard with solid evidence and expert testimony to keep blame where it belongs.
Statute of Limitations for Reckless Driving Accident Claims in Florida
As of 2023, the deadline to file a personal injury claim in Florida is two years from the date of the crash. If you miss that window, you may lose your right to recover damages permanently.
We recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible so we can begin preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building your case.
Why Choose Andrew Pickett Law
At Andrew Pickett Law, we’ve recovered over $38 million for injury victims across Florida. We’re not afraid to take on complex cases or stand up to large insurance carriers. And because we limit the number of cases we take on, each client receives the personal attention and thorough preparation their case deserves.
Why clients trust us:
- Former prosecutor with courtroom experience
- Personalized legal strategy for every case
- Strong negotiation backed by trial readiness
- No upfront fees, we only get paid if we win
From investigating the reckless driver’s actions to fighting for maximum compensation, we’re with you every step of the way.
Serving Reckless Driving Accident Victims Across Florida
With offices in Melbourne and Titusville, Andrew Pickett Law serves victims across:
- Melbourne
- Palm Bay
- Cocoa
- Titusville
- Rockledge
- Cape Canaveral
- Satellite Beach
- All of Brevard County and beyond
Contact a Melbourne, FL Reckless Driving Accident Attorney Today
If you were hurt because someone else chose to drive recklessly, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Andrew Pickett Law is ready to investigate your crash, explain your options, and pursue the full compensation you’re owed.
Melbourne Office:Â 927 E New Haven Avenue, Suite 201, Melbourne, FL 32901
Titusville Office:Â 605 S Palm Ave, Titusville, FL 32796
Call 321-415-8053 for a free consultation
Frequently Asked Questions About Reckless Driving Accidents in Florida
Can I sue a reckless driver even if they weren’t arrested?
Yes. Criminal charges are separate from civil liability. You can still pursue a personal injury claim, even if the reckless driver was never cited or arrested.
Is reckless driving the same as careless driving in Florida?
No. Careless driving is a civil traffic infraction, while reckless driving is a criminal offense. Reckless driving involves willful or wanton disregard for safety, which can strengthen your civil case.
Will my insurance cover me if I was hit by a reckless driver?
Possibly. Your PIP coverage will apply initially, but you may need to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance for full compensation. If they are uninsured or underinsured, UM/UIM coverage can help, if you have it.
Can I recover punitive damages in a reckless driving case?
In some cases, yes. If the driver’s actions were especially egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish and deter similar behavior. These are separate from your compensatory damages.
Meet Andrew Pickett
Dealing with the murky policies of insurance companies designed to confuse and prevent you from receiving compensation is our expertise.
15+ years experience as a personal injury attorney.
Specialized in battling insurance companies.
95% settlement rate for clients.
Handled 500+ personal injury cases.
Collected more than $38 million for clients.
500+ people have chosen
Andrew as their attorney.
