Reckless driving is a criminal offense in Georgia that causes devastating accidents. Overbird Law holds reckless drivers accountable for the injuries and destruction they cause.
Georgia Reckless Driving Accident Attorney
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-390), reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property. This is a misdemeanor criminal offense, but when reckless driving causes a serious accident, the civil consequences are enormous. Reckless driving goes beyond ordinary negligence — it demonstrates a conscious disregard for the safety of others, which can support claims for punitive damages under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1).
Common reckless driving behaviors that cause catastrophic accidents include excessive speeding, aggressive lane changes, tailgating at high speeds, running red lights, street racing, weaving through traffic, and road rage incidents. These behaviors are not mere carelessness — they are deliberate choices that put every other person on the road at risk. Attorney Jonathan Overman pursues these cases aggressively, seeking both compensatory and punitive damages to punish the reckless driver and deter future dangerous behavior.
Punitive damages are a powerful tool in reckless driving cases. While compensatory damages cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, punitive damages are awarded specifically to punish the defendant for their egregious behavior. In Georgia, punitive damages in personal injury cases are generally capped at $250,000 (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1), but this cap does not apply in cases involving DUI or intentional conduct, making the distinction between reckless and ordinary negligence critically important.
If you were injured by a reckless driver, the criminal case against them can significantly benefit your civil claim. A criminal conviction for reckless driving, racing, or aggressive driving creates powerful evidence for your personal injury case. Overbird Law coordinates with prosecutors and monitors criminal proceedings to ensure evidence from the criminal case is preserved and available for your civil lawsuit.
Reckless driving cases may qualify for punitive damages. Find out what your case is worth.
Reckless Driving Claims
Georgia law allows punitive damages in reckless driving cases to punish the at-fault driver. These damages go beyond covering your losses to send a message about dangerous behavior.
Street racing accidents often involve multiple liable parties including all race participants, event organizers, and even property owners who allowed racing on their land.
Road rage that escalates into a collision may constitute assault, opening the door to additional civil claims and potentially removing the punitive damages cap.
We work alongside criminal prosecutors to preserve evidence and leverage criminal convictions to strengthen your civil personal injury claim.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review.
