St. Louis Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer

Throughout the Greater St. Louis area, strict driving rules apply to everyone on the road. State laws explicitly prohibit risky behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, aggressive driving, and racing. Furthermore, an overarching rule requires every driver to behave with reasonable care so they do not endanger others.

Unfortunately, not every driver lives up to these safety obligations. Some drivers intentionally create hazardous situations on the highway through aggressive maneuvers or extreme distraction.

If a driver’s wanton disregard for safety caused your injuries, you need an experienced St. Louis reckless driving accident lawyer. At The Cagle Law Firm, we hold reckless drivers accountable across Missouri and Illinois. Call us toll-free at (800) 685-3302 or locally at (314) 276-1681 to schedule a free consultation.

What Constitutes Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving generally involves operating a vehicle with a willful disregard for the safety of others. In our bi-state practice, we routinely see catastrophic crashes caused by the following behaviors:

• Extreme Speeding: Driving significantly over the speed limit endangers lives. Speeding reduces reaction times and exponentially increases the physical force of a crash.
• Aggressive Tailgating: Tailgating frequently occurs due to driver impatience. Consequently, the rear driver lacks the stopping distance needed if traffic suddenly halts, causing severe rear-end crashes.
• Disregarding Traffic Signals: Drivers cannot simply speed through a red light because they are in a hurry. Ignoring stop signs and traffic lights frequently results in deadly T-bone collisions.
• Road Rage: This remains one of the most dangerous forms of reckless driving. It involves aggressively using a vehicle to harass, chase, or intimidate other drivers and pedestrians

Bi-State Reckless Driving Laws: Missouri vs. Illinois

Because The Cagle Law Firm represents crash victims on both sides of the Mississippi River, we navigate distinct laws regarding dangerous driving behaviors.

Missouri: “Careless and Imprudent” Driving (RSMo § 304.012)

Missouri law does not use the specific term “reckless driving.” Instead, state law requires all motorists to exercise the “highest degree of care.” Therefore, driving in a way that endangers the life, limb, or property of another person constitutes “careless and imprudent” driving.

Illinois: Reckless Driving (625 ILCS 5/11-503)

Conversely, Illinois strictly defines “reckless driving” in its legal code. Under Illinois law, a person commits reckless driving if they drive with a “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”

Civil Liability vs. Criminal Charges

Reckless driving can trigger both criminal and civil consequences. The state may prosecute the reckless driver criminally, resulting in fines or jail time. However, a criminal conviction will not pay your mounting medical bills.

To recover financial compensation, you must file a civil personal injury lawsuit. The goal of a civil lawsuit is not to put the driver in jail. Instead, a civil claim forces the reckless driver’s insurance company to compensate you for your physical and financial trauma.

Additionally, in cases involving extreme road rage or drunk driving, our attorneys may pursue punitive damages. Courts award these specific damages to punish the reckless driver and deter others from similar wanton conduct.

Contact a Top-Rated St. Louis Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer

If you are the victim of a careless and imprudent driver, you may face disabling injuries, paralysis, or permanent disabilities. You need a dedicated St. Louis reckless driving accident lawyer to pursue your claim. We handle the legal fight so you can focus entirely on regaining your health.

The Cagle Law Firm operates on a strict contingency fee basis. Therefore, you owe zero upfront retainers or out-of-pocket legal fees unless we successfully win your case.

We maintain our primary headquarters in Downtown St. Louis (500 N. Broadway, Suite 1605, St. Louis, MO 63102) and a regional office in Southern Illinois (231 W. Main Street, Carbondale, IL 62901).

Call us today at (314) 276-1681 or toll-free at (800) 685-3302 for your free, confidential consultation.

Zane T. Cagle of The Cagle Law Firm focuses specifically on those seriously injured in car accidents in Missouri and Illinois. A member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Super Lawyer, Zane has the Case Results and 20 years of client service maximizing his client’s compensation.