At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our Petersburg personal injury attorneys understand how to build a civil claim after a reckless driving crash—even if the at-fault driver faces separate criminal charges. We’ve helped clients recover compensation for catastrophic injuries by gathering detailed evidence, presenting strong arguments for liability, and working with experts to assess future care needs. If you or someone you love was injured by a reckless driver, we can help you understand your legal options and fight for full and fair compensation.
How Our Petersburg Reckless Driving Lawyers Help
Reckless driving isn’t just a traffic offense in Virginia—it’s a criminal charge that can lead to devastating accidents, particularly at high speeds or in work zones. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, reckless driving contributed to more than 26,000 crashes in a year, resulting in 257 deaths and thousands of injuries. In cities like Petersburg, these incidents often involve out-of-state drivers or commercial vehicles operating with disregard for public safety.
But building a strong case after a reckless driving accident takes more than submitting an insurance claim. It requires targeted investigation, legal analysis, and expert support. When you hire Tronfeld West & Durrett, we handle:
- Retrieving police reports and crash reconstruction data
- Documenting traffic citations or criminal charges filed against the driver
- Interviewing witnesses and securing dash cam or surveillance footage
- Working with medical providers to quantify long-term care needs
- Calculating total damages, including economic losses and non-economic harms
- Negotiating settlements with insurers—or filing suit if needed
We’ve represented clients in both straightforward and high-conflict claims, including multi-vehicle crashes and cases involving trucking companies. Our goal is to take the pressure off you and make sure your voice is heard in the process.
Our Petersburg Reckless Driving Accident Attorneys
For answers to your questions about a reckless driving accident in Petersburg, call:
804-862-1234
What Counts as Reckless Driving in Virginia?
Virginia defines reckless driving broadly under Code of Virginia § 46.2-852, which states that any driving behavior endangering life, limb, or property qualifies. In Petersburg, this includes:
- Driving 20 mph or more over the speed limit
- Racing other vehicles on public roads
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Failing to yield in high-risk situations
- Driving too fast for conditions, such as fog, rain, or construction zones
- Operating a vehicle with faulty brakes or other mechanical failures
Even if the reckless driver is cited or convicted, a criminal case does not guarantee compensation for the victim. If you’re unsure about the viability of your case, we invite you to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss how the other driver’s negligence contributed to your accident and what your chances are for securing compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Reckless Driving Crash?
In Virginia, the reckless driver is typically the primary liable party. But depending on the situation, additional parties may be involved:
- Employers of commercial drivers who failed to monitor or train their workers
- Vehicle owners who knowingly allowed someone dangerous to drive their car
- Government agencies or contractors who failed to address road hazards, in rare cases
Because Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule, if you’re found even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages. Our team takes extra care to build a strong case that shields you from unfounded blame and ensures the focus remains on the reckless conduct of the other party.
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What Compensation Can Victims Seek After a Reckless Driving Accident?
Victims of reckless driving crashes may suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, or emotional trauma. These injuries often come with a steep financial toll. Our attorneys help clients pursue compensation for:
- Emergency and ongoing medical care
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Pain and suffering, including long-term disability
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, nightmares, or PTSD
- Punitive damages, in cases involving particularly dangerous behavior
Unlike standard car accident cases, reckless driving claims may involve elevated damages due to the at-fault party’s disregard for safety. We make sure those elevated risks are reflected in the value of your case.
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Schedule a Free Consultation With a Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer in Petersburg
Our reckless driving attorneys understand that you may be facing months of recovery, high medical bills, and uncertainty about your job or future. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we help clients navigate every stage of the legal process, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements that truly reflect their losses.
Our car accident lawyers in Petersburg offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if we win your case. With over 50 years of experience and a record of results throughout Virginia, we’re ready to advocate for you and ensure your injuries are fully accounted for—physically, financially, and emotionally. Contact us today to get started.
FAQs: Reckless Driving Accidents in Petersburg, VA
What are the most common reckless driving scenarios in Petersburg?
In Petersburg, common scenarios include speeding on I-95, racing on rural roads near Route 460, running red lights downtown, and failing to yield near school zones. These areas often have high traffic volume or pedestrian activity, which makes reckless conduct even more dangerous.
Can I still file a lawsuit if the reckless driver was charged criminally in Petersburg?
Yes. Criminal charges are handled by the state and do not provide financial compensation to the victim. You can file a separate civil lawsuit to pursue damages for your injuries, even if the criminal case is ongoing or already resolved.
How long do I have to file a reckless driving injury claim in Virginia?
Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, if the case involves a government vehicle or a minor, special rules may apply.
Does it matter if the driver wasn’t convicted of reckless driving in Petersburg court?
Not necessarily. A criminal conviction can support your civil claim, but it’s not required. We can use the driver’s actions—such as excessive speeding, unsafe passing, or failure to yield—as evidence of negligence in your civil case, even without a formal conviction.
What local resources are available after a reckless driving crash in Petersburg?
Accident reports can be requested through the Petersburg Bureau of Police, which investigates traffic collisions. For emergency medical treatment, Southside Regional Medical Center handles trauma care for many accident victims in the area. We help clients obtain documentation from these agencies to support their claims.
Call or text 804-862-1234 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form