At Tronfeld, West & Durrett, our car accident attorneys bring decades of trial experience and local courtroom knowledge to the table, fighting for victims of reckless driving in Fredericksburg and across Virginia. We thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case, from gathering medical evidence and witness statements to documenting road conditions and crash scene details, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
How an Experienced Reckless Driving Attorney Can Help
Reckless driving cases in Virginia are serious, whether you’ve been accused or you’ve been harmed by someone else’s dangerous behavior behind the wheel. This isn’t just a traffic matter. Under Virginia Code § 46.2-852, reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor that can carry jail time, a suspended license, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record. For victims, it often leaves behind lasting physical, emotional, and financial damage.
At Tronfeld, West & Durrett, our reckless driving attorneys bring decades of experience representing both sides of these high-stakes cases. We know how to aggressively defend against unjust charges and hold reckless drivers fully accountable when their actions injure or endanger others.
If you were the victim of someone else’s reckless driving, whether as a fellow driver, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, we will pursue justice on your behalf. That includes investigating police reports, securing witness statements, and building a personal injury case that demands compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term recovery needs.
For answers to your questions about a reckless driving in Fredericksburg, call:
800-321-6741
Understanding Virginia’s Reckless Driving Laws and Their Impact on Your Case
In Virginia, reckless driving charges are determined by specific statutory definitions and objective criteria regarding driver behavior, not subjective assessments of speed or safety. Under Virginia Code, the charge applies when someone drives in a way that “endangers life, limb, or property.” That broad language allows police officers to exercise significant discretion in issuing charges, which is why many otherwise safe drivers are shocked to find themselves facing a Class 1 misdemeanor after a routine traffic stop.
Unlike typical traffic infractions, reckless driving in Virginia is prosecuted as a criminal offense. This means you’ll have to appear in court, and if convicted, you could face:
- Up to 12 months in jail
- A fine of up to $2,500
- Six DMV demerit points
- License suspension for up to six months
- A criminal record that cannot be expunged
At Tronfeld, West & Durrett, our reckless driving lawyers make it our priority to ensure clients fully understand what’s at stake. We work one-on-one with you to assess the facts of your case and develop the most effective strategy.
Whether your injuries stemmed from a high-speed highway crash, a reckless lane change, or an intersection collision, we dig into the police reports, criminal case files, and eyewitness accounts to build the strongest liability case possible.
Common Types of Reckless Driving Offenses in Virginia
Virginia law outlines more than a dozen distinct types of reckless driving offenses, many of which don’t involve speeding at all. We routinely work with clients who are shocked to learn that conduct they considered minor or technical, such as passing on a hill or having brakes in disrepair, can land them in criminal court.
If you’ve been charged with reckless driving in Fredericksburg, our experienced legal team can help protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. We’ll carefully review the evidence, challenge any procedural errors or questionable evidence, and work to either get your charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
Reckless Driving by Excessive Speed
Speeding is by far the most common reason drivers are charged with reckless driving in Fredericksburg, particularly on I-95, U.S. Route 1, and Route 3. According to Virginia Code § 46.2-862, you can be charged if:
- You are driving 20 mph or more over the posted limit, or
- You exceed 85 mph, regardless of the speed limit
This law traps a surprising number of out-of-state drivers and locals alike. For example, going 86 mph in a 70 mph zone is enough to result in handcuffs, not just a citation. In court, these cases often hinge on radar or lidar evidence, something we regularly challenge by examining device calibration logs, officer training records, and visibility or weather conditions that may have impacted speed detection.
Other Reckless Driving Scenarios
Virginia law includes a broad list of actions that qualify as reckless driving, even when speed is not a factor. These statutes are often misunderstood, but they carry the same potential penalties as speed-related charges.
Here are just a few non-speeding reckless driving offenses we frequently see:
- Driving a vehicle with faulty brakes
- Passing on a curve or when the view is obstructed
- Driving two vehicles side-by-side in a single lane
- Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle
- Passing a stopped school bus with flashing signals
These violations may be charged even when no accident occurred. That’s why having a local defense attorney who understands how Fredericksburg judges view each statute and how to argue the specific circumstances of your case is so critical.
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How Reckless Driving Impacts Civil Liability in Accidents
If your reckless driving charge stems from a collision, it can also impact your financial liability in civil court. In personal injury cases, a criminal conviction can be used as evidence of negligence per se, which is essentially automatic proof that you acted negligently.
If You Were the At-Fault Driver
A reckless driving conviction can make it harder to defend against a personal injury lawsuit. You could be held liable for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Our team will coordinate your criminal defense and civil liability strategy to minimize your exposure on both fronts.
If You Were the Victim of a Reckless Driver
You have the right to pursue a claim for full compensation. We can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver for:
- Emergency and ongoing medical care
- Lost earnings or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
We’ve handled hundreds of serious car accident cases tied to reckless driving, and we’ll make sure the driver and their insurer are held fully accountable.
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Talk to a Fredericksburg Reckless Driving Injury Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love was injured by a reckless driver, don’t wait to take legal action. These cases depend on timely evidence, strong legal strategy, and experienced advocacy. At Tronfeld, West & Durrett, we’ve earned our reputation by standing up for Virginians who were hurt through no fault of their own.
Our consultations are always free, and we’ll take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and outline the next steps. You don’t pay us unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Let’s talk about how we can help you pursue justice and move forward with confidence.
Contact us today to speak with a Fredericksburg injury attorney who understands what you’re facing—and how to fight for what you deserve.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form