You’re driving through San Pedro, obeying traffic signs and staying within the speed limit, when suddenly, a car flies through an intersection—ignoring a red light. The reckless driver slams into your vehicle, leaving you with bodily injuries, property damage, and rising medical bills. You’re shaken, confused, and wondering how someone could act with such wanton disregard for the safety of persons on the road.
Unfortunately, this isn’t rare. Reckless driving in California is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents, often resulting in lasting trauma and even criminal charges for the at-fault party.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to prove reckless conduct, what evidence matters, and how to legally and financially hold the responsible party accountable. The best car accident lawyers in San Pedro, Farahi Law Firm, are here to help you secure the maximum compensation you deserve after a reckless driving accident.
This post is part of our California Reckless Driving Series—explore the rest to build your case confidently.
What Is Reckless Driving in California?
Under California Vehicle Code Section 23103, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle “in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This behavior goes far beyond minor negligence—it involves a conscious decision to ignore danger, creating a serious risk of harm.
Common examples of reckless conduct include:
- Driving at excessive speed (well above posted miles per hour limits)
- Street racing or weaving through traffic signals
- Tailgating, aggressive driving, or road rage
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Texting while driving or other forms of distracted driving
These actions often lead to truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, and severe physical injuries—ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries. In the most tragic cases, victims suffer lifelong complications or suffer catastrophic injuries due to one driver’s intentional disregard for safety.
Victims of reckless conduct have the legal right to pursue a personal injury claim, demand fair compensation, and hold the liable party accountable for their wrongful actions—especially with support from our experienced personal injury attorneys.
How to Report Reckless Driving
If you witnessed or are involved in a reckless driving accident, reporting the driver’s actions can help hold them accountable—both criminally and civilly. Call 911 if the incident is in progress or caused immediate danger.
For non-emergencies, you can file a report online with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or your local police departments.
Provide as much detail as possible:
- License plate number
- Vehicle Description
- Time and location of the incident
- Any known reckless driving behaviors (e.g., excessive speed, weaving, distracted driving)
Filing a report creates a paper trail of evidence—a crucial asset in building your personal injury claim, especially when proving the reckless driving charge or establishing intentional actions during future legal proceedings.
Proving the Other Driver Was Reckless
Establishing fault is critical for a successful personal injury claim in a reckless driving accident. To do so, our attorney will gather a wide range of evidence that proves the reckless driver acted with wanton disregard for the safety of persons and property.
Key forms of evidence include:
- Surveillance video or closed-circuit television footage from nearby businesses or parking lots
- Dashcam recordings from your vehicle or witnesses
- Police report documenting any reckless driving charges
- Witness testimony to verify erratic or aggressive driving
Physical evidence from the accident scene—such as skid marks, debris patterns, and photos of vehicle damage—can also support your case. These details help show speeding, sudden maneuvers, or violation of traffic signs and speed limits.
The best car accident lawyers in San Pedro, Farahi Law Firm, work with accident reconstruction experts to recreate the crash using physics-based models and investigative tools. Their expert input can demonstrate intentional disregard, clarify impact forces, and support punitive damages where applicable.
Notably, California applies comparative fault law (CIV §1714). This means they can still recover fair compensation even if the injured party shares some responsibility—partially distracted driving. Your recovery is simply reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
Building a strong case requires legal precision, compelling evidence, and a strategic team that can prove recklessness beyond reasonable doubt.
Legal Consequences of Reckless Driving
Reckless driving in California can result in both criminal charges and civil liability. A driver may face license suspension, days in jail, or a reckless driving charge under Vehicle Code §23103. However, for victims, the civil side matters most.
For victims, the civil consequences open the door for financial recovery. A personal injury claim allows the injured party to seek compensatory damages for a wide range of losses, which may include:
- Compensatory damages for:
- Medical bills and ongoing medical care
- Property damage
- Loss of income or future earnings
- Physical therapy for severe injuries like traumatic brain injury or Broken Bones
- Punitive damages in cases of:
- Intentional actions
- Extreme disregard for safety
- Proven wanton disregard for human life or property
Victims also endure lasting emotional consequences. Through the civil court, they can seek compensation for non-economic damages, including:
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or physical injuries
An experienced personal injury attorney ensures these damages are documented and pursued to secure the maximum compensation allowed under California law.
Why Legal Representation Matters
The right legal team can make all the difference when pursuing a personal injury claim after a reckless driving accident. Our expert personal injury attorney in San Pedro will:
- Collect and preserve critical evidence (e.g., surveillance video, photos, medical records)
- Interview eyewitnesses and issue subpoenas if needed
- Negotiate with the insurance company to pursue maximum compensation
Contact Farahi Law Firm today for a free case review.
We’re committed to delivering the medical treatment you need and the money you deserve.
