Two People Injured in Crash With Reckless Driver in Spokane Valley

According to a report from KHQ-TV, two people were injured in a reckless driving accident on Interstate 90, just outside of the City of Spokane. At approximately 4:30 in the afternoon, a 20-year-old man lost control of his vehicle after allegedly driving in a reckless manner. He struck another car. The reckless driver and another man were both hospitalized for their injuries. Here, our Spokane auto accident lawyers explain what we know about the incident and discuss reckless driving crashes more broadly.

Police: Reckless Driving Caused Collision

A representative for the local police department told reporters that the 20-year-old driver was operating his vehicle recklessly while travelling eastbound on I-90. In doing so, he lost control of the car and it hit both the left and right barriers on the side of the highway, before then colliding with another vehicle.

The driver of the other vehicle, a 68-year-old man, was taken to the hospital with significant injuries. The 20-year-old was charged with both speeding and reckless driving—though alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the crash. The Spokane Valley accident is still under a more comprehensive investigation by authorities.

Reckless Driving is Negligent Driving: Victims are Entitled to Financial Compensation

All motorists have a basic legal duty to operate their vehicle in a safe and attentive manner. Reckless driving is a particularly flagrant form of unsafe driving. In fact, it is a criminal offense in Washington. Under state law (RCW 46.61.500), reckless driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Practically speaking, reckless driving can come in many different forms. Some examples of reckless driving include extreme speeding, weaving in and out of traffic on highways, and blowing through stop signs or traffic lights.

Beyond the criminal matter, reckless driving is a textbook example of negligent driving. A reckless driver can be held legally responsible for any injuries caused by their unsafe behavior. If you were injured in an accident with a reckless driver, you are entitled to financial compensation for the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. While a traffic ticket or criminal charge can serve as an important evidence in a personal injury claim, you can still pursue legal action even if no formal citation was issued. An attorney can help you put together a strong, well-backed car accident injury case.

Speak to Our Spokane, WA Auto Accident Lawyer Today

At‌ ‌Albrecht‌ ‌Law‌ ‌PLLC, our Washington car accident attorneys are reliable advocates for the rights of injured victims. We will fight to get you the money that you need to pay your bills and support your family. If you or your loved one was hurt in a reckless driving crash, we are available to help. Contact our firm today for a free, no obligation review of your personal injury claim. With a legal office in Spokane, we handle auto accident injury claims throughout the Spokane Valley.