Reckless Driving Car Accident Lawyers in Burlington, VT 

Reckless driving is more than just breaking a rule—it’s a reckless gamble with people’s lives. Reckless drivers face a stiff menu of points and other fines in Vermont for such behavior. When someone’s careless choices on the road lead to an accident, the impact can be devastating. You’re left picking up the pieces, physically and emotionally, wondering how to move forward. It’s overwhelming, isn’t it? 

At Horn Wright, LLP, our experienced Vermont attorneys understand what you’re going through. Our reckless driving accident lawyers have helped countless Burlington families recover after such accidents. We’ll fight for your rights, so you can focus on healing. You don’t have to face this alone. 

What is Reckless Driving in Vermont? 

Reckless driving in Vermont isn’t just a bad habit—it’s a dangerous, selfish decision. It’s defined as driving in a way that shows total disregard for safety. Think about drivers speeding through red lights, swerving around slower vehicles without looking, or tailgating so close you can’t even see their headlights. These behaviors don’t just annoy other drivers; they create deadly situations. 

You’ve probably seen this kind of driving on Main Street or near Interstate 89 in Burlington. Whether it’s rushing through busy intersections or cutting people off in icy weather, reckless drivers ignore the very laws that keep us all safe. Each year between 2,000-4,000 people are killed on Vermont's roadways.

What’s Causing Vermont’s Reckless Driving Car Accidents? 

When you think about it, most reckless driving comes down to poor choices. Here’s what we’ve seen time and again: 

Excessive Speeding. Drivers who think they’re invincible often push the speed limit—or ignore it altogether. They don’t leave room to stop or swerve if something unexpected happens. On roads like Shelburne or Williston, where traffic flows fast, a speeding car can cause horrific chain-reaction accidents. 

Distracted Driving. Let’s be honest—phones are a huge problem. The Vermont State Police has found driver distractions were a contributing factor in over 17% of serious car crashes. Scrolling through texts or answering a call while driving at high speeds is a recipe for disaster. Add distractions like eating, fiddling with the GPS, or even daydreaming, and the risks skyrocket. On Burlington’s busier streets, a distracted second could change your life forever. 

Aggressive Driving and Road Rage. Some drivers treat the road like it’s their personal battlefield. They tailgate, weave through lanes, and refuse to let others merge. It’s terrifying to share the road with someone who seems more focused on “winning” than driving safely. 

Driving Under the Influence. Drunk or drugged drivers have impaired judgment, slower reactions, and poor coordination. Add those factors to reckless habits like speeding or ignoring stop signs, and it’s a perfect storm. Areas near Burlington’s downtown nightlife, like Pine Street, can see these accidents spike late at night. Vermont strictly prohibits operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

The Human Cost of Reckless Driving Accidents 

Reckless driving doesn’t just wreck cars; it wrecks lives. When someone’s negligence puts you or your family in harm’s way, the injuries are often severe. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries 

TBIs aren’t just about memory loss or headaches—they can change who you are. Victims may struggle to focus, remember things, or even handle daily activities. Families often feel helpless watching their loved ones adjust to a new reality. 

Spinal Cord Injuries 

Losing mobility is devastating. Whether it’s temporary or permanent paralysis, a spinal cord injury means rethinking everything—from how you get around to how you live at home. It’s a heavy burden for victims and their families alike. Disc herniations and protrusions after a car accident can result in permanent limitations and surgery. 

Broken Bones and Internal Injuries 

Fractures and organ damage can mean weeks in the hospital, multiple surgeries, and months of physical therapy. The recovery process is exhausting, both physically and mentally, especially if you can’t work during this time. 

Emotional Trauma 

Let’s not overlook the emotional toll. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are common after traumatic accidents. It’s not just about physical healing; the scars on your heart and mind take time, too. 

What Makes Burlington’s Roads the Exception? 

Burlington is a beautiful city, but its roads come with challenges. Busy streets like Main or College Street are hubs of activity, with pedestrians, cyclists, and heavy traffic competing for space. Reckless drivers often make these areas especially dangerous. 

Winter, of course, adds another layer of difficulty. Icy roads and snow-covered intersections demand cautious driving. Burlington Public Works itself services over 95 miles of streets, 130 miles of sidewalks, and 33 miles of bike lines. When someone ignores those conditions, it puts everyone else in harm’s way. Local efforts like public safety campaigns and increased enforcement are helping, but accidents still happen far too often. 

What are the Steps You Can Take After an Accident? 

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a reckless driving accident, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. There’s a lot to handle, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Here’s where to start: 

• Gather Your Proof. Take photos of everything—the scene, the cars, your injuries. Take a moment to read about how to take good accident scene photos. Get witness names and statements if you can. A solid trail of evidence will make a world of difference when it comes to proving what happened. 
• See a Doctor. Let a doctor tell you you’re okay. Some injuries don’t show up right away, but they could become serious later. Your health comes first, and medical records are key to your case. 
• Talk to a Lawyer. The legal process can feel confusing, especially if you’re recovering from injuries. We’re here to take that stress off your shoulders. Our Burlington car accident lawyers will handle the paperwork, negotiations, and courtroom arguments while you focus on healing. 

What Can You Recover in a Vermont Car Accident Case? 

When someone else’s reckless actions change your life, you deserve to be made whole again. That’s what compensation is for. Here’s what you can pursue: 

Medical Costs 

This includes hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and even future treatments. Healthcare is expensive, but you shouldn’t have to bear the burden alone. 

Lost Wages 

If you’re out of work because of your injuries, those lost paychecks add up fast. For serious injuries, we’ll also account for how your earning ability could be affected in the long term. 

Pain and Suffering 

Money can’t erase what happened, but it can acknowledge your pain. Whether it’s physical agony, emotional distress, or the loss of things you once loved, these damages matter. 

Let the Car Accident Lawyers Horn Wright, LLP, Fight for You  

Reckless driving accidents are life changing. We know how much you’re dealing with right now. That’s why we’re here—to take on the hard stuff, so you don’t have to. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, we’ve helped Burlington families get justice and recover after devastating accidents. We’ll stand by your side, guide you through every step, and fight for what you deserve. 

If you’re ready to take the next step, give us a call. Let’s talk about how we can help take that weight off your shoulders.