Citation for Negligent/Reckless Driving After Baltimore Car Accident
Citation for Negligent/Reckless Driving Causing Baltimore Car Accident?
The mere fact that an at fault driver is issued a Citation for Negligent/Reckless Driving Causing Baltimore Car Accident is generally not admissible in a subsequent personal injury claim. This is a rule of evidence known to experienced Baltimore Personal Injury Attorneys. But, it can depend on the nature of the citation. For example, it is routine for an investigating officer to issue citations for license or registration violations that are discovered during that investigation. These would be typically considered irrelevant to the issues in a personal injury matter.
A guilty plea to a traffic citation, however, can constitute a binding factual admission.
If the driver that you contend caused the accident was given a citation for negligent or reckless driving, and they plead guilty to that offense, this can operate as an admission of liability for purposes of a subsequent personal injury action. As Attorney Eric T. Kirk will tell you.
Negligent/Reckless Driving Causing Baltimore Car Accident: Legal Analysis.
The Rules of the Road currently in effect in Baltimore, assign different degrees of culpability, and penalties, which depend on the state of mind of the vehicle operator at the time of the accident. Transportation Article Section 21-901.1 – Reckless and Negligent Driving provides
(a) A person is guilty of reckless driving if he drives a motor vehicle:
(1) In wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property; or
(2) In a manner that indicates a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property.
On the other hand:
(b) A person is guilty of negligent driving if he drives a motor vehicle in a careless or imprudent manner that endangers any property or the life or person of any individual.
Recklessness for a Baltimore driver connotes more that simple bad judgement or lack of judgment. More here for negligence, generally. Reckless conduct is action that a driver undertakes either knowing that is is likely to harm others, but doing it anyway, or perhaps not caring one way or the other in first instance.
I routinely try cases involving disputed liability wherein issues of causation can become complex. Any evidence tending to show the defendant has admitted liability is valuable. I am honored to extend a complimentary meeting, strategy session and case analysis to you. Contact me today to arrange a time. 410 591 2835.
- Baltimore Personal Injury Trial Lawyer Eric T. Kirk
- Legal Analysis & Case Studies
- Baltimore Neighborhoods I Serve
A Baltimore car accident and personal injury litigator who has taken hundreds of cases to trial in Maryland, New York and Florida, recovering millions over a 30-year mission to obtain denied compensation for his clients.
