Indianapolis Reckless Driving Lawyer

Reckless driving victims often suffer devastating injuries, including brain trauma, spinal damage, and long-term psychological harm.

At Christie Bell & Marshall, we help clients hold dangerous drivers fully accountable under Indiana law. If a reckless motorist has injured you in Indianapolis, our team builds strong cases to prove their egregious behavior, counter insurance tactics, and secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

How a Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer Builds Your Case in Indiana

We prove that the driver went beyond mere carelessness to consciously disregard safety. This meets a distinct legal standard, requiring a more strategic approach. When you work with a reckless driving accident lawyer at CFLB, you can expect:

Investigating the Driver’s Behavior

One of the first steps we take is to secure all available evidence of how the crash occurred. Our team gathers police reports, interviews eyewitnesses, retrieves dashcam footage, and analyzes any black box data from the involved vehicles. The goal is to create a detailed account of the driver’s actions in the moments leading up to the collision. As our car accident lawyers regularly do in high-stakes injury cases, we also evaluate whether traffic camera footage or 911 call logs could support the claim.

Uncovering Past Violations or Patterns

In some cases, our attorneys identify a driver’s long history of reckless conduct, including speeding tickets, aggressive driving complaints, and DUI arrests. If a pattern exists, it can support a request for enhanced damages.

Working With Experts to Prove Causation

It’s not enough to say the driver was reckless. We have to prove how that behavior caused your specific injuries. That’s why we bring in accident reconstruction specialists who can simulate the event and highlight critical errors. Medical experts also play a key role by showing how the severity of your injuries aligns with the force and mechanics of the crash.

In many cases, especially those involving permanent harm, we work with life care planners and economists to quantify long-term costs and impact.

Protecting You From Insurance Tactics

Insurers know reckless driving claims can lead to higher payouts, and they often push back harder in these cases. They may downplay the severity of your injuries, shift blame, or argue the driver’s behavior doesn’t rise to the level of recklessness. We’re prepared to counter each tactic with clear evidence, expert analysis, and aggressive advocacy.

We don’t let insurance companies tell your story. Our job is to make sure the truth comes through.

Our Reckless Driving Attorneys

Tina M. Bell

Partner

Meet Lee C. Christie

Partner

Laura J. Conyers, RN

Associate

Meet Kevin P. Farrell

Of Counsel

Meet Kathy A. Lee

Retired

Meet Kyle L. Christie

Partner

Katherine M. Marshall

Partner

Christopher D. Simpkins

Associate

Speak with a personal injury lawyer today. Call: 317-488-5500

What Counts as Reckless Driving Under Indiana Law?

Not all careless driving qualifies as “reckless” under Indiana law. To build a winning case, it’s critical to understand the legal threshold and demonstrate that the driver’s conduct went beyond ordinary negligence.

Indiana Code § 9-21-8-52 outlines several behaviors that meet the legal standard for reckless driving:

• Driving at an unreasonably high or low speed in a manner that endangers others
• Aggressively tailgating other vehicles
• Overtaking on hills or curves without visibility
• Swerving through lanes without signaling
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Engaging in racing or street competitions on public roads

In personal injury litigation, this distinction matters. Reckless driving implies a conscious disregard for safety, meaning your attorney must not only show the driver caused your injuries, but that they did so with a level of disregard that supports higher damages or even punitive compensation.

And while comparative fault may apply in some car accident cases, demonstrating clear reckless behavior can significantly limit the defense’s ability to argue that your actions contributed to the crash.

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The Most Common and Dangerous Injuries Caused by Reckless Drivers

Unfortunately, reckless driving often leads to violent, high-speed collisions that inflict far more damage than typical fender benders. Victims frequently suffer life-altering injuries that require months or even years of recovery.

Some of the most common catastrophic injuries we see in these cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractures and orthopedic damage
• Internal organ damage and bleeding
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries

To secure fair compensation, your reckless driving attorney collaborates with medical experts who evaluate the full extent of your injuries and future treatment needs. This thorough documentation serves as a cornerstone when negotiating with insurance adjusters or presenting your case to a jury.

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What Damages Can You Recover After a Reckless Driving Accident in Indianapolis?

Victims of reckless driving accidents often face significant financial, physical, and emotional losses. At Christie Bell & Marshall, we work with experts to calculate the full value of your claim and demand compensation that truly reflects what you’ve endured.

Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses: Including emergency care, surgery, rehab, medications, and long-term treatment
• Lost income: Both immediate lost wages and diminished earning potential if you’re unable to return to your previous work
• Pain and suffering: Evaluated based on the duration and severity of physical pain, emotional trauma, and disruption to daily life.
• Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged possessions
• Punitive damages: In some cases, these may be awarded to penalize the driver for particularly dangerous behavior

Frequently Asked Questions About Reckless Driving in Indianapolis

Being charged with reckless driving in Indiana is a serious matter that can have lasting consequences. It’s more than just a simple traffic ticket; it’s a criminal offense. We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions our clients ask.

If you don’t see your question answered here, contact our office directly for a free and confidential consultation about your specific case.

The Basics: Understanding the Charge

What is considered reckless driving in Indiana?

Under Indiana Code 9-21-8-52, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with “reckless disregard for the safety of other persons or property.” This is a broad definition, but it commonly includes actions like:

• Driving at extremely high speeds
• Weaving aggressively in and out of traffic
• Tailgating or “brake checking” other vehicles
• Ignoring traffic signals and signs
• Racing another vehicle
• Driving in a way that causes an accident or near-miss

Is reckless driving a crime in Indiana? Is it a misdemeanor or a felony?

Yes, reckless driving is a crime in Indiana. It is not just a traffic infraction.

• Class B Misdemeanor: In most cases, reckless driving is a Class B Misdemeanor.
• Class A Misdemeanor: The charge can be elevated to a Class A Misdemeanor if it results in bodily injury to another person.
• Level 6 Felony: It becomes a Level 6 Felony if it results in serious bodily injury to another person.
• Level 5 Felony: It is a Level 5 Felony if the act of reckless driving results in the death of another person.

Penalties and Consequences

What are the potential penalties for a reckless driving conviction in Indianapolis?

The penalties depend on the severity of the charge.

• Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

• Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.

• Level 6 Felony: Between 6 months and 2.5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
  In addition to fines and potential jail time, a conviction can lead to a driver’s license suspension and 6 to 8 points on your Indiana BMV record.

If convicted of reckless driving, what is the minimum jail sentence?

There is no mandatory minimum jail sentence for a Class B Misdemeanor reckless driving conviction in Indiana. However, jail time is a very real possibility, especially if your actions were particularly dangerous or if you have a prior criminal record. An experienced attorney’s primary goal is often to negotiate a sentence that avoids jail time altogether.

How will a reckless driving conviction affect my car insurance?

Your insurance rates will almost certainly increase significantly. Reckless driving is considered a major violation by insurance companies, marking you as a high-risk driver. Some insurers may even choose to drop your coverage entirely, making it difficult and expensive to find new insurance.

Can a reckless driving conviction affect my job?

Yes. Because reckless driving is a criminal offense, a conviction will appear on most background checks. This can be a major problem for current or future employment, especially if you drive for a living (e.g., have a CDL), need a security clearance, or work in a field that requires a clean criminal record.

The Legal Process

What happens if someone reported me for reckless driving?

If another driver reports you, the police may investigate. A report alone is usually not enough for a conviction. The police would need to find corroborating evidence, such as dashcam footage, other witnesses, or an admission from you. If the police contact you about a report, it is crucial that you do not speak with them without first consulting an attorney.

Can you get a reckless driving ticket without being pulled over?

Yes. If a police officer witnesses the reckless driving but is unable to stop you at that moment, they can still issue a citation or file charges later, provided they can positively identify you and your vehicle. This can also happen if there is sufficient evidence from an accident investigation or clear video footage.

I was charged with a DUI/OVWI. Can it be pleaded down to reckless driving?

This is a common and often successful legal strategy. Pleading a DUI (known as OVWI in Indiana) down to a reckless driving charge is a very favorable outcome. A reckless driving conviction carries less social stigma and often has less severe penalties, particularly concerning license suspensions and future insurance rates. An experienced attorney can assess your case to see if this negotiation is a viable option.

What should I say in court for a reckless driving charge?

You should say as little as possible and let your attorney do the talking. The most important words you will say are “not guilty” at your initial hearing. Any statements you make can be used against you. Your lawyer will handle all communication with the prosecutor and the judge to protect your rights and build the strongest possible defense.

Your Record and Your Future

How long does a reckless driving conviction stay on my record in Indiana?

A reckless driving conviction creates two records: a BMV record and a criminal record. The points on your BMV driving record will eventually fall off (typically after two years). However, the criminal conviction stays on your record permanently unless you successfully have it expunged.

Can I get a reckless driving charge expunged from my record in Indiana?

Yes, in many cases, a reckless driving conviction is eligible for expungement in Indiana. However, there are specific eligibility requirements and mandatory waiting periods (typically 5 years for a misdemeanor from the date of conviction). The expungement process is complex and requires filing a petition with the court. An attorney can guide you through this process to help clear your criminal record.

Speak With an Indianapolis Reckless Driving Lawyer Today – No Fees Unless We Win

When a reckless driver changes your life in an instant, you deserve more than just an apology or a fraction of what you’ve lost. You deserve experienced legal advocates who understand how to prove intent, build compelling cases, and secure full accountability.

At Christie Bell & Marshall, we’ve fought for injury victims across Indiana for over 40 years. We know how to uncover the truth behind reckless driving cases and present it in a way juries and insurance companies can’t ignore. Just look at our case results to see how we’ve helped others in your shoes.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a reckless driver, we’re ready to help. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward justice.