When is Extreme Conduct Part of a Car Accident Claim?

In most car accident cases, compensation is based on factors like medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage. But in some cases, extreme or outrageous behavior by the at-fault driver may influence the claim. This conduct, often referred to as egregious or reckless behavior, includes actions that go beyond negligence into the realm of indifference to the safety of others.

Additional compensation may be accessible if you were involved in an accident due to the at-fault party’s extreme conduct. To learn more about what this involves, who decides if conduct is extreme, and how it can impact your claim, have a conversation with a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer.

What Qualifies as Extreme Conduct in a Car Accident?

Extreme conduct in a car accident involves behavior that shows a blatant disregard for the safety of others. Some examples include:

• Driving under the influence. Drunk driving is often considered a clear, dangerous choice that endangers others. When someone’s reckless decision to drive intoxicated leads to an accident, their actions may be considered a blatant disregard for others.
• Street racing and excessive speeding. Exceeding speed limits by an extreme amount or engaging in street racing not only violates traffic laws but poses serious threats to anyone nearby.
• Aggressive behaviors. Intentional acts like tailgating, running someone off the road, or other aggressive maneuvers can be classified as extreme conduct if they lead to an accident.

Such actions go beyond ordinary negligence because they show a disregard for safety and may result in harsher legal and financial consequences for the driver responsible.

Who Decides When Conduct is Over the Top?

Determining if the at-fault driver’s actions qualify as extreme or outrageous is generally up to the courts. During a lawsuit, judges and juries evaluate the behavior in question, considering whether it deviates from what is expected of a reasonable person. If a judge or jury finds the conduct so reckless that it suggests intentional indifference, the at-fault driver may face additional penalties, and the injured party may be eligible for additional compensation.

In some cases, insurance adjusters may make this determination during the settlement process. But having an experienced attorney to advocate for your claim is essential if extreme conduct is involved, because insurance companies may be prioritizing a smaller payout amount.

In Florida, the law permits punitive damages in cases where a defendant’s actions were particularly reckless, willful, or wanton. Punitive damages are capped at three times the amount of compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater, unless the case involves intentional harm.

A Boca Raton personal injury lawyer can gather evidence to demonstrate the reckless behavior of the at-fault driver. They can also fight for maximum compensation, an amount that reflects the severity of the at-fault driver’s actions.

Have you been hurt in a car accident involving a reckless driver? By seeking justice and fair compensation, you can hold the reckless drivers in Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, and Pompano Beach accountable. Call 561-660-9421 to talk to the injury lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez.