Wisconsin’s Reckless Driving Laws

Posted June 15, 2023 in

Reckless driving accidents can cause victims severe injuries and leave them struggling to pay for medical expenses, property damage, and monthly bills. Drivers responsible for reckless driving accidents can be held responsible for the damages they cause in civil court and be charged criminally for violating Wisconsin law.

Wisconsin's Reckless Driving Laws

What is Reckless Driving in Wisconsin?

Per Wisconsin criminal statute, no person may endanger the safety of any person or property by the negligent operation of a vehicle. 

Reckless driving includes but is not limited to:

  • Driving a vehicle on or across a railroad crossing endangering the safety of another;
  • Causing bodily harm to another by the negligent operation of a vehicle;
  • Causing great bodily harm to another by the negligent operation of a vehicle;
  • Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, a controlled substance, a controlled substance analog, or any combination of an intoxicant;
  • Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of any other drug to a degree that renders him or her incapable of safely driving; 
  • Operating a motor vehicle under the combined influence of an intoxicant and any other drug to a degree that renders him or her incapable of safely driving; 
  • Operating a motor vehicle with a detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in the blood; or
  • Operating a motor vehicle with a prohibited blood alcohol concentration.

While Wisconsin’s reckless driving law covers a broad variety of situations, the penalties for violating the law carry clearly defined punishments.  

Criminal Penalties for Reckless Driving in Wisconsin

The penalties for reckless driving in Wisconsin range from a $25 to a $200 fine for a first offense up to 3.5 years in prison and fines of $10,000 for a conviction involving serious bodily injury.

A driver’s penalties depend on whether the accident was an injury accident, the severity of those injuries, and the driver’s prior driving reckless convictions. Reckless drivers can also have their driver’s licenses suspended. 

Civil Claims for Reckless Driving Accidents in Wisconsin

Wisconsin law allows victims of reckless driving accidents to pursue compensation for their injuries. It does not matter if the other driver was ticketed or prosecuted for reckless driving. However, a reckless driving citation may be used as evidence of the other driver’s negligence.

Compensation for a reckless driving accident may be recovered from an insurance claim or a civil lawsuit. An experienced car accident lawyer can investigate the collision and gather evidence to prove the other driver was reckless and liable for any accident-related damages.

Speak With a Car Accident Attorney Today

If you were injured in a reckless driving accident, reach out to the car accident team at Mingo & Yankala, S.C. We can explain Wisconsin’s reckless driving laws and how they may help you recover compensation for the following and more:

  • Medical expenses;
  • Lost wages;
  • Pain and suffering;
  • Property damage;
  • Scarring; and
  • Loss of enjoyment of life.

The Milwaukee car accident attorneys at Mingo & Yankala, S.C., provide personalized representation to accident victims throughout Wisconsin. We have recovered millions in compensation for clients over the years. 

Meet with Mingo & Yankala, S.C., in Milwaukee for a complimentary case evaluation. If you have a valid claim, we can start your case immediately.