If you are convicted of a driving infraction in the state of Nebraska, you can face serious penalties—from fines to jail time. The severity of the consequences will depend, in part, on whether you face a charge of “willful” reckless or careless driving. Here, the auto accident attorneys of Salerno & Associates in Omaha explain what you need to know about the two.

Reckless vs. Careless Driving

What sets willful reckless driving apart is intent—specifically, when a motorist shows intentional disregard for the safety of other people or property. The charge usually applies to more flagrant cases—for instance, extreme speeding coupled with running red lights.

Careless driving is a less serious charge that applies to cases where the driver acts negligently. While they might not realize it, they are behaving without caution and posing a threat to other people or property.

Different Penalties

A first offense for a reckless driving case can cost up to $500 in fines and three months in jail. For scenarios of greater disregard, a first offense can additionally lead to a license suspension of 30 days to a year. Penalties increase with multiple occurrences.

Penalties for careless driving are less serious because it is classified as a traffic infraction and not a misdemeanor. For a first offense, you can expect a maximum fine of $100, but you won’t face any jail time. Additional transgressions lead to larger fees.

In addition to legal repercussions, any of these charges will add demerit points to your license. A conviction of reckless driving will add five or six points, while careless driving adds four.

When You Need an Auto Accident Attorney

Traffic laws vary from one state to the next, so if you get in trouble for any of these violations, consult a local auto accident attorney. They can help dispute the charges and potentially get them dropped, or else argue to have them reclassified to a lesser infraction.

If you have been a victim of someone’s reckless or careless driving turn to Salerno & Associates. These auto accident attorneys have over 30 years of experience and are widely respected by their professional peers and the local community. They offer quality legal counsel and representation to protect your rights and freedoms. Contact them through the online form or call (402) 502-9002 today to schedule a consultation.