Reckless drivers put lives at risk every day in Edmonton. Whether it’s a car racing down Yellowhead Trail or a driver blowing through a red light on Jasper Avenue, these behaviours go beyond simple carelessness—they show a conscious disregard for the safety of others.
But what is considered reckless driving under Alberta law? And if you’ve been injured because of someone else’s reckless behaviour, what are your rights?
This guide explains how reckless driving is defined in Alberta, how it differs from other offences, and what steps you can take to hold the at-fault driver accountable. If you’ve been hurt, an experienced Edmonton car accident lawyer at MNH Injury Lawyers can help you pursue compensation and peace of mind.
GET YOUR FREE CONSULTATION NOW!
What Is Considered Reckless Driving in Alberta?
In Alberta, reckless driving isn’t defined by that specific term alone. Instead, it falls under various provisions in the Traffic Safety Act and, in serious cases, the Criminal Code of Canada.
Generally, reckless driving refers to any act where a person operates a motor vehicle with willful disregard for the safety of others. It’s more serious than simple negligence—it involves behaviour that shows the driver knew or should have known their actions could cause harm.
Examples of reckless driving under Alberta law may fall under:
- Dangerous driving (Criminal Code)
- Stunting or street racing (Traffic Safety Act)
- Careless driving, if elevated in severity
- Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol
Unlike distracted or careless driving, reckless driving is intentional or aggressive. It reflects a conscious decision to ignore traffic laws, speed limits, or safety rules—and that makes it more serious from both a legal and personal injury standpoint.
Common Examples of Reckless Driving in Edmonton
While any risky behaviour can potentially be reckless, certain actions are consistently flagged as serious violations across Alberta, especially in cities like Edmonton.
Some of the most common examples include:
- Street racing or stunt driving – Competing with other drivers at high speeds, especially in urban areas or near intersections
- Excessive speeding – Driving more than 50 km/h over the limit on highways or city roads
- Running red lights or stop signs – Blatantly ignoring traffic signals puts pedestrians and cross-traffic in immediate danger
- Weaving through traffic or cutting off vehicles – Especially at high speeds, these acts are dangerous and aggressive
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol – Impaired driving is often charged criminally and is among the deadliest forms of recklessness
- Tailgating and brake-checking – These acts of road rage frequently lead to multi-car pileups
Each of these behaviours could result in serious injury, criminal charges, license suspension, or worse. If you were injured in an incident involving one of these behaviours, an Edmonton car accident lawyer can help determine if reckless driving applies to your claim.
Why Reckless Driving Often Causes Serious Accidents
Reckless driving isn’t just illegal—it’s dangerous. Unlike a distracted glance or a momentary lapse in judgment, reckless actions often lead to violent collisions, particularly at high speeds or in pedestrian-heavy areas.
In Edmonton, collisions caused by reckless driving tend to result in:
- Severe injuries – Head trauma, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries
- Multi-vehicle crashes – Especially when weaving through traffic or running red lights
- Fatalities – Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are most vulnerable
- Long-term psychological harm – Many victims suffer from PTSD, anxiety, or depression after traumatic crashes
According to recent reports from the Alberta RCMP, excessive speed and aggressive driving are consistently listed among the leading causes of serious collisions across the province—including in urban centres like Edmonton.
Because of the high force and unpredictability involved, reckless drivers often cause injuries that require hospitalization, ongoing rehabilitation, or permanent disability accommodations. These impacts form the basis of many personal injury claims handled by an Edmonton car accident lawyer at MNH Injury Lawyers.
Can You File a Claim Against a Reckless Driver?
Absolutely. Alberta follows a fault-based insurance model, which means that if you were injured in a crash caused by a reckless driver, you may pursue a civil claim for compensation.
Even if the reckless driver faces criminal charges, that process is separate from your personal injury lawsuit. You don’t have to wait for a criminal conviction to start your claim—and in many cases, you shouldn’t.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages due to time off work
- Future income losses if you cannot return to your job
- Out-of-pocket expenses like transportation, home modifications, or prescription costs
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
- Emotional and psychological harm
If your loved one was killed in a reckless driving crash, you may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim under Alberta law.
A skilled Edmonton car accident lawyer can help you gather the evidence needed to build a strong case and fight for the full damages allowed.
What Evidence Helps Prove Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving claims often rely on strong evidence to show that the at-fault driver acted with extreme disregard for safety. In Edmonton, many of these cases involve:
- Police reports – Especially if charges were laid under the Criminal Code or Traffic Safety Act
- Traffic citations – Speeding, stunt driving, or DUI tickets can support your claim
- Dashcam footage – Many Edmonton drivers now use dash cams that capture reckless behaviour
- Surveillance footage – Intersections and businesses along main roads often record valuable footage
- Eyewitness accounts – Third-party observers can confirm speeding, weaving, or red-light running
- Expert analysis – Accident reconstructionists can help prove speed, point of impact, and mechanical factors
- Medical reports – Documenting the severity and nature of your injuries supports the claim’s value
An experienced Edmonton car accident lawyer at MNH Injury Lawyers can help you obtain and organize this evidence to prove fault and support the full extent of your losses.
How Reckless Driving Differs from Careless or Distracted Driving
It’s easy to confuse reckless driving with careless or distracted driving, but the legal implications are different—and so is the impact on your injury claim.
- Careless driving usually involves unintentional mistakes or lapses in attention, such as failing to shoulder check or drifting into another lane.
- Distracted driving involves inattention due to phones, in-vehicle screens, or other devices.
- Reckless driving, on the other hand, is marked by intentional or blatantly dangerous behaviour—such as racing, tailgating, or driving impaired.
In Alberta, both careless and distracted driving may result in traffic tickets. But reckless driving often rises to the level of criminal behaviour under the Criminal Code, especially if it causes bodily harm or death.
This distinction is critical. If you were injured in a crash involving reckless behaviour, the legal consequences for the driver may be greater—and your right to civil compensation may be stronger.
What Are the Criminal Penalties for Reckless Driving in Alberta?
While this blog focuses on your right to civil compensation, it’s important to understand that reckless drivers may also face criminal charges.
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, someone can be charged with:
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Dangerous operation causing bodily harm or death
- Criminal negligence if their actions show a wanton disregard for human life
- Impaired driving causing bodily harm
Penalties may include:
- Fines
- Jail time
- License suspension or permanent revocation
- A criminal record
- Vehicle impoundment
If a driver is convicted of a criminal offence, that conviction can support your civil injury claim—but it’s not required. An Edmonton car accident lawyer can help you pursue your case even if no charges were laid or the driver is acquitted.
Psychological Trauma After a Reckless Driving Crash
Physical injuries are only part of the damage reckless drivers cause. Many victims—especially those in high-speed collisions—suffer lasting psychological effects as well.
Common emotional and mental health symptoms include:
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Anxiety while driving or riding in a car
- Nightmares or flashbacks
- Depression tied to chronic pain or loss of independence
- Panic attacks, especially near intersections or during commutes
Alberta courts recognize these injuries in personal injury claims. If your crash caused emotional harm, you may be eligible for compensation—even if your physical injuries were minor.
At MNH Injury Lawyers, we work with mental health professionals to document your condition and include psychological injuries in your claim.
Why Reckless Driving Cases Require Skilled Legal Support
Claims involving reckless driving tend to be more complex than standard car accident claims. They often involve:
- Coordinating with police and Crown prosecutors
- Securing time-sensitive surveillance or dashcam footage
- Navigating potential criminal proceedings in parallel
- Combating insurer efforts to downplay the reckless behaviour
- Proving the full extent of the injuries—both physical and emotional
Because of these challenges, it’s crucial to work with a lawyer who has deep experience handling high-stakes crash claims in Edmonton. At MNH Injury Lawyers, we know what to expect—and how to push back when insurers try to minimize reckless driving incidents.
How Fault and Recklessness Affect Your Injury Claim
In Alberta, personal injury claims are governed by a fault-based insurance system. That means whoever is found to be at fault for a crash is financially responsible for the resulting damages.
When a driver’s actions go beyond ordinary negligence and cross into reckless behaviour, it strengthens your case in several important ways:
- The reckless driver is more likely to be found 100% at fault
- Their insurer may face pressure to settle quickly, especially if criminal charges are involved
- Your compensation may increase, since serious or intentional wrongdoing often results in higher pain and suffering awards
- Insurers may avoid litigation when the driver’s behaviour was obviously dangerous or illegal
In some cases, courts may even consider punitive damages, although these are rare in Alberta and usually reserved for extreme cases like racing, drunk driving, or repeat offences.
If there’s any allegation that you may have contributed to the crash, Alberta’s contributory negligence rules come into play. That means your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
An experienced Edmonton car accident lawyer at MNH Injury Lawyers can ensure your rights are protected and fault is assigned fairly, based on the full facts—not just the insurance company’s version of events.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Crash with a Reckless Driver
Being in an accident with a reckless driver is overwhelming—but what you do next can make a huge difference in your case.
Here’s what to do immediately after the crash:
- Call 911 right away. Always involve law enforcement, especially if the other driver was aggressive, impaired, or driving dangerously. A police report will be crucial later.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay, some injuries don’t show up right away. Go to the ER or see your doctor as soon as possible.
- Document everything. If safe, take photos of the vehicles, the road, skid marks, damage, and anything else that seems relevant. Get witness names and contact info.
- Avoid discussing fault. Don’t argue with the other driver or say anything that might be interpreted as an apology. Let your lawyer handle communication later.
- Do not speak to their insurance company. The insurer may call you quickly and ask for a statement. Politely decline until you speak with a lawyer.
- Contact an Edmonton car accident lawyer. The sooner you reach out, the faster we can begin preserving evidence, investigating liability, and protecting your rights.
At MNH Injury Lawyers, we can handle the legal side while you focus on healing.
How MNH Injury Lawyers Supports Victims of Reckless Driving Accidents
Reckless driving cases require more than just routine paperwork. They demand thorough investigation, a strategic legal approach, and experienced advocacy—especially when injuries are severe and fault is disputed.
At MNH Injury Lawyers, we know what it takes to hold reckless drivers accountable in Edmonton. When you ch oose our firm, you’re getting a legal team that will:
- Investigate every detail of the crash, including traffic violations, witness accounts, and video evidence
- Work directly with local authorities and reconstruction experts when needed
- Coordinate with your medical providers to document the full impact of your injuries
- Negotiate with insurers from a position of strength, not desperation
- Take your case to court, if a fair settlement can’t be reached
Reckless driving crashes often change lives forever. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, emotional trauma, or permanent disability, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
As your trusted Edmonton car accident lawyer, our role is to make sure the legal system works for you—not against you—when someone else’s dangerous decisions put your life at risk.
Hurt by a Reckless Driver in Edmonton? Call MNH Injury Lawyers Today
If you’re wondering what is considered reckless driving and how it affects your rights after a collision, here’s what you need to know: reckless behaviour isn’t just a traffic violation—it’s a serious threat to public safety and your well-being.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income and diminished earning ability
- Long-term therapy and rehabilitation
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
But the sooner you act, the better your chances of securing the full compensation you deserve.
At MNH Injury Lawyers, we help Edmonton injury victims stand up to reckless drivers and their insurers. There’s no cost to speak with us, and no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call (888) 664-5298 today to speak with an experienced Edmonton personal injury lawyer. We’ll explain your rights, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward recovery—starting with a conversation.
