New York City Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers
Car Accident Attorneys in NYC Helping Victims Recover Compensation
Some accidents are caused by carelessness. A driver has a million different things going on in her head and forgets to look over her shoulder when backing up, which leads to a collision. This type of accident is caused by negligence, which is the absence of due care.
However, some accidents are not the result of carelessness. Instead, the driver deliberately engages in dangerous driving, which carries a high probability of injury to someone. This is reckless driving, and it is a serious problem in New York City.
What Are Examples of Reckless Driving?
Some of the more common forms of reckless driving include:
- Speeding
- Racing
- Weaving
- Tailgating
- Illegally passing
- Driving into a crowd
- Passing pedestrians too closely
- Driving while intoxicated or high
Reckless driving can lead to very serious injuries, possibly even death. Reckless drivers are often traveling at higher speeds than other motorists, which can cause more damage on impact. A person might even be charged with vehicular manslaughter if they were intoxicated at the time of the crash that ended up killing another person.
Road Rage
This deserves its own mention. Road rage often contributes to dangerous driving. According to experts, road rage stems from assuming the worst of other drivers out on the road. People associate other drivers with their vehicles and assume that if a driver cuts them off, then they did so intentionally. As anger begins to build, the driver makes dangerous maneuvers and could even intentionally hit someone.
If you suspect another driver is in the grips of road rage, you should not engage them. Instead, try to create separation, either by slowing down, pulling over to the side of the road, or exiting the highway. Never get out of your vehicle to confront someone who might be in road rage.
Teens and Reckless Driving
There is no doubt about it: young drivers engage in riskier driving than older drivers. According to statistics by the Centers for Disease Control, teens aged 15-19 make up only 6.5% of the population. However, their injuries make up 8% of the total cost of all injuries sustained by drivers and pedestrians.
New York has attempted to respond by placing limits on young drivers with its Graduated License laws. For example, someone with a junior license (Class DJ or MJ) cannot drive in any of the five boroughs. If the teen obtains an adult license, then they can drive in the city.
Compensation for Reckless Driving Injuries
Compensation can take the form of money damages to cover medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Depending on the facts, our clients might also be able to receive punitive damages in addition to other compensation. Punitive damages can come into play when a defendant acted with conscious disregard for others, as well as for grossly negligent, reckless, and wanton conduct.
Speak with an NYC Reckless Driving Attorney Today for a Free Case Evaluation
The team at Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman understands how important it is to receive compensation, which can help our clients pay their medical expenses and other bills. We will fight to get you everything you deserve, including punitive damages, if available. For help, contact us today by calling 212-285-3300.
