Reckless driving extends beyond road rage. Instead, it encompasses a variety of actions and behaviors that put others at risk of harm. This includes speeding, weaving in and out of lanes, and engaging in other unsafe driving practices. In short, reckless driving is dangerous driving; it is done to cause harm or gain an advantage over other road users.
Have you or your loved one been injured in a reckless driving accident? If so, you may be able to hold the negligent party accountable for their actions. At Morelli Law Firm, we can evaluate your legal rights and determine whether you have the basis of a personal injury case. A Buffalo reckless driving accident lawyer can pursue both justice and fair compensation on your behalf.
Call (212) 751-9800 to begin a free and confidential case evaluation.
Evidence That Could Support Your Case
NY Vehicle and Traffic (VAT) § 1212 defines reckless driving as follows:
“Reckless driving shall mean driving or using any motor vehicle [or] motorcycle… in a manner which unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use of the public highway, or unreasonably endangers users of the public highway. Reckless driving is prohibited.”
The term “reckless” defines a conscious or deliberate disregard for others’ safety. Recklessness indicates more than just negligence on the part of the wrongdoer; it is a large deviation from a reasonable person’s behavior in a similar situation.
To recover compensation, your Buffalo reckless driving accident lawyer will need to establish how the other party acted negligently. They will need to investigate your circumstances and uncover various pieces of evidence. You, as the injured claimant, may already have some pieces of evidence on hand.
Some pieces of evidence that could help your case include:
- The police report
- Statements from your doctor and witnesses
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Your medical records
- Traffic camera footage, if available
Other forms of evidence could help your case than those listed above. After your lawyer establishes that the other party acted negligently, they can pursue compensation on your behalf. You can get in touch with Morelli Law Firm today.
Examples of Reckless Driving
Reckless driving encompasses a range of careless and irresponsible driving practices.
Some examples include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for traffic conditions
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Street racing
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Performing unsafe lane changes
- Ignoring traffic signs or signals
- Failing to stop at stoplights
- Failing to yield to the right of way
- Engaging in road rage
- Engaging in distracted driving
These reckless driving behaviors can cause serious accidents, especially when they happen near intersections.
Common reasons behind reckless driving include:
- Lateness or impatience
- Anger or aggression toward other road users
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Being fatigued or drowsy
When you get in touch with Morelli Law Firm, we can explain your legal rights and options. We can determine the cause of your accident and establish how the other party acted negligently. To begin a free consultation with a member of our team, dial (212) 751-9800.
Buffalo Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
The Consequences of Reckless Driving
The reckless driver who caused your accident may be liable for your medical treatment, property damage costs, and other associated expenses. New York is a no-fault insurance state, but any costs that exceed the injured claimant’s policy limits can be recovered from the at-fault driver.
Reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense in New York.
If the other party is found guilty of reckless driving, then they may face:
- First offense – up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $300
- Second offense – up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $525
- Third offense – up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,125
These fines and punishments only apply to instances of reckless driving where an accident does not occur. However, suppose that an accident happened due to reckless driving. In that case, more serious criminal charges can be brought against the negligent driver depending on the severity of the accident.
Criminal liability does not negate civil liability, meaning that even if the other driver was charged with a crime, you still have the ability to recover compensation via a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Injuries from Reckless Driving Accidents
The injuries sustained from a reckless driving accident may vary depending on the circumstances of the collision. For instance, the injuries passengers suffer in a rear-end collision may differ from the injuries suffered in a head-on collision.
Common injuries that occur from reckless driving accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, like concussions
- Bone fractures
- Neck and spinal injuries, like whiplash
- Burns
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- A loss of hearing or vision
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
You may have suffered injuries not listed here. Morelli Law Firm encourages you to seek medical attention following a reckless driving accident. You should also keep all documentation of your injuries, as this could be used to bolster your claim.
Recoverable Damages from a Buffalo Car Accident
If you were seriously injured in a reckless driving accident, you may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. If you need to file a lawsuit to recover compensation, keep in mind that you must do so within three years from the date of the accident, per Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) § 214(4).
You may be able to recover the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Property damage costs
- Rehabilitative care
You may be able to recover the cost of damages not listed here.
Morelli Law Firm Can Help You Seek Compensation
If you or someone you love was the victim of a reckless driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At Morelli Law Firm, a Buffalo reckless driving accident lawyer can help resolve your legal matters. We will work hard to help you receive fair compensation.
Contact us at (212) 751-9800 to begin a free, confidential, and no-obligation case evaluation.