Syracuse & New York Reckless Driving Car Accident Attorney

Reckless driver texting while driving

Reckless driving accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and death for innocent victims. When drivers drive recklessly, they put everyone else on the road at risk of being seriously injured. Reckless drivers have a decreased ability to avoid accidents, maintain a safe speed, and make safe decisions while driving.

If you or your loved one have been seriously injured in a reckless driving accident in New York, it’s crucial that you speak to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. You may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the reckless or aggressive driver who caused the accident that resulted in your injury. Contact the Syracuse reckless driving attorneys at CDH Law PLLC to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and learn more about your legal options. 

Common Examples of Reckless Driving 

A driver who engages in reckless driving knows or should know that his or her conduct is dangerous and chooses to engage in the conduct anyway. Recklessness is different from negligence because a reckless driver purposely puts other people in harm’s way, whereas a negligent driver makes a mistake or is careless.

New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VAT) §1212 defines reckless driving as driving a motor vehicle in a manner that places others at risk or causes unreasonable interference with another person’s lawful use of the roadways. The definition of reckless driving is broad and covers many different types of dangerous activity on the road. As a result, reckless driving can include any of the following:

  • Tailgating
  • Racing with other vehicles
  • Passing on the shoulder
  • Running red lights and stop signs
  • Driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol
  • Driving over the curb
  • Driving on the sidewalk
  • Using electronic devices while driving 
  • Driving with an excessive number of passengers
  • Abruptly changing lanes
  • Failing to pull over for emergency vehicles
  • Failing to merge safely at the appropriate time
  • Driving while distracted
  • Driving while fatigued
  • Tailgating other vehicles
  • Speeding excessively

Criminal Charges for Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is considered a crime in New York. If a reckless driver injured you, the state of New York might bring charges against the driver who caused the accident. However, regardless of whether the reckless driver has been charged with a crime and convicted, you have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the driver in civil court.

Reckless and Aggressive Driving Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries

Reckless driving is particularly dangerous because it often involves high speeds and other blatant traffic safety violations. In New York, reckless driving has been one of the leading causes of preventable accidents for decades. When drivers exhibit a conscious disregard for the safety of other people on the road, the results can be devastating for victims and their loved ones. Reckless driving accident victims frequently suffer debilitating injuries, including: 

Proving Liability in a Car Accident Case

Victims of reckless driving must prove that the reckless driver’s conduct caused the car accident that resulted in their injuries to recover compensation. There are two main ways for victims to recover compensation: through an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider or through a personal injury lawsuit. In both cases, the injury victim must show that the driver’s actions cause the accident. Suppose the driver who caused your accident received a reckless or aggressive driving ticket and was convicted. In that case, the conviction can serve as evidence that may strengthen your civil lawsuit against the driver. 

The Benefits of Working with an Experienced Attorney

Proving liability can be challenging, and working with an attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to show that the at-fault party caused your injuries. The attorneys at CDH Law PLLC have the experience and resources necessary to thoroughly investigate your car accident case. We will speak to witnesses and identify any video or photographic evidence that supports your claim. We will immediately begin investing in your case and speaking to insurance adjusters on your behalf. 

Before you sign a settlement agreement with an insurance adjuster or the defendant, it’s crucial that you discuss your case with an attorney. The offer may be too low and not cover all your medical expenses, especially if you have suffered a catastrophic injury. At CDH Law PLLC, we work with financial and medical experts to carefully estimate the total value of our client’s claims so we can begin negotiating aggressively with the opposing party for the best outcome possible. 

Damages Available for Car Accident Victims

Reckless driving accidents can cause physical injuries and other damage to victims. When a victim suffers a catastrophic injury, he or she may not be able to live as they lived before being injured. They may have a long-term disability that prevents them from being able to return to work. 

Victims can pursue compensation for their past and future medical expenses and compensation for becoming disabled due to their injuries. The amount of compensation depends on multiple factors, including the severity of the victim’s injuries. Personal injury victims can pursue the following types of damages:

  • Current and future medical expenses, including rehabilitation and therapy
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future income
  • Mental anguish
  • Repair or replacement costs of the vehicle 

Contact a Central New York Reckless Driving Accident Attorney

When a person willingly endangers others on the road and causes injury or death, the reckless driver should be held accountable. If you’ve been injured by a reckless or aggressive driver in Syracuse or in Central New York, the attorneys at CDH Law PLLC are prepared to advocate for your rights. We have a proven track record of successfully obtaining compensation for victims of reckless drivers. Don’t hesitate to contact CDH Law PLLC to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more about how we can help you.