Reckless driving is not only against the law, it can cause an accident that leaves a victim with serious and possibly irreversible injuries. When people get hurt because of someone else’s negligent conduct, they have the right to file a lawsuit to seek monetary damages. But you can expect resistance from the insurance companies and lawyers representing the at-fault driver.
Turn to the team at The Saul Law Firm, LLP. We’re prepared to thoroughly investigate the facts of your case and argue for the maximum amount of damages available. Find out why so many reckless driving victims in Garden City and Long Island trust our dedicated counsel.
What Is Reckless Driving in New York?
Reckless driving in New York is a criminal offense defined as operating a motor vehicle in a way that unreasonably interferes with the proper use of the road or endangers others. It is more serious than negligent driving because it shows a conscious disregard for safety.
What Behaviors Count as Reckless Driving?
Examples of reckless driving in Garden City and Long Island include:
- Driving at excessive speeds
- Abrupt lane changes without signaling
- Tailgating other vehicles
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Street racing other drivers
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
- Ignoring traffic lights and stop signs
- Overloading a vehicle with too many passengers
- Passing a stopped school bus
Courts consider the driver’s overall conduct to determine whether they showed conscious disregard for others’ safety.
Common Injuries After a Reckless Driving Accident
Because reckless drivers take extreme risks, victims often suffer serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Ranging from concussions to severe brain damage, affecting cognition and behavior.
- Spinal cord injuries: May result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Whiplash and neck injuries: Pain, reduced mobility, and long recovery times.
- Broken bones: Costly, painful, and may prevent victims from working.
- Internal injuries: Bleeding or organ damage, often life-threatening and not immediately noticeable.
If you’ve been in a crash, always get checked by a doctor, even if you feel fine.
What Damages Can Victims Recover?
Every reckless driving case is different, but common damages include:
- Medical expenses – hospital bills, surgery, rehab, medication, and future care.
- Lost wages & earning capacity – paychecks missed during recovery or loss of long-term earning ability.
- Non-economic damages – pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage – repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property.
- Punitive damages – in extreme cases, courts may award extra damages to punish egregious conduct.
What Do You Need to Prove in a Reckless Driving Lawsuit?
Victims must generally prove four elements:
- Duty of care – All drivers must operate vehicles safely.
- Breach – The at-fault driver engaged in reckless behavior.
- Causation – The reckless act directly caused the accident and injuries.
- Damages – The victim suffered measurable losses.
How Can a Criminal Conviction Help Your Civil Case?
Reckless driving is a crime in New York. If the driver is convicted, that conviction can support your civil lawsuit through negligence per se.
- Normally, you must prove all four negligence elements.
- With negligence per se, breaking the law itself establishes the driver’s breach of duty.
- This can make it easier to recover damages in Garden City or Long Island courts.
Contact Our Garden City Reckless Driving Accident Attorney
With the Saul Law Firm, LLP by your side, you can fight for the compensation you need to recover from your reckless driving injuries. We represent clients at all stages of their lawsuits, including mediation, and we serve them with the dedication and professionalism they deserve. You can get started today by calling or contacting us online.
The Saul Law Firm, LLP helps clients throughout Garden City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westbury, Uniondale, Hempstead, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Westchester County.