Reckless driving is a misdemeanor and no stranger to New York. In places like Queens, many drivers go too fast, race illegally, drive aggressively, and ignore safety rules we've talked about before. We have not yet determined these individuals' motivations for these negligent practices.
Possibly, it is the desire to feel a lot of adrenaline, to attract the attention of their immediate environment, or to live with poorly channeled emotions, which would require a psychotherapeutic approach to stop seeing this behavior as an escape from reality.
A fact is that reckless driving, based on a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has been involved in a total of 10,000 deaths per year on average over the past five years. The numbers are disturbing, again begging the question: Is there something we are doing wrong as a community? Why do our drivers follow roads that are confusing and harmful to the rest of us?
It isn't easy to find the root causes of this behavior. Sometimes, humans are irrational and move through life with unclear motivations that they cannot explain.
Many aggressive drivers said they stopped thinking rationally and let their emotions take over. They felt euphoric and excited about driving fast and feeling superior to others.
These people's thinking is probably influenced by their emotions when controlling a vehicle. However, in our experience, none of these emotions are worth it when the consequences are ultimately fatal.
Most aggressive drivers only become aware of their actions when a car accident has occurred, or it is too late to reverse them. That is why, at The Ward Law Group, we are trying to raise awareness in our community, drivers and pedestrians, to take the necessary measures to get to safety.
Getting around Queens does not have to be an act that implies a risk of losing your life or being affected by negligence caused by third parties. Getting around Queens should be a safe act that all community members can enjoy.
If you have been involved in a reckless or aggressive driving accident, a reckless driving lawyer from our team in Queens will help you get over it. First, we will evaluate your case from a legal perspective and then help you understand it from a human approach. We will work through the emotional impact involved and ways to overcome any pain or chronic feelings released due to the accident.
We want to see you smile at the end of the experience. We also want your rights to be respected and for you to be given compensation that will help you repair damages and possible negative effects.
You don't deserve to go through this alone. In the following text, we will review the most relevant aspects of reckless driving accidents. This information will help you feel more comfortable and learn more about your rights as a Queens, New York citizen.
Exploring Reckless Driving Accidents
The legal definition of reckless driving is operating a motor vehicle in a way that unreasonably obstructs the proper and safe use of public highways and puts other road users in danger. It entails a deliberate disregard for road rules and other people's safety.
Some of the most common behaviors associated with reckless driving include the following:
- Excessive Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit or traveling too quickly for the circumstances.
- Aggressive tailgating: driving too closely behind other vehicles to allow for adequate reaction time.
- Running stop signs and red lights puts drivers at risk of collisions with oncoming traffic.
- Driving While Intoxicated: Drinking or using drugs while operating a vehicle affects judgment and reaction times.
- Texting, eating, or using electronic devices while driving are all examples of distracted driving.
- Changing lanes frequently and abruptly without using turn signals is known as weaving through traffic.
- Street racing is having unscheduled races on public highways, endangering all motorists.
- Passing another vehicle in a no-passing zone or a space with poor visibility is dangerous overtaking.
- Ignoring pedestrians or vehicles with the right of way involves failing to yield.
Consequences and Injuries
These types of accidents could involve long-term consequences. After suffering an impact caused by a vehicle on any part of your body, it may take a few years to fully recover from what happened.
There is a physical consequence, but also an emotional one. Many of our clients have told us how difficult it was to assimilate feelings of fear and anxiety after being involved in an accident of this type. This would be an example of a traumatic element, which should also be considered when claiming compensation for your case.
The most common causes of injury and long-term consequences are as follows:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Serious head trauma can result in concussions or other more severe brain injuries, which can impair cognitive function and quality of life.
- High-impact collisions can damage the spinal cord, which can result in paralysis or the loss of motor function.
- Broken Bones: The impact force can cause compound fractures, fractures, and dislocations, requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Sudden acceleration and deceleration can cause whiplash and soft tissue injuries, which can result in chronic back and neck pain.
- Internal Injuries: The force of the impact may damage internal organs, causing internal bleeding and long-term complications.
- Burn Injuries: Collisions can cause fires or explosions, which can lead to severe burns and call for specialized medical attention.
- Psychological Trauma: The psychological effects of an accident caused by careless driving can result in PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
- Long-Term Consequences: Accidents caused by careless driving can seriously impact victims' physical and mental health. Long-term effects could include:
- Chronic Pain: Numerous injuries can cause persistent pain and discomfort that interferes with daily life and activities.
- Disability and Impairment: Serious wounds can result in impairments that limit a victim's capacity to work and enjoy life.
- Medical Expenses: The need for extensive medical care, therapy, and rehabilitation may result in serious financial hardship.
- Emotional distress is a result of psychological trauma and can have an impact on one's relationships, self-worth, and general mental health.
- Income Loss: If an injury prevents you from working, you may lose money and experience financial instability.
As we can see, the consequences may be more complex than we imagined. Not just one consequence, but several must be addressed by specialists to cope with them over time until they are entirely overcome.
At The Ward Law Group, we believe a comprehensive approach is necessary for recovery in this case. This approach should consider legal, emotional, family, and health aspects. This type of case cannot be solved only by focusing on the legal aspects; a human approach must also be taken to generate the conditions that favor a full recovery.
Legal Implications of Reckless Driving in Queens
To understand these facts, we need to review some basic ideas about the laws governing Queens. Don't worry; don't think it will be too complicated to understand because you are not a lawyer. We have made an effort to group the most relevant legal aspects surrounding reckless driving accidents below:
- New York's laws against reckless driving state that it is illegal to operate a vehicle in a way that endangers other road users or unreasonably impedes the proper use of a public highway (New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1212). Those found guilty of this misdemeanor will be prosecuted and punished in court.
- Implications for Queens Drivers: Queens drivers should know that law enforcement and the courts take reckless driving seriously, as it is a criminal offense. The at-fault party guilty of reckless driving may get fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record may result from convictions. Furthermore, careless driving contributes to many catastrophic collisions, carrying hefty civil liabilities.
- Liability Assessment: In reckless driving accident cases, proving that the at-fault driver's actions met the requirements for reckless driving is necessary to establish liability. This could involve providing proof of excessive speeding, aggressive driving, or willful disregard for traffic regulations. Establishing liability can depend on eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and expert testimony.
- Victims of reckless driving accidents in Queens have the right to pursue financial compensation for their losses and injuries. This can involve paying for medical bills, lost wages, suffering, and property damage. Working with a knowledgeable reckless driving attorney is essential to navigating the legal complexities and creating a compelling case for maximum compensation.
Prevention and Road Safety
We want to help you prevent accidents and stay informed. Here are some tips to avoid accidents and creative ideas to stay updated. Use smartphone apps to know about traffic conditions and accidents. Some examples of these prevention measures are the following:
- Driving safely involves paying attention to speed limits, avoiding distractions, and obeying traffic laws.
- Local Initiatives: Queens residents can participate in neighborhood campaigns against careless driving and help make the city's streets safer.
- Driver education: Enroll in classes to improve your driving abilities and awareness of potential hazards.
- Participate in neighborhood initiatives to promote defensive driving techniques.
- Public Education: Raise awareness of the dangers of careless driving through social media and neighborhood gatherings.
- Utilize technology by looking into tools and apps that promote safe driving practices and discourage distractions.
- Parental Guidance: Start teaching young drivers the value of safe driving at a young age.
Legal Representation in Queens
Hiring a legal expert is important for getting good results. There are aspects that you will not be able to address on your own; you will need experience interpreting the laws of New York, in addition to skills developed over the years in negotiation and argumentation.
Contacting a professional at The Ward Law Group will be an important step in your process. Below are just some of the aspects that you should consider before choosing the best lawyer to handle your case:
- Local Knowledge: Lawyers familiar with Queens' legal system can offer insights unique to the region.
- Proven Experience: Notable law firms with a reputation for handling reckless driving accident cases include "Queens Legal Advocates."
- Successful results: Case studies highlight situations where victims received fair compensation due to strong legal representation.
- Client Testimonials: Real-world examples from pleased clients highlight the importance of competent legal representation.
- Navigating Complexities: Skilled attorneys understand the nuances of reckless driving cases, ensuring comprehensive legal strategies.
- Insurance Negotiations: Experienced lawyers can negotiate with companies to secure fair compensation.
- Courtroom Representation: In the event of a lawsuit, a qualified reckless driving attorney will skillfully represent the victim's interests in court.
Contact a Reckless Driving Accident Attorney in Queens
The aftermath of a wreck can be hard to navigate. But you don't have to face it alone. At The Ward Law Group, we are ready to offer you the legal services you need to get back on your feet. Let us handle the entire process of filing a personal injury claim so you can focus on recovery.
We work tirelessly to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Our expert car accident attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience helping injured victims get justice.
Contact us today at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free case consultation!