OVER $450 MILLION IN SETTLEMENTS RECOVERED.
Dedicated Reckless Driving Attorneys Fight For Maximum Compensation For Victims In Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Throughout Long Island
The New York Vehicle and Traffic Law 1212 defines reckless driving as operating or using a motor vehicle in a manner that unreasonably interferes with the proper use of highways, roads, streets, avenues, or it unreasonably endangers other users of New York roadways. The definition also specifies that intoxicated driving and reckless driving aren’t necessarily exchangeable.
What is Reckless Driving in New York?
In order for someone to be charged with the misdemeanor offense of reckless driving, the state must prove that the defendant used or operated a vehicle on a certain date in a particular location and that the defendant used the vehicle in a manner that unreasonably endangered others usage of public roadways. In New York, speeding 30 mph above the limit is considered reckless driving.
Here are a few examples of reckless driving scenarios in New York:
- Running through a police barricade
- Crossing the centerline and driving into oncoming traffic at excessive speeds and causing an accident
- Committing a traffic violation or accident after ingesting drugs or alcohol
- Driving off-road or on the shoulder of the road endangering pedestrians and other drivers.
- Making an illegal U-turn on an exit ramp and endangering the lives of other motorists, pedestrians, or causing an accident
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New York Reckless Driving Penalties
The consequences of a reckless driving penalty could lead to the revocation of your license and a state surcharge of $93 but they also are circumstantial, for example:
- First Offense: Motorists could be charged to up to 30 days in jail, and/or fines up to $300.
- Second Offense within an 18 month period: Motorists could be charged to up to 90 days in jail, and/or fines up to $525.
- Third Offense within an 18 month period: Motorists could be charged to up to 180 days in jail and/or fines up to $1,125.
There are other losses that coincide with a reckless driving charge including court fees, lost wages because of time missed from work, and five demerit points added to your driving record, which will lead to increases in your insurance rates. Reckless driving misdemeanors, due to excessive speeding, could increase your insurance rate by 12%.
Drivers convicted of more than six demerit points within an 18 month period also have to pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles of $300 and $75 for each additional point about six. Reckless driving due to excessive speeds can increase the likelihood of your license being revoked by 36%.
Defend Yourself Against Reckless Driving in Long Island
Reckless driving is characterized as a criminal offense in New York, therefore, you must appear in court to fight your case. If you are to be convicted of reckless driving, then the prosecution needs to prove more than negligence but that you were unreasonably endangering other motorists. And in the case of People v. Goldblatt, the prosecution needed to demonstrate “additional aggravating acts or circumstances beyond a single violation of a rule of the road.”
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Why Choose The Harrison Law Group, P.C.?
For over 30 years, The Harrison Law Group, P.C.’s ability, and desire to actively listen to you and deeply understand your experiences has set us apart. We aggressively pursue fair and appropriate compensation for our clients who have been injured in New York.
- We listen because we care about your recovery and maintain consistent, clear communication to effectively express your voice on your behalf.
- We relieve the pressure so you can exhale — while we inhale your case details and engage with the insurance company.
- We’re not casual about your case or your representation; we are intentional and strategic, based on your needs and our experience.
- We don’t stop when we’re tired. We stop when the job is done.
You get better. We’ll take care of the rest.
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Read More ReviewsWhat is Personal Injury?
If you’re injured as a result of a negligent third party, you may be entitled to compensation due to the damages you’ve experienced — either directly through the responsible party or their insurance company. An experienced New York personal injury lawyer will focus on tort law while seeking economic and non-economic damages for their clients — whether or not the target is a multi-million dollar award.
Personal injuries are classified as injuries to the body, mind, and emotions of an individual. When you suffer an injury because of another party, you experience turmoil, and your quality of life will change. Some victims experience loss of enjoyment of life, and even depression.
It’s important to speak with mindful attorneys who have the wisdom to handle your case effectively. Personal injury suits are filed against individuals or entities that cause harm due to recklessness, negligence, misconduct, or liability.
What Sets Us Apart?
Our attorneys and staff are competent, compassionate, and committed to seeking the maximum fair and appropriate compensation for all of our clients. We fight to win, not to quickly settle and move on to the next case. Our firm will make sure that you are properly advised of all of your options while giving you the proper legal advice to make the right decision for yourself and your family. We are willing to go above and beyond to meet your expectations, whether it’s meeting with you after hours, on the weekends, at your home, in the hospital, or at the office. We will make ourselves available for you 24/7.
Immediate Action
We understand the immediate concerns you will have, which include paying your bills, traveling to and from work and doctors’ appointments, and taking care of your daily responsibilities. We want you to know that here at The Harrison Law Group we understand and can help. We will take immediate action on your case and begin to work as soon as we are retained.
A Commitment to Excellence & Solutions For You
Our reputation is built on a record of attentiveness and diligence in pursuit of our clients’ interests. We fight hard for all of our clients with outstanding creative approaches and individualized solutions in personal injury and accident cases to seek the maximum fair and appropriate compensation. Time after time, The Harrison Law Group, P.C. has taken cases that other attorneys either wanted to drop or would have settled for small amounts, and we turned them into million-dollar cases. We have been dedicated to Personal Injury and helping our clients pursue justice for over 30 years.
Constant Communication
Our office sets itself apart because we do not only return phone calls; we call our clients at least every 30 days to provide a status update on your case — and if there is no update, we call to see how you are doing. Happy clients are informed clients, and we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. We are available 24/7 to all of our clients via email, text, or phone to answer questions and give updates. While we have a big firm reputation, we have a small firm dedication to each client.
Types of Personal Injury
Personal injuries can refer to injuries sustained due to dental malpractice, product liability, or assault claims, but they more commonly involve the following types of injuries:
Car Accidents
When your vehicle collides with another vehicle, a pedestrian, an animal, debris, or another stationary obstruction such as a tree, pole, or building, you may face significant injuries and expenses that often include medical treatment and vehicle repairs. Following a car accident that was no fault of your own, it is important to immediately begin working with a New York personal injury lawyer to seek fair and appropriate compensation.
Truck Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents involving a truck or tractor-trailer and caused by the recklessness of others will present additional complex factors that are not present in a regular car accident case. You can be certain that there will be attorneys representing the truck driver, which is why you should partner with a New York personal injury lawyer at our law office immediately.
Motorcycle Accidents
When your motorcycle is involved in a motor vehicle accident at no fault of your own, you will need help in your fight to be fairly compensated in your case. As a client of our law firm, you can be confident that we are bringing the fight to the insurance company.
Premises Liability
An injury from an accident caused by unsafe conditions on someone else’s property often involves a fall on a slippery or uneven surface. Other types of negligence or dangerous circumstances may also lead to an injury or death. In some cases, your accident could amount to a multi-million dollar settlement. Our law office of NY accident attorneys will be happy to guide you through this process as our client.
Dog Bite
Dog owners are generally determined to be liable if their dog hurts you or anyone else. New York personal injury law in this situation provides a means to seek compensation for your medical expenses, your pain and suffering, & much more.
Slip and Fall
A property owner could be liable for damages if you slip, trip, and fall on their property due to their negligence. Working with a qualified New York personal injury lawyer in this situation is important because the Queens, Nassau County, Suffolk County, or Long Island property owner that you file a claim against will certainly be represented by law firms who are trying to dismiss or settle your case for as little as possible.
Construction Accidents
An injury sustained due to working on a construction site can be life-changing or deadly. In many cases, such an injury will prevent your ability to continue working for some duration of time. Workers’ compensation is available for these types of accidents. Depending on the details of your case, you may also be able to file a lawsuit.
Wrongful Death
Death caused by negligence or intentional actions of another party is known as wrongful death. The NY accident attorneys at our law office are experienced in these cases and are ready to help you fight for the money you need.
Medical Malpractice
When you work with a licensed medical professional, you have every right to expect that they will take prudent and cautious steps to help you work towards a successful recovery. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The New York personal injury attorneys at our law firm are ready to help you fight for fair compensation.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Law
How soon should I seek medical assistance following a bodily injury in NY, and what can it mean for my case?
You should seek medical attention as soon as possible after your accident, even if you doubt your injuries are serious. Your post-accident medical report may play a key role in proving causation in your claim, which can help your personal injury attorney build a strong case.
How does “negligence” factor into my personal injury case in NY, and how is “negligence” defined?
Proving negligence is a central part of every NY personal injury claim. We’ll need to show that the responsible party breached their duty of reasonable care, which led to your injury. NY law also recognizes comparative negligence, so being partially at fault for your accident could reduce your compensation.
How can I know whether I have a personal injury case for damage to my reputation or mental/emotional anguish I have suffered that was caused by someone else in NY?
You may experience emotional distress, damage to your reputation, and physical injuries. Contact our personal injury law firm to find out whether you have grounds for a claim. We understand you need to be heard, so we’ll assess your case and suggest a legal strategy for your circumstances.
How likely is a personal injury case to settle before going to trial?
The vast majority of personal injury cases settle out of court. However, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit if the insurance company denies your claim or makes an inadequate settlement offer.
What is a contingency fee in a NY personal injury case, and how can I know my attorney believes in my case?
At the Harrison Law Group, P.C., we represent personal injury victims on a contingency basis. It’s simple: you pay if and when we win. Contact us to schedule a free case consultation and strategy session with an experienced Long Island personal injury lawyer.
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