Car Accidents and Aggressive Driving By on March 20, 2014

Long Island Car Accidents Aggressive DrivingAs neighbor to a city that has long held a reputation for angry drivers, Long Island is not immune to car accidents caused by aggressive driving.

And, contrary to late night monologues about New York City drivers, aggressive driving is no joke. Any insightful personal injury attorney will tell you, aggressive driving leads to accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that aggressive driving causes or plays a role in about a third of all traffic accidents.

Aggressive driving accidents result in property damage, injury, and death. And it’s not hard to see the connection between typical aggressive driving behaviors and car accidents. Aggressive driving traits include:

  • Speeding
  • Quick acceleration
  • Tailgating
  • Making frequent or unsafe lane changes
  • Failing to signal
  • Failure to yield right of way
  • Passing using the emergency lane, turn lanes, or the road shoulder
  • Running stop signs or red traffic signals

With more than 50 years of experience, the car accident attorneys at the law offices of Levine and Slavit all too often have seen the tragic and costly results of aggressive driving.   

Aggressive Driving vs. Road Rage

Aggressive driving and road rage are often confused, but they are not, legally, the same thing.

  • Aggressive Driving. Occurs when a driver operates a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of the other users of the streets and highways, according to the New York State Police. Aggressive driving is a traffic offense.
  • Road Rage. This is a more serious form of aggression and is directed at an individual. It can include using a vehicle as a weapon or physically assaulting a driver or their vehicle. This is a criminal offense.

After an Accident

If you have been the victim of an aggressive driver, that driver can be held liable in an accident. Damages that can be recovered in an aggressive driving accident include:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Rehabilitation
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Future medical expenses

After any accident, it’s important to preserve the evidence in the case. But that can be difficult when dealing with an aggressive driver. A safer course of action may be hiring a lawyer to pursue an independent crash investigation. An experienced car accident lawyer can conduct a detailed investigation and has an understanding of the litigation process.

In addition, a lawyer will have your interests at heart, particularly as compared to what an insurance investigation may conclude.

Next Steps

If you have been involved in an aggressive driving car accident, you have the legal right to compensation for your losses. However, there are deadlines for seeking compensation and you will need to prove your case.

It may seem simpler to accept an insurance payment and forgo a legal case, but you should understand that insurance companies exist to make money and are known to offer low-ball settlements. A lawyer will defend your rights to full compensation, for current and future costs.  

The law offices of Levine and Slavit has successfully represented clients throughout New York City, including Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Long Island, and Brooklyn, in both state and federal personal injury cases. If you have been the victim in an aggressive driving case, please call for assistance in protecting your rights.

Related to This

Levine & Slavit, PLLC Logo

Levine & Slavit, PLLC

The law firm of Levine & Slavit, PLLC has served clients in Long Island and the Greater New York City-area since 1957. We are a team of personal injury and wrongful death lawyers who work tirelessly for victims' rights. Our team is licensed and affiliated with the:

  • New York State Bar Association
  • New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners
  • Florida Board of Bar Examiners
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of New York

Please contact our practice online for a free consultation or call (212) 687-2777 to speak to an attorney today. 

Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite
Google map image of our location in 60 E 42nd St Ste 2101 New York, NY

Manhattan Office

60 E 42nd St
Ste 2101
New York, NY 10165

Open Today 9:00am - 5:00pm

By Appointment Only

Google map image of our location in 350 Willis Ave Ste 100 Long Island, NY

Mineola Office

350 Willis Ave
Ste 100
Long Island, NY 11501

Open Today 9:00am - 5:00pm

By Appointment Only

(212) 687-2777 Send a message