Reckless Driving Accidents

All New Jersey drivers are expected to operate their vehicles with care, but some motorists drive so irresponsibly that it constitutes recklessness, which in many instances leads to collisions. Reckless driving accidents typically cause catastrophic damages, leaving the victims of such accidents to wonder if there is any recourse for their harm. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a crash caused by reckless driving, it is wise to meet with an experienced car accident attorney to discuss what damages you might be able to recover. Howard Leopold of Leopold Law, L.L.C. is a dedicated Bergen County car accident attorney who can assist you in pursuing the full amount of compensation you may be owed to help you repair the harm caused by the accident and move forward with your life. Mr. Leopold’s offices are located in Hackensack and New York City, and he regularly helps people pursue damages in car accident cases throughout Bergen County.

In New Jersey, reckless driving is the operation of a vehicle heedlessly, demonstrating a willful or wanton disregard for the rights or safety of others. This includes driving in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger people or property.

Examples of behaviors that may be considered reckless driving include excessive speeding, aggressive driving, weaving in and out of traffic without regard for other vehicles, and engaging in activities that distract from safe driving, such as texting while driving. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is often considered reckless driving as well.

In New Jersey, reckless driving not only carries legal consequences in the form of fines, license suspension, and potential insurance surcharges, but it can also lead to civil liability.

Typically, a plaintiff pursuing damages in a lawsuit arising out of a reckless driving accident will argue that the defendant should be deemed liable for any harm the plaintiff suffered due to the crash under a theory of negligence.

Under New Jersey law, to recover damages for negligence, a plaintiff must show that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty to act with reasonable care and that the defendant committed acts that constituted a breach of the duty. Generally, people have a duty to act as a reasonable person would in any given situation, including while they are operating a vehicle. Duties can also arise from New Jersey’s motor vehicle laws as well.

After the plaintiff establishes a breach, they must then show that the breach caused the accident and that the accident caused the plaintiff to suffer actual harm. In some instances, the defendant will dispute the manner in which a reckless driving accident occurred, and the plaintiff may have to hire one or more experts to reconstruct the accident. In addition to an expert report, statements from any eyewitnesses, photographs of the accident scene, and police reports can be helpful in proving that the defendant drove recklessly and, in doing so, caused the collision.

Reckless driving accidents often cause catastrophic injuries. People injured in such crashes may be able to recover damages for any medical bills they incurred, including bills for hospitalization, therapy, in-home care, and assistive devices. If they could not work because of their injuries, they may be owed compensation for lost wages as well. Additionally, they may be awarded damages for the pain, suffering, emotional harm, and mental anguish they suffered because of the accident.

If you sustained injuries in a reckless driving accident, it is in your best interest to meet with an attorney to discuss what steps you can take to protect your interests. Howard Leopold of Leopold Law, L.L.C. is a seasoned Bergen County car accident attorney who is adept at helping injured parties seek redress for their harm in civil lawsuits, and if you engage his services, he will work tirelessly on your behalf. Mr. Leopold’s offices are located in Hackensack and New York City, and he regularly aids people in the pursuit of damages in car accident lawsuits in Bergen County and cities throughout Hudson, Passaic, and Essex Counties in New Jersey, and Bronx, Richmond, Kings, New York, Queens, and Rockland Counties in New York. You can contact him through the form online or at his New Jersey office at (201) 345-5907 or his New York office at (646) 650-2106 to arrange a free and confidential meeting.