The law requires all drivers to operate their vehicles safely and with caution. This is to ensure not only their well-being but that of others on the road as well. While this is true, not all drivers abide by this law and drive negligently on the road. When this happens, it often leads to dangerous accidents that cause life-changing injuries and sometimes even death. It is because of this that injured parties often pursue legal action against the negligent party. This can be done with a personal injury claim. When dealing with these matters, it is important to contact an experienced New York personal injury attorney to assist your case.
Types of Negligence
When a person drives negligently behind the wheel, they are putting many people in harm’s way. There are a variety of different actions that can be considered negligent driving. However, they can generally be put into two simple categories:
- Dangerous driving: When drivers do not follow the rules of the road. Actions that can constitute dangerous driving can include speeding, reckless driving, improper lane changes, unsafe passing, failure to follow by stop signs and lights, street racing, driving under the influence, etc.
- Distracted driving: As one of the leading causes of automobile accidents in the United States, this is when a driver does not give the road their undivided attention. Distractions that are commonly seen on the road can include using a cell phone behind the wheel, eating, searching for something in the car, and speaking to other passengers.
Proving Negligence
Drivers who act negligently on the road can cause life-changing injuries or even death. It is because of this that victims of these accidents often wish to hold the negligent party responsible for their suffering. In filing a personal injury claim, it is important to know that the injured party is required to prove negligence. This can be done by satisfying the burden of proof with evidence that the individual’s injuries were directly caused by the negligent actions of the driver. Evidence that can be useful in court can include medical documentation of the injuries, a police report from the accident, pictures or videos of the scene, and any witnesses to the incident. If successful, the individual may be able to recover compensation as coverage for any damages caused by the incident.
Contact our Firm
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.