What They Mean for Your Injury Claim
When another driver’s reckless maneuver causes a crash, understanding what they did wrong—and why it matters legally—can significantly increase the value of your car accident claim. Dangerous maneuvers often violate New York traffic laws, making it easier to prove fault and hold the negligent driver fully accountable.
What Makes a Maneuver “Dangerous”?
A maneuver becomes dangerous when it dramatically increases the risk of a collision. Research from AAA consistently identifies speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive driving as the top causes of serious and fatal crashes.
In New York, many of these behaviors are explicitly illegal. When the at-fault driver’s actions violate a specific traffic law, it strengthens the liability portion of your injury claim and makes insurance companies more likely to settle.
The Five Most Dangerous Driving Behaviors in New York
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving leads the nation in preventable crashes—over 400,000 per year and roughly 3,500 fatalities. Texting diverts the driver’s eyes for up to 5 full seconds, effectively driving blind.
Common distractions include:
- Handheld phone use
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting navigation or dashboard controls
- Grooming or interacting with passengers
Legal impact:
Handheld phone use is illegal in New York, but any distraction that causes a crash can establish liability.
2. Following Too Closely (Tailgating)
Under Section 1129 of New York’s Vehicle & Traffic Law, drivers must keep a safe stopping distance. Tailgating especially increases crash risk in rain, snow, and icy conditions.
Injury connection:
Rear-end crashes frequently cause:
- Whiplash
- Spinal disc injuries
- Chronic pain conditions
Even low-speed impacts can cause long-term harm.
3. Improper or Aggressive Lane Changes
Section 1128 requires drivers to stay in their lane unless it’s safe to move.
Common violations include:
- Weaving through traffic
- Failing to signal
- Not checking blind spots
Because these actions so clearly break traffic laws, they often create strong, straightforward liability in an injury claim.
4. Excessive or Unsafe Speed
Speeding is involved in nearly one-third of all fatal crashes nationwide. In New York, drivers must travel at a speed safe for conditions—even if it’s below the posted limit.
Why speed matters:
Higher speed increases impact force, leading to more severe injuries. These crashes often result in:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe orthopedic trauma
- Fatalities
5. Failure to Yield Right of Way
Ignoring traffic signals, stop signs, or right-of-way rules causes thousands of intersection crashes each year. T-bone collisions are particularly dangerous because there’s minimal side protection.
The Most Deadly Maneuver Might Surprise You
National crash data from 2017–2021 shows that 62% of fatal crashes happen when a driver is simply traveling straight ahead—not turning, changing lanes, or making a complex maneuver.
These often involve:
- Leaving the roadway
- Crossing into oncoming traffic
- Striking fixed objects
The next most dangerous:
- Curves (20%)
- Left turns (7%)
New York data closely mirrors national trends.
Why it matters:
These “routine” maneuvers often cause the most catastrophic injuries, and injury victims commonly underestimate how serious the crash really was.
How Dangerous Maneuvers Impact Your Compensation
If another driver’s illegal or reckless maneuver caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent injuries or disability
- Loss of quality of life
Your attorney must prove the maneuver directly caused the injuries and losses you are claiming.
Injured Because of a Dangerous Driving Maneuver?
Our firm has a long history of helping New Yorkers injured by negligent drivers secure meaningful compensation. With deep experience interpreting medical records, analyzing crash injuries, and proving long-term impact, we build strong, evidence-based cases that insurance companies can’t ignore.
Call (888) 495-8087 for a free consultation anytime.
