New York City Aggressive Driver & Road Rage Accident Lawyer
Serving Manhattan • Brooklyn • Queens • The Bronx • Staten Island
Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP today at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free consultation.
Justice for Victims of Aggressive Driving and Road Rage in NYC
Aggressive driving and road rage turn ordinary New York City commutes into life-changing disasters. In a city known for congestion and tight schedules, tempers can flare-but when anger turns to reckless or violent conduct, innocent motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians suffer devastating injuries.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our NYC personal injury lawyers represent victims of aggressive and enraged drivers throughout the five boroughs. We act fast to preserve evidence, coordinate with police investigators, and pursue the maximum compensation allowed under New York law. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Aggressive Driving vs. Road Rage: What’s the Difference?
Though related, these behaviors differ in intent and legal consequences:
- Aggressive Driving: Traffic violations that endanger others-speeding, tailgating, weaving through lanes, running red lights, or ignoring signals.
- Road Rage: Intentional intimidation or violence, such as yelling threats, brake-checking, chasing, ramming, or exiting a car to confront another driver.
Aggressive driving typically supports a civil negligence claim, whereas road rage may result in both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit for damages.
Common Road Rage and Aggressive Driving Behaviors in NYC
Our attorneys routinely handle cases involving:
- Tailgating, brake-checking, or cutting off vehicles
- Excessive speeding or street racing
- Unsafe or abrupt lane changes
- Running red lights or failing to yield
- Honking, flashing headlights, or shouting threats
- Throwing objects or gesturing aggressively
- Intentionally striking or forcing another car off the road
- Leaving a vehicle to start a physical confrontation
Even a brief moment of rage can cause lifelong harm.
Why These Crashes Are Common in New York City
New York’s urban environment amplifies driver frustration. Key risk factors include:
- Congested streets and gridlock
- Tight spaces and limited parking
- Long commutes and time pressure
- Noise, distractions, and anonymity behind the wheel
- A fast-paced “rush culture”
These factors never excuse reckless or violent driving. Greenstein & Pittari hold at-fault drivers accountable for the injuries they cause.
Serious Injuries from Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
Victims frequently suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and internal bleeding
- Severe lacerations and facial trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Wrongful death
We collaborate with medical experts and financial professionals to determine comprehensive compensation for your physical, emotional, and economic losses.
Your Legal Rights Under New York Law
Civil Claims for Compensation
You may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or PTSD
- Property damage
- Disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Under New York’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation even if you share partial fault.
Criminal Liability
If the other driver committed crimes such as reckless endangerment or vehicular assault, the State of New York may press charges. A criminal conviction is not required for your civil recovery, but it can strengthen your case.
Understanding No-Fault Insurance and the Serious-Injury Rule
New York’s no-fault insurance system covers up to $50,000 in medical bills and lost wages through your PIP policy.
If you sustained a “serious injury” as defined by Insurance Law §5102(d), you may file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional damages.
Serious injuries include:
- Bone fractures
- Significant disfigurement
- Permanent impairment or disability (90+ days)
- Loss or limitation of bodily function
- Death
Our attorneys will determine whether your injuries meet this threshold and pursue every available recovery option.
Insurance Challenges in Road Rage Cases
Because road rage often involves intentional conduct, insurers may try to deny coverage. Our legal team pursues compensation through:
- PIP benefits
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
- Additional liable parties or umbrella policies
We fight back when insurers undervalue or reject legitimate claims.
What to Do After a Road Rage or Aggressive Driving Incident
- Stay calm – do not retaliate.
- Move to safety or drive to a police station if followed.
- Call 911 and report the driver’s behavior.
- Document the scene – photos, dashcam, license plates, witnesses.
- Seek medical treatment immediately.
- Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP before speaking with insurers.
These steps preserve your health and strengthen your case.
Proving Liability in an NYC Aggressive Driving Accident
We must show the defendant:
- Owed a duty of care
- Breached that duty through reckless or intentional conduct
- Caused your injuries
- Caused measurable damages
Evidence we use:
- Police and 911 reports
- Dashcam and traffic-camera footage
- Witness statements
- Expert accident reconstruction
- Medical documentation
If the conduct was extreme, we may also seek punitive damages to punish and deter similar acts in the future.
Statute of Limitations in New York
- Personal Injury: 3 years from the crash date (CPLR §214)
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death (EPTL §5-4.1)
- Municipal Claims: File a Notice of Claim within 90 days
Prompt legal action helps preserve crucial evidence, such as video footage and cell phone data.
How Greenstein & Pittari Build Your Case
- Rapid scene investigation and evidence preservation
- Coordination with NYPD and medical providers
- Expert witness consultation
- Strategic insurance negotiation and litigation
- Trial preparation from day one
We handle the legal battle so that you can focus on recovery.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
- Decades of experience in New York City personal injury law
- Hundreds of satisfied clients across all five boroughs
- Offices in Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- Bilingual legal services available
- No Fee Unless We Win – Our Fee Guarantee
- Recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
- “Don’t Be a Victim Twice” – Our promise to protect your rights and recovery
We take on the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
Contact a New York City Road Rage & Aggressive Driving Attorney
If you or a loved one was hurt by an aggressive or enraged driver in New York City, our firm is ready to help.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free consultation.
You owe nothing unless we win your case.