Lindsay Lohan almost got in a bit of trouble this weekend.

She was heading to the Bowery Hotel in NYC last night where tons of paps were perching (because it was also where J. Lo was throwing hubby Marc Anthony a birthday bash) when she unexpectedly got into it with a cameraman.

There were metal barricades in front of the hotel and Linds tripped over one.  She immediately assumed a photographer stuck his foot out and tripped her.  So what does she do?  She turns around and pops him – in the face – then just keeps hoofing it into the hotel.

I think that fat rail she did a few minutes before had her a little jumpy..

Anyhow, nothing came of the assault.  The cops were called and showed up, but no charges were filed.

Watch the video here.