Aggressive driving, which includes behaviors such as speeding or passing in a no-passing zone, increases the risk of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some of the contributors of aggressive driving include traffic delays, running late, disregard for others and disregard for the law, and habitual behavior. Bolstered by the relative anonymity a motor vehicle provides, a seemingly nice person can be transformed into a dangerous individual.
“Road rage” falls under the category of aggressive driving, but not all aggressive driving has to be this extreme. Aggressive driving simply means that the driver is not driving defensively, which is how everyone should be behind the wheel, keeping the safety of everyone on the roadway at the forefront.
If you were injured or if you lost someone who died because of an aggressive driving accident, you need a Los Angeles aggressive driving accident lawyer who can help you win the damages to which you are entitled. Contact the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for a free review of your case at (800) 794-0444.
Aggressive Driving Behaviors
Most motorists are probably guilty of driving over the speed limit on occasion, but some drivers have a propensity to speed or engage in other behaviors that put others in danger. These behaviors can lead to an accident, often with tragic results.
Running through red lights, speeding up through an intersection to “beat” a yellow light, and speeding are all recognizable forms of aggressive driving. But aggressive driving comes in many forms. Some of the most common aggressive driving behaviors include the following:
- Making lane changes without using a turn signal.
- Chasing other drivers.
- Tailgating.
- Ignoring pedestrians or bicyclists.
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals.
- Making a lane change when there is not enough space.
- Pulling onto the road when there is not a big enough gap in the traffic.
- Driving at various speeds to force another driver to speed up, slow down, or otherwise react.
- Slamming on the brakes to elicit a reaction from the driver behind.
- Driving on the shoulder in congested traffic to bypass other cars.
- Weaving through traffic.
- Boxing in drivers as an intimidation tactic.
Aggressive driving can also include disobeying traffic laws like illegal passing, disregarding right-of-way road rules, and preventing other motorists from passing or merging in traffic. Even gesturing, honking, yelling, or flashing lights at another driver is a form of aggressive driving that can cause incidents. If any of these actions from another driver caused your accident, you can seek legal representation for compensation for damages and injuries.
How Aggressive Driving Leads to Accidents
Aggressive driving behaviors not only violate traffic laws that are put in place to keep drivers safe, but they can also make other drivers nervous. For example, if someone is tailgating another car and flashing its lights, this can cause the other driver to lose focus and rear-end the vehicle ahead of them. A red light designed to control traffic is not effective if an aggressive driver goes through the intersection anyway.
For a free legal consultation with a Aggressive Driving Accidents Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
What to Do About an Aggressive Driver When There Is an Accident
It is bad enough to be involved in an accident that was not your fault, but if an aggressive driver caused the crash, dealing with the aftermath can be scary. Here are some tips on how to handle the situation:
- Stay in your car with the doors locked and the windows closed if you feel threatened—unless your car is too badly damaged to do so safely.
- Call 911 and let the aggressive driver know that you are doing so.
- If you or someone else in your vehicle is injured, the most important thing to do is call for help.
- Try to be as calm and rational as possible while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Maintain this same demeanor when dealing with the police as they will note this on the police report.
If you are considering legal help, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. A Los Angeles aggressive driving accident lawyer can help with your claim against the aggressive driver. At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we can review your case and help you decide how to proceed.
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The Type of Evidence You Will Need for an Aggressive Driving Accident
As with any auto accident claim, the more evidence you have that supports your claim, the more likely your case will be successful. You will need a copy of the police report of the accident as well as statements from any witnesses who can help establish what happened.
Photos taken of the scene and video evidence of the other driver’s actions will also help your claim. Be sure to gather medical records to show treatments and expenses incurred as a result of the accident. If you hire a lawyer, you can ask for help with gathering documents and identifying important records for your case.
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Damages Your Lawyer Might Fight for On Your Behalf After an Aggressive Driving Accident
You can sue if you are involved in an aggressive driving accident, but as with any personal injury claim, you will have to prove that the other party was negligent—or in this case, was exhibiting aggressive driving behaviors that caused the accident.
In addition to asking for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and damage to your vehicle, you can also ask for damages for pain and suffering. There can be lasting effects for many victims of car accidents involving aggressive driving, including fear of driving and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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Getting a Free Case Review From Our Los Angeles Aggressive Driving Accident Team
If you have serious injuries because you were in an automobile accident caused by aggressive driving, you may want an attorney to help you recover damages. The Los Angeles aggressive driving accident lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm have helped others deal with the complexities of these tough cases. Call us at (800) 794-0444 for a free, no-obligation review of your case today.
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