Aggressive drivers jeopardize others on U.S. roadways every day. In fact, the AAA Foundation reports that aggressive behaviors account for more than half of all fatal crashes. To fully understand aggressive driving, we look at what it is, what causes it, and how it could be significant in your car accident lawsuit.
Aggressive Driving Defined
Together, law enforcement and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) define aggressive drivers as any “individual [who] commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property." Often, aggressive driving manifests in the following ways:
- Tailgating, or following too closely
- Erratic driving, such as lane changes and passing
- Speeding
- Failure to yield, signal, or obey traffic signs
- Attempts at racing
- Making sudden, dangerous, or improper turns
Causes of Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving creates opportunity for accidents, injuries, and fatalities, and there’s no excuse for it. However, it’s important to understand the following reasons for why it happens:
- Impatience. Some folks are just impatient by nature. Therefore, a scenario in which heavy traffic halts progress can cause an impatient person to behave aggressively.
- Anger issues. Although driving can be frustrating, those who deal with anger issues might be set off by small mistakes and begin to harass other drivers.
- Domino effect. Unfortunately, an aggressive driver can sometimes encourage aggressive driving in others. If an aggressive person targets another driver, he might respond with equal aggression. This can lead to others becoming involved and getting angry.
How Aggressive Driving Leads to Legal Problems
If you’ve been involved in an accident you believe was caused by aggressive driving, a lawyer can help you fight for recovery for your injuries and property damages by proving an aggressive driver did the following:
- Broke the laws of the road in the process of taunting you
- Drove without regard for the safety of those around him
- Directly caused injuries because of his behavior
- Intended to intimidate another driver using dangerous driving
Find the Legal Help You Need
If an aggressive driving accident landed you with serious injuries, property damages, and lost wages, an experienced attorney can help you prove your case. The team at Tavss Fletcher is ready to begin building a case against the driver who hurt you and move past this awful experience. Get started by filling out the online contact form on our website today.
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