Aggressive driving can be extremely dangerous not only for the person engaging in this driving behavior, but for everyone who shares the road with them as well. As an aggressive driver speeds through lanes, swerves in and out of traffic and even follows a leading vehicle too closely, they are increasing the likelihood of a deadly accident.
There are a variety of triggers for aggressive driving. For most aggressive motorists, it only takes one minor thing to set them off. For example, someone cutting the driver off or another motorist driving too slowly while the aggressive motorist is in a hurry, may trigger this type of driving behavior.
Unfortunately, aggressive driving is on the rise in the United States, especially as more motorists are in a hurry to get to their destinations.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aggressive driving is defined as the operation of a vehicle that endangers or is likely to endanger others on the road as well. NHTSA estimates that there are more than 6,800,000 vehicle accidents each year in the United States, and a large volume of those are caused by aggressive or reckless driving behaviors.
There are multiple forms of aggressive driving behaviors – and some individuals who engage in these practices do not realize that they are being too aggressive on the road. Aggressive driving can include:
Aggressive driving is a blatant disregard for the safety of others and for the rules of the road.
The outcome of aggressive driving is often a tragic one. It can easily lead to a deadly accident with multiple fatalities and numerous amounts of property damage. Even more devastating, it can lead to pedestrian accidents or deaths. Anyone engaging in aggressive driving practices is considered negligent under the law; therefore, if they cause an accident or death, they are liable for the losses that they cause. Not only can an aggressive driver be held criminally liable – such as being charged with vehicular manslaughter – but they can be held liable in civil court as well.
If you are injured by an aggressive driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Some damages that you may be able to recover include:
If you have been injured because of the reckless behaviors of an aggressive driver, you must contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The law in Missouri limits how long you have to file your claim, so contact the Law Offices of Kevin J. Roach, LLC today. Get started by requesting a consultation online or by calling us toll-free at 866-519-0085.
