Aggressive Driving Accidents
Aggressive driving presents a significant danger to everyone on the roadway. Aggressive driving – often fueled by frustration or anger – can result in a driver committing careless or reckless actions behind the wheel that ultimately cause a devastating motor vehicle collision. If you are a victim who has been injured by an aggressive driver in Los Angeles, contact a specialized Los Angeles car accident attorney to discuss your legal rights.
What Is Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving can refer to any dangerous or reckless action taken by a driver that displays a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others. Examples of aggressive driving include:
- Violating traffic laws
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Ignoring others’ rights-of-way
- Excessive speeding or racing
- Unsafe or illegal passing
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Weaving in and out of multiple lanes
- Blocking other drivers
- Intentionally cutting drivers off
Aggressive driving can be triggered by personal matters, traffic congestion, impatience, stress or irritation at other drivers’ mistakes. If a driver cannot control his or her reactions to these triggers, an aggressive response can be made.
What Is Road Rage?
Road rage is a step beyond aggressive driving. It describes a situation where a driver’s anger or frustration has escalated to the point of violent or uncontrollable rage. In an episode of road rage, a driver may make threats, use intimidation tactics, verbally assault or harass another motor vehicle driver, use rude language or hand gestures, intentionally cause a car accident, use the vehicle as a weapon, or exit the vehicle and physically attack or assault someone.
What Are the Legal Consequences of Aggressive Driving?
While there is no individual law against aggressive driving in California, if this driver behavior results in traffic infractions, the driver can face moving violations, citations and driver’s license consequences through administrative penalties. If aggressive driving escalates into harm or significant danger to others, such as physical altercations, the driver can face criminal charges.
Aggressive driving often involves reckless driving behaviors. California Vehicle Code Section 23103 makes reckless driving a misdemeanor that can be punished by imprisonment in county jail for 5 to 90 days and/or a fine of $145 to $1,000. If an aggressive driver causes an automobile accident, the driver can also face an insurance claim or civil lawsuit filed by an injured victim.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help After an Aggressive Driving Accident?
If you get injured or suffer property damage in an accident caused by an aggressive or road rage driver in California, consult with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles about your legal options. You may be entitled to financial compensation for the injuries, property damage, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses you suffered because of the aggressive driver.
An attorney can investigate the incident and gather evidence against the at-fault driver to use during your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Then, your lawyer can handle settlement negotiations or a court trial on your behalf to maximize your financial recovery. Request a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Los Angeles today at Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP to discuss your aggressive driving accident case in detail.