About 56% of fatal accidents involve at least one form of aggressive driving. These drivers disregard the safety of themselves and others on the road.
If you’ve recently been in an accident with someone who was showing aggressive driving tendencies, then you have options. As the innocent party, you have a right to seek recovery for your injuries the physical damage to your car.
Read this guide and learn how to hold an aggressive driver liable for their actions.
What Makes a Driver Aggressive?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, there are a few actions that signal you are in the presence of an aggressive driver. The best thing to do is to avoid driving near someone taking any of these actions.
These signs include:
- Erratic lane changing
- Following improperly
- Passing where it’s prohibited
- Driving where it’s illegal (on the sidewalk, shoulder, or ditch)
- Failing to yield
- Ignoring traffic signs
- Racing or speeding
If the unfortunate happens and you end up in an accident, then follow these steps to ensure you recover for your damages.
Immediately After the Accident
The first thing you should do after an accident is to make sure everyone is ok. If someone needs medical treatment, then call emergency services.
Additionally, take the following steps.
Call the Authorities
Since an aggressive driver caused your accident, it’s best to have the authorities involved.
The other driver is likely to be upset, which can create bigger problems. Many states also require you to file a police report if the injuries or damage are over a certain value amount.
The police will come out and diffuse the situation or mediate between the parties. You can then request a copy of the police report. It will have both driver’s complete contact and insurance information along with a description of what happened and any witness information.
Talk to a Lawyer
After you leave the scene of the accident, you should begin looking for an accident lawyer.
Find an attorney that specializes in litigating auto accidents. Explain what happened and discuss your options for recovery.
If the lawyer takes your case, they’ll begin representing you in your claim against the other driver’s insurance company. Your lawyer will use the police report, photos of the scene, and witness statements to support your claim. They’ll also advise you of your state’s laws when it comes to making a claim.
Some states have deadlines on when you need to seek medical treatment or risk being barred from recovery. Others have rules about what sort of injuries and damages you can claim.
Avoid Aggressive Driving
If you find yourself getting angry or upset while driving, you’re more susceptible to aggressive driving.
Aggressive driving puts you and other drivers at a greater risk of an accident.
When an accident happens, the person who causes it is held liable. This means aggressive drivers need to answer for their actions when they cause an accident.
Browse our other legal articles for more advice on what to do when you need a lawyer.
