Aggressive Driving Accidents

A Woman Driving A White Car Gesturing Angrily Toward A Man In Another White Car, Who Is Also Gesturing Aggressively Through His Window.

Aggressive driving in Florida is some of the worst in the nation, and since 2020, there has been an increased rate of aggressive drivers on the Sunshine State’s roadways. According to recent data from Consumer Report, Florida is one of the top 10 states with aggressive driving.

The dangers involving aggressive driving can range from fender benders that result in minor injuries to more catastrophic and life-altering injuries from head on collisions. If you’ve been the victim of aggressive driving on Florida’s roadways, there are legal options you can take.

Our aggressive driving resource page can point you to the valuable information and legal guidance you’ll need to recover the compensation you may be entitled to after an accident because of an aggressive driver.

Navigate the legal process with the support of a legal team that’s ready to defend your rights. Get in touch with Bernstein & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, to schedule your free case consultation today.

Have you been injured in an aggressive driving accident? Get immediate legal help.

What Is Aggressive Driving?

Aggressive driving falls in line with negligent and reckless driving. It is defined as a driver operating a vehicle in a dangerous manner, or in a way that disregards the safety of others on the roadways.

Some common examples of aggressive driving might include:

Speeding
Tailgating
Weaving and erratic lane changes
Ignoring traffic signs
Running red lights

Causes of Aggressive Driving Crashes

The causes of aggressive driving behaviors are often situational as well. For example, some drivers have a chronic history of aggressive driving like speeding and erratic driving, while others might engage in aggressive driving because of a road rage incident that’s led them to operate their vehicles in a retaliatory and dangerous manner. Aggressive driving may also result from inebriation including drunk driving, and driving under the influence.

No matter what the reason, aggressive driving causes crashes and endangers the safety of other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians sharing the roadways and adjacent pedestrian paths.

Aggressive Driving vs. Road Rage

So, what is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage? Sometimes aggressive driving and road rage can go hand in hand, but there is a clear distinction between the two. Aggressive driving generally involves risky maneuvers when operating a vehicle. Road rage, on the other hand, involves intentional hostility including yelling, honking, and even physical confrontations.

Aggressive Driving Accidents Statistics

As reported by Safe Motorist, data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that 66% of annual traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving accidents. Even more alarming, 37% of aggressive driving incidents involve a firearm.

The Daytona Beach News Journal compiled data and highlighted some alarming aggressive driving statistics.

Notable statistics include:

The rate of traffic violations issued for aggressive or careless driving including speeding was 0.44 for every 100,000 people.
Fatal accidents that involve aggressive driving or careless driving accounted for nearly 24% of all fatal crashes in the state in 2023.

Establishing Fault in Aggressive Driving Accidents

Establishing fault in an aggressive driving accident claim is pertinent to help you prove and win your case. There are several ways that fault can be established. They include:

Dash cam footage that shows the reckless behavior.
Witness statements that confirm the aggressive driving behavior.
Police reports that document traffic violations that have taken place.
Cell phone records can prove that distracted driving happened alongside aggressive driving.

If you’ve been the victim of aggressive driving, you have several legal options that you can turn to. You can take action through your insurance company to recover compensation following your injury. You can also file a legal claim to hold the other driver accountable for additional expenses not covered by your insurance.

Types of Compensation Available in Aggressive Driving Accidents

When filing a personal injury claim against a negligent aggressive driver, you can pursue compensatory damages. These damages are designed to compensate you for the financial losses suffered because of the accident caused by the aggressive driver. There are two types of compensatory damages:

Economic Damages

These damages are designed to compensate you for calculable losses such as:

Medical bills
Lost wages and lost income
Property damage
Other out-of-pocket expenses

Non- Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are designed to compensate you for incalculable intangible losses. This might include losses like:

Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement and scarring

Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer

An experienced personal injury attorney who is well-versed in handling cases involving aggressive driving accidents can help you understand your legal rights and options. Additionally, they’ll help you build a case supported by evidence and facts to hold a defendant responsible for their actions that have led to your injuries and pain and suffering.

Along with helping build a strong case, a personal injury attorney can help take care of all the details of your case so that you can focus on healing and recovery. Skilled personal injury attorneys will:

Keep up with timelines and deadlines.
Speak with the insurance companies on your behalf.
Push back against lowball settlements.
Gather essential evidence to strengthen your case and maximize your compensation eligibility.
Defend you in court if your case goes to trial.

What Are the Best Ways To Avoid Aggressive Drivers?

Sometimes, the best way to deal with aggressive drivers is by recognizing their actions early on and putting distance between you and the aggressive driver so as to avoid a preventable accident from happening.

Some tips to stay safe and away from aggressive or rash drivers include:

Maintaining your distance and avoiding engagement.
Do not challenge or provoke a driver who is behaving erratically or showing disregard for the safety of other drivers.
Stay calm and focused — falling back can allow some distance between you and the other driver, while exiting a roadway or interstate can also help prevent them from interacting with you.
Plan your route and allow extra time to avoid aggressive drivers or instances of road rage that might result from changing traffic patterns or traffic congestion.
Always report dangerous behavior (when you’re safe and able to).

Contact Our Florida Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyers Today

At Bernstein & Maryanoff, you can expect to work with legal experts who understand the nuances of personal injury lawsuits as they pertain to aggressive drivers on Florida’s roadways. Our attorneys have detailed knowledge of the state’s statutes regarding aggressive drivers and we have experience, as we’ve helped support countless victims of aggressive drivers just like you.

Operating on a contingency fee, you will not pay a fee until we win your case and recover the compensation you’re entitled to. Our legal team offers free case evaluations so that even if you’re unsure whether you have a case, you can get legal insight to determine what your rights are, and if you’ve suffered an injury because of an aggressive driver.

Get in touch today to learn more about the strength of your case. Schedule your free case evaluation today, and get one step closer to holding the negligent parties in your case accountable.

Get expert legal advice now. Call 1-800-429-4529 for your free consultation.

FAQs

What Percent of Fatal Crashes Occur Because of Aggressive Driving?

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, about 30 – 40% of fatal car crashes in the state involve aggressive driving. In 2023, there were a total of 38,861 deaths because of aggressive driving, speeding, and both.

How Many Accidents Are Caused by Road Rage?

While the exact number is difficult to pinpoint, accidents and deaths related to road rage are not as chronic as accidents and deaths caused by aggressive driving, but it is still an issue impacting Florida roadways.

How Can I Protect Myself From Aggressive Drivers?

You can stay safe by keeping your distance, not engaging with aggressive drivers, and reporting instances of aggressive driving when you see it.

What Are the Psychological Reasons That Lead to Aggressive Driving?

There are many psychological reasons leading to aggressive driving but common causes might include stress, frustration, and impulsivity among other behaviors.

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