805-962-1930 Aggressive Driving Accidents Lawyer in Santa Barbara
Aggressive driving is unsafe for other drivers on the road and is often the result of emotions. Drivers may exhibit their rage by flashing headlights or braking in front of others. However, some drivers are extremely aggressive and may perform maneuvers in traffic with complete disregard for the safety of others around them, such as attempting to run someone off the road or even making contact with another vehicle intentionally.
If you have been involved in an aggressive driving accident, you should be compensated to cover the damages you endured. Aggressive driving accident damages include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering. To learn more, contact Maho Prentice, LLP for a free consultation.
Types of Aggressive Driving Behavior
Aggressive driving is intimidating and can cause a great deal of emotional distress in addition to personal injury both before and after an accident. There are several reasons why aggressive driving accidents happen.
What are the three types of aggressive driving behaviors?
Some of the main types of aggressive driving behaviors can include speeding, tailgating, and improper passing. A driver may speed if they are impatient, upset, or annoyed by the drivers around them. If they feel they are being held up, they may speed around you to get ahead. Tailgating happens when a driver is upset because they were either cut off or slowed down by the vehicle ahead of them. They may follow your car closely, making you uncomfortable. This can result in a rear-end collision. Improper passing occurs when a car tries to pass on the right side, out of their lane, or off the road. Some drivers may engage in improper driving to get around you or to flee the area.
What causes aggressive driving accidents?
Aggressive driving is typically the result of a driver becoming frustrated with other drivers around them. It could be because of others’ poor driving skills, traffic, the weather, or because another driver was rude towards them. A lot of the time, it’s because other drivers are moving too slow. Aggressive drivers can also be distracted, in a rush, or emotionally distraught because of recent life circumstances. It is typically an emotional reason that is the root cause of their irrational driving behavior.
What is the most common aggressive driving behavior?
A majority of aggressive drivers speed: 48% drive 15 mph over the speed limit on average. 26% of aggressive drivers tailgate. Rude hand signals and honking made up 32% of aggressive driving behavior, while 31% of aggressive drivers run red lights. Subtler forms of aggressive driving include drivers who speed up when another driver tries to pass them. 25% of aggressive drivers fall into this category. 22% moved into the lane of a vehicle with too little space ahead of them. Another common behavior is merging while another car is trying to speed up, which 28% of drivers admitted to doing. Many other behaviors can happen, such as weaving in and out of traffic, verbally harassing other drivers, and more. This can become an escalated situation and result in road rage, which is extremely aggressive driving behavior.
What are the effects of aggressive driving?
Aggressive drivers can result in collisions and injuries. Many of the most common injuries can include concussions, knee injuries, wrist fractures, and whiplash. This depends on the severity of the accident and can result in worse wounds. There are also legal consequences. In some states, aggressive driving is a misdemeanor that can result in higher fines. Aggressive driving can also have a traumatic emotional impact on you. You may have been injured and intimidated while the other driver managed to obstruct you. Aggressive drivers who honk, make rude hand signs, or yell at you can cause you to feel anxiety. This makes driving a frightening experience, even months after an aggressive driving accident.
More About Aggressive Driving Accidents and What to Do
After you have been in an accident caused by an aggressive driver, you can get the support you need to help make your settlement claim successful. Aggressive drivers shouldn’t be tolerated, and you are due compensation for any personal injuries caused by your accident. Contact Maho Prentice, LLP for a free consultation.