Aggressive Driving and its Aggravating Consequences

Excessive speeding, erratic lane changes, rude gestures, tailgating, flashing high beams…these are just a few of the behaviors that characterize aggressive driving. Unfortunately, due to its prevalence, there is a good chance you or a loved one may have been involved in a motor vehicle accident caused by aggressive driving.

If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of aggressive driving, contact the Missouri personal injury lawyers at The S.E. Farris Law Firm. Call 314-A-LAWYER (314-252-9937) today for a free consultation.

There are several important things to understand about aggressive driving: what it is, how to avoid it, and what to do if you are injured as a result of it.

What Defines Aggressive Driving?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as occurring when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.” These offenses may include:

  • Speeding
  • Failure to yield right of way
  • Following too closely
  • Weaving in and out of traffic
  • Excessive headlight flashing or horn honking
  • Disobeying traffic control devices (stop signs, traffic lights, etc.)
  • Offensive, rude gestures

Avoid Aggressive Drivers

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, up to 1/3 of fatal motor vehicle accidents include one or more of these aggressive driving behaviors. With such a high risk factor, it is important to know what to do if, and when, you encounter an aggressive driver.

Get out of the way! The easiest way to avoid conflict or harm is to move out of an aggressive driver’s path. You can do so by slowing down, changing lanes, or taking a different route.

Remain calm; swallow your pride. Challenging an aggressive driver can quickly escalate the severity of the situation. It is best to avoid making eye contact with the offending driver. Do not try to teach him or her a “lesson” by retaliating with your own aggressive behaviors.

Call the authorities. If an aggressive driver is putting you or other motorists in danger, pull over to a safe location and call 911 or the police.

Pitfalls of Settling Your Own Aggressive Driving Case

If you are involved in an aggressive driving accident, it may seem obvious who is at fault, and you may assume that you will be compensated fully for damages and your injuries. However, there are several important steps in filing a successful auto accident claim, so seeking legal counsel is not only helpful, but may prove necessary.

  • You and your attorney must prove that another party is responsible for the accident and establish the amount of damages for which they are liable.
  • If you are injured, your attorney will evaluate the amount of financial compensation that may be claimed.
  • The responsible party may have to compensate you for pain and suffering, lost wages, permanent disabilities, loss of enjoyment, and other expenses.
  • Victims typically receive four to five times more in compensation when represented by an attorney.
  • For more information, watch this helpful video, Legal Advice Following a Wreck

Contact a St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney

If you or someone you love has been hurt in an aggressive driving accident, contact the St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers at The S.E. Farris Law Firm as soon as possible. Call 314-A-LAWYER (314-252-9937) today for a free consultation. The time to pursue a claim against a negligent driver is limited. It is important to contact an experienced Missouri attorney as soon as possible so that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident can be conducted, and that your rights are protected.