Who is Liable for Aggressive Driving Collisions?
Aggressive driving and road rage are more than just frustrating experiences, they’re dangerous behaviors that can lead to serious accidents. In Florida, where crowded highways and fast-moving traffic are common, aggressive driving collisions are an increasing concern. If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a reckless driver, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you move forward with a personal injury claim.
How Common Is Road Rage in Florida?
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, aggressive and careless driving is a factor in tens of thousands of crashes annually. Florida has even been identified in national reports as a hotspot for road rage incidents, including cases that turn violent. The state’s dense traffic, tourist routes, and high-speed freeways create a recipe for emotional, impulsive decisions behind the wheel.
Defined as a combination of moving traffic offenses committed with the intent to endanger other people or property, common examples of aggressive driving include:
- Speeding excessively or weaving in and out of traffic
- Tailgating
- Ignoring traffic signs or signals
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Blocking other vehicles from changing lanes
- Yelling, gesturing, or using a vehicle to intimidate another driver
These behaviors become especially dangerous when fueled by road rage, an escalation of aggressive driving that can include threats, physical confrontations, and intentional collisions.
When Does a Driving Behavior Cross the Line?
While speeding or changing lanes without signaling may earn a citation, road rage and aggressive driving that leads to harm can result in criminal charges and civil liability. The legal line is crossed when a driver’s actions show a reckless disregard for safety, they intentionally try to intimidate or injure someone, or their behavior violates multiple traffic laws and contributes to a crash.
For example, if someone speeds up to cut off another driver and slams on the brakes, causing a rear-end collision, that can be viewed as intentional. In such cases, the aggressive driver could be found liable for damages. Proving that a driver engaged in road rage can also open the door for additional damages, including punitive damages. These are designed to punish especially dangerous behavior and deter others from doing the same.
If you’re injured in an accident caused by aggressive driving, accessing compensation could be possible. A personal injury lawyer can help establish that the driver acted recklessly or intentionally, which will strengthen your case. Evidence such as dashcam footage, witness testimony, and police reports can be crucial.
Not just rude, aggressive driving is a hazard that can change lives in an instant. Because of this, dangerous drivers can be held legally and financially accountable after a traffic incident.
Are you interested in learning more about accessing compensation following a collision in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach? If you or someone you love has been injured by a reckless or enraged driver, you may be entitled to financial recovery. Contact the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez to protect your rights and hold dangerous drivers accountable. Call 561-660-9421 today.
