Ill-tempered drivers often cause accidents due to reckless behavior. They may speed, cut people off, and do other aggressive actions to intimidate or agitate other drivers. Because of their negligent behavior, they put other drivers at risk of getting seriously injured in car accidents. Even worse, these accidents can put your life in grave danger. After encountering an aggressive driver, you should speak to an attorney to find out how to hold the other party accountable.
Aggressive driving is a behavior behind the wheel that is dangerous and puts other drivers and pedestrians at risk. Tennessee ranks as one of the top 5 most aggressive driving states. After an aggressive driving accident, you can call Meyers Injury Law for a free consultation with our team of Nashville car accidents lawyers.
An aggressive driving accident typically involves a combination of several unsafe driving actions, such as:
Speeding
Driving above the posted speed limit or too fast for the current driving conditions.
Tailgating
Following too closely behind another vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision in Nashville.
Weaving
Swerving in and out of traffic or changing lanes frequently and abruptly without signaling.
Running Red Lights Or Stop Signs
Ignoring traffic signals and signs can cause collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
Cutting Off Other Drivers
Changing lanes suddenly or without signaling can cause other drivers to have to brake suddenly to avoid a collision.
Honking Or Gesturing Aggressively
Using the horn excessively or making obscene or threatening gestures toward other drivers.
How To Deal With An Aggressive Driver On The Road
Encountering an aggressive driver on the road can be a stressful and dangerous situation. Here are some tips to protect yourself from an aggressive driver:
Avoid Engaging With The Driver
Do not make eye contact, wave or shout at the aggressive driver. This could escalate the situation and increase your risk of danger.
Stay Calm And Focused
Keep your emotions in check and maintain your focus on the road. Stay alert for any sudden moves or actions by the aggressive driver.
Keep A Safe Distance
Slow down or change lanes to create more distance between yourself and the aggressive driver. This will give you more time to react if they make any sudden moves.
Use Defensive Driving Techniques
Stay aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards. Use defensive driving techniques such as leaving enough space between vehicles, following traffic laws, and being aware of blind spots.
Report The Aggressive Driver
If you feel threatened or unsafe, call 911 or the local police department to report the aggressive driver. Provide a description of the vehicle and license plate number, as well as the location and direction of travel.
Avoid Confrontation
When the aggressive driver confronts you in a parking lot or at a stoplight, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked and windows up. Avoid any confrontation with the driver and call the police if necessary.
How My Attorney Can Prove That I Wasn’t At Fault
To prove that the other driver was an aggressive driver and caused your accident, your attorney may use several different types of evidence, including:
Witness Testimony
Your attorney may interview witnesses who saw the accident or the aggressive behavior leading up to the accident. Witnesses can provide valuable information and support your case.
Police Reports
When the police were called to the scene of the accident, they may have written a report detailing what happened. This report can provide important evidence to support your claim with a personal injury attorney.
Video Evidence
If there were any surveillance cameras or dashcams in the area, your attorney may be able to obtain video footage of the accident or the aggressive behavior leading up to the accident.
Driving History And Records
Your attorney may obtain the other driver’s driving history and records to see if they have a history of aggressive driving or traffic violations.
Subpoenaed Evidence
Your attorney may file a subpoena to obtain additional evidence, such as the other driver’s cell phone records. This may show that they were using their phone at the time of the accident or were distracted while driving in Nashville.
Accident Reconstruction Specialist
An attorney can work with an accident reconstruction expert to analyze the evidence and provide an expert opinion on how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
Damages You Can Claim For Your Aggressive Driving Accident
After an aggressive driving accident, you may be able to claim the following types of damages:
Property Damage
This includes the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal property that was damaged in the accident.
Medical Expenses
Your medical bills can include the cost of any medical treatment you received after the accident, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, prescription medication, and physical therapy.
Lost Wages
If you missed work due to your injuries, you can claim lost wages for the time you were unable to work.
Pain And Suffering
This includes the physical pain and emotional distress you experienced as a result of the accident and your injuries.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, you may be able to claim punitive damages if the other driver’s conduct was particularly reckless or egregious.
Once you’ve been hit by a reckless aggressive driver, you can get fair representation with our team’s help. Aggressive driver accidents can be compensated for once your personal injury attorney in Nashville proves that the other party was at fault using evidence from the scene of the accident. For more information, speak to Meyers Injury Law for a free consultation. You only pay us on a contingency fee basis after we’ve won your claim.
