Aggressive and Reckless Driving

The Villages Car Crash Lawyers for Victims of Reckless and Aggressive Driving Accidents<

Reckless and aggressive drivers are to blame for thousands of car accidents across Florida each year. Unfortunately, despite the obvious risks involved, many people still choose to engage in driving behaviors that put others in harm’s way. If you have been injured by a reckless or aggressive driver, we encourage you to contact our The Villages car crash lawyers to help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.

All Forms of Aggressive and Reckless Driving are Dangerous

While many people who choose to drive aggressively or recklessly believe that they are in control, the reality is that aggressive and reckless drivers are far more likely to cause serious and fatal collisions. All forms of aggressive and reckless driving are dangerous, and drivers who choose to put others at risk deserve to be held accountable when their poor decisions lead to costly collisions.

At Whittel & Melton, LLC, our The Villages car crash attorneys help accident victims and families recover just compensation after accidents involving all forms of aggressive and reckless driving. This includes:

• Attempting to pass in the shoulder
• Crossing into oncoming traffic in order to attempt to pass
• Other unsafe passes and lane changes
• Speeding excessively
• Tailgating
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Refusing to yield the right of way to another vehicle
• Driving while drunk or high
• Street racing
• Attempting to run from the police

3 Important Facts About Aggressive and Reckless Driving Accidents in The Villages

1.- Auto Insurance Covers Accidents Caused by Aggressive and Reckless Driving

As long as the driver who caused the accident has insurance, you can file a claim under his or her insurance policy. Aggressive and reckless driving are both considered forms of negligence, and auto insurance covers accident victims’ negligence-based claims.

2.- If the Aggressive or Reckless Driver was Arrested, This Does Not Mean You Will be Compensated

If the driver who hit you or your loved one was arrested at the scene of the crash, this does not mean that you will be compensated. The aggressive or reckless driver’s criminal case is separate from your case for civil liability, and you will need to hire a lawyer to pursue just compensation on your behalf.

3.- A Traffic Citation or Criminal Arrest is Not Proof of Liability

Similarly, while the aggressive driver’s traffic citation or criminal arrest may be helpful for proving your claim for compensation, it is not sufficient evidence on its own. As a result, it will be important for our lawyers to conduct an investigation promptly in order to collect the other evidence that is available.

What Is the Difference Between Road Rage and Aggressive Driving?

Aggressive driving is classified as any reckless actions taken when behind the wheel, like tailgating, speeding, or even blocking another vehicle from passing you. Road rage, on the other hand, is actually a criminal offense and involves a violent intent towards another motorist. Road rage behaviors may include a physical altercation between two drivers on the side of the road, using a vehicle to strike another motorist’s car, or using a weapon as a threat to inflict harm or actually using it to cause harm to another motorist.

According to the NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), Florida ranks in the top 10 states with the most deaths related to road rage and aggressive driving. For 2016, Florida saw 15 fatalities as a result of road rage or aggressive driving.

What Should I Do if I Encounter an Aggressive Driver?

The best advice our Villages Car Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can give for a dangerous encounter with a driver exhibiting signs of road rage or aggressive behaviors is to distance yourself from the situation. This applies if you are in a car with someone who is exhibiting these behaviors or if you are being targeted by another driver.

Remember, road rage is a criminal offense because it involves the willful disregard for the safety of others. If you are driving and notice that you or another driver is being targeted by an aggressive driver showing signs of road rage, then it might be best to pull over (where it is safe to do so) and get away from the other driver. If it is safe to do so, you can call 911 and let police know of the risky driver so that they can apprehend them accordingly.

Contact Our The Villages Car Crash Attorneys Today

Are you entitled to financial compensation for a car crash in The Villages caused by an aggressive or reckless driver? To speak with one of our car accident attorneys about your case in confidence, please call 352-369-5334 or request a free consultation online today.