The Dangers of Aggressive Driving

Personal Injury News | September 5, 2019

Aggressive driving can happen anywhere on the road. It often comes with different types of reckless driving behaviors like speeding or cutting other drivers off. These actions may let off built-up road rage, but they still put other drivers on the road at risk. Personal injuries and deaths may result if the slightest miscalculation is made. Understanding types of aggressive driving can help you recognize signs to look out for so you can avoid a potential accident. However, if you were in a car accident caused by a reckless driver, be sure to contact a Central New York Automobile Accidents Lawyer.

Types of Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving can be interpreted on a case-by-case basis that involves any kind of driving that places others at risk. Common examples of aggressive driving include cutting-off drivers, speeding, not yielding or The Dangers of Aggressive Drivingstopping fully, not signaling, tailgating, slowing down fast to tailgaters, and boxing in cars. Most of these behaviors stem from frustration or anger, but some may just be due to carelessness and overconfidence.

These types of aggressive driving are not to be confused with reckless or negligent driving, but there can be some overlap in certain cases. For example, an aggressive driver may be reckless by failing to stop at a stop sign due to frustration or aggression. Statutes for aggressive driving define this type of driving as reckless behaviors within a short period that result directly from selfishness, competition, or aggression.

Lawsuits can usually only be filed in cases where aggressive driving has directly led to damages to another vehicle, property, or person. 

Risks of Aggressive Driving

Speeding alone caused 49% of drivers who were not wearing seatbelts to lose their lives in 2017. This is just one example of aggressive driving. Many other aggressive driving accidents have also led to deaths and serious injuries to other drivers and passengers. Specific risks of speeding include the potential to lose control of your vehicle, increased crash severity if a collision happens, and less time to stop if an unexpected object, car, or person pops up on the road.

There are also legal risks to aggressive driving. Your chances of being sued are much higher if you were engaged in aggressive or reckless driving leading up to the accident. Statutes that protect other drivers from these behaviors may work against your case.

Car Accidents Lawyer in New York

The amount of damage that could result from aggressive driving is not worth it. For those negatively impacted by aggressive driving, consult with a Syracuse Car Accidents Lawyer. You may be eligible to receive additional compensation from the insurance company if your injuries are considered severe enough. This compensation can cover future medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

At Gattuso & Ciotoli, we offer four areas of legal practice to our clients and have years of experience with personal injury cases. Contact us at (315) 314-8000 today for free consultation. We are located in Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn. Our goal is to work with you to help you earn enough compensation to fully recover.