Car accidents are stressful and terrifying. However, when a crash involves an aggressive driver, it can make things even worse. Aggressive drivers are usually those who become angry behind the wheel and are guilty of road rage. These drivers can also simply be those who engage in generally risky behaviors while behind the wheel and may not be guilty of road rage per se.
No matter what the case with an aggressive driver, if you have been in an accident with one, it’s certainly a harrowing experience. There are a variety of accidents and injuries these drivers can cause. If you know the signs of aggressive driving, you might be able to potentially avoid such drivers in the future. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA, aggressive driving occurs when a person behind the wheel commits certain traffic offenses that are dangerous enough to put other people and property in danger. Generally speaking, aggressive driving doesn’t only involve one bad behavior behind the wheel but a combination that can put everyone else on the road at risk.
What are Examples of Aggressive Driving?
If a person is guilty of road rage or aggressive driving, it might be due to any number of issues. The individual might suffer from mental illness, may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or might simply be having a bad day and letting off steam through their aggressive driving tactics. However, regardless of what the cause is, it’s bad behavior and no one should drive in this manner. The following are examples of aggressive driving:
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Failing to yield right-of-way
• Improperly passing other vehicles
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Not using turn signals
• Cutting off other vehicles
• Swerving in and out of lanes
• Yelling, cursing and screaming at other drivers
In the most severe cases of aggressive driving, a person may even act violently and use a deadly weapon. People have been seriously injured and even killed in incidents of road rage. These are extreme cases of aggressive driving that can put people at serious risk. If you have suffered injuries or a loved one has been killed as a result of such a road rage incident, you need an experienced Los Angeles accident attorney to help you initiate a lawsuit against the driver responsible.
Types of Accidents That Occur Due to Aggressive Driving
When a driver is aggressive while behind the wheel, they can put everyone on the road at risk for a serious accident. The following types of accidents are most commonly caused by aggressive drivers:
• Rear-end collisions
• Head-on collisions
• T-bone collisions
• Sideswipes
• Multi-car accidents
• Rollovers
• Violent acts of road rage taking place on the side of the road
Common Types of Injuries Stemming from Aggressive Driving Accidents
Due to the serious nature of car accidents that occur due to aggressive driving, there is a greater risk of the victim experiencing serious injuries. Many of these can be debilitating and even permanently disabling. Sadly, many people who are involved in car accidents with a driver who is aggressive behind the wheel can end up killed as well.
The following are the most common injuries you can sustain in a car accident with an aggressive driver:
• Whiplash: Whiplash injuries occur when the head and neck are whipped forward quickly as a result of the impact of a car accident. You can suffer serious muscle strain, torn ligaments and tendon injuries. This type of soft tissue injury can also include a brain injury when the brain is violently shifted inside the head and hits the inside of the skull. It’s a common injury to develop when an aggressive driver causes a rear-end collision but can happen in other types of accidents as well.
• Head injuries: Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries are common when an accident occurs with an aggressive driver. These injuries can result in severe headaches, difficulty concentrating and sleep problems. They can be short- or long-term in duration and require continuous treatment.
• Broken bones: Broken bones can easily occur when you have an accident with an aggressive driver. Compound fractures, in particular, can be sustained and are more complicated when it comes to healing.
• Internal bleeding: Internal injuries, including internal bleeding commonly occur as a result of accidents involving aggressive drivers.
• Herniated disc: Herniated discs commonly occur after a rear-end collision, which is one of the most common accidents caused by aggressive drivers. It is often a permanent injury that results in chronic back or neck pain and problems.
• PTSD: In addition to physical injuries, accidents with aggressive drivers often leave victims dealing with psychological scars and post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. This occurs when you constantly relive the accident and overall experience and it adversely affects your everyday life.
What to Do if You’re in an Accident with an Aggressive Driver
Although the aggressive driver may not be willing to reason, it’s important to remain at the scene of the accident. Try to remain as calm as possible and don’t engage the other driver. You may not be able to get their name and contact information given their state of mind.
Check on other people in your vehicle if there are any and verify whether they are injured. You can contact 911 to have the police and emergency medical personnel arrive. Anyone who is obviously injured should receive immediate medical attention. However, even individuals who think they’re fine should do the same to be on the safe side.
When the police arrive, give your statement and get the officer’s name and badge number. You will want to acquire a copy of the police accident report for your evidence later when you file your claim with a personal injury attorney.
You should also take pictures of the accident scene if you are able to, and speak with witnesses. This might be difficult if the aggressive driver is still around and raging, especially if this is done before the police arrive at the scene.
Make note of any and all symptoms of your injuries. This can serve as pertinent evidence that you can present to the personal injury law firm once you have chosen a Los Angeles accident attorney to represent you.
If you have been injured in a road accident with an aggressive driver, contact West Coast Trial Lawyers, a reputable personal injury law firm in Los Angeles. A personal injury attorney will help you recover the compensation you deserve in your case.
