When frustration, anger, and aggression are taken out on the road, the consequences can be disastrous. As construction and traffic volumes increase in Columbus and the surrounding areas, aggressive driving is seeing a similar upward shift. The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported increases in deaths associated with avoidable car accidents in 2016, and deaths caused by reckless or aggressive driving actions made up a significant percentage of these crashes.
All drivers are expected to exercise a duty of care that amounts to a regard for the safety of others’ lives and property. If you’ve suffered emotional or physical injuries as a result of an aggressive driver, a Columbus aggressive driving accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help determine if you’re entitled to financial compensation. Call (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation and discuss your right to seek compensation.
Aggressive Driving in Ohio
While Ohio doesn’t have many specific laws directed at road rage or aggressive driving, it still recognizes the dangers posed by people who behave aggressively while operating a motor vehicle.
According to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §4511.20, actions that demonstrate a “willful disregard for the safety of persons or property” qualify as aggressive driving and can result in legal liability. These violations can include:
- Speeding
- Improper passing
- Failure to yield
- Following too closely
- Swerving between lanes
- Running red lights: the Ohio State Patrol reports a total of 1,739 car crashes resulted from running red lights alone last year.
- Extremely aggressive behaviors that qualify as road rage. These can include yelling, obscenities, hand gestures, throwing things, forcing other drivers off the road, or attempts to engage another driver in a physical altercation.
These and other negligent behaviors can make an aggressive driver liable for your injuries, expenses, and other economic and non-economic damages. A lawyer can help build your case to prove this and fight back if the opposing party tries to place blame on you for the accident.
The Legal Ramifications of Aggressive Driving
According to the AAA Foundation, nearly 80% of all drivers admit to taking part in some form of aggressive driving at some point in their driving histories. Often the result of simply not thinking through the potential results of their actions, drivers are often surprised to discover the legal penalties associated with these seemingly commonplace behaviors.
Penalties for aggressive driving vary from state to state and can range from small fines to criminal charges. A personal injury lawyer can handle the civil side of the aggressive driving accident regardless of the status of a criminal case.
An aggressive driver can severely hurt you or your passengers, and their behavior can even kill someone. If you want to pursue a lawsuit against the aggressive driver, you must make sure to do so within the statute of limitations outlined in ORC §2305.10. You may not be able to sue more than two years after the incident.
For a free legal consultation with a aggressive driving accidents lawyer serving Columbus, call (844) 730-0233
You May Be Able to Seek Compensation After an Accident
If a reckless driver causes a car accident and the victim is able to effectively prove the actions were taken intentionally (rather than accidentally), the driver can be held legally responsible for covering your losses and damages.
A Columbus aggressive driving accident lawyer can assist you in seeking compensation for:
- Loss of income that results from an inability to work or an inability to work at the same capacity as before accident-related injuries.
- Medical expenses that include anything required to treat injuries that were a direct result of the accident.
- Emotional pain and suffering that can include symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Also referred to as “noneconomic loss” under ORC §2315.18, these damages can include loss of “companionship, disfigurement, mental anguish, and “any other intangible loss.”
If you’re struggling to cover any of these expenses, know that the burden may not fall on you. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC to review the facts of your case to discuss a potential personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Columbus Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
How a Columbus Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
If an aggressive or reckless driver is found to be the cause of an accident that results in injury or death, they can be held liable for any incurring expenses. If you’ve been the victim of a preventable automobile accident, a Columbus aggressive driving accident lawyer with knowledge specific to your county and state can illuminate the process of filing and litigating a successful personal injury claim or lawsuit.
A Columbus aggressive driving accident lawyer can help by:
- Explaining your legal rights, options for loss recovery, and potential for financial compensation.
- Assessing vehicle damages to provide invaluable clues into how the accident happened. Often vehicular damage reports can provide insight that can be useful in proving fault.
- Gathering police accident reports determining whether the other driver has a history of prior traffic violations to establish a pattern of behavior that could impact compensation amounts.
- Collecting evidence that includes video footage, cell phone records (to determine whether texting and driving was at play), and eyewitness testimony.
- Communicating on your behalf with the other party, police, and insurance companies.
- Litigating on your behalf in court if needed.
A serious car accident can do more than cause physical injuries. It can leave you unable to work and cause emotional suffering that can linger for months after the accident. Healing from these injuries is your primary focus. Contact a Columbus aggressive driving accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC to let us manage everything else.
Our advocates will fight to bring you justice, advocate as your ally, and work tirelessly for the compensation you deserve. Call (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation. We don’t collect our fee unless you collect your compensation.
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