In Sacramento and the rest of California, many drivers let their tempers get the best of them on the road. Unfortunately, their anger can lead to destructive accidents involving debilitating injuries, property damage, or worse, a family member’s death.
A Sacramento aggressive driving accident lawyer can investigate the details of your accident and file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to hold the at-fault driver responsible. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 to speak with a member of our team.
Identifying & Dealing with Aggressive Driving Behavior
Aggressive driving is generally any intentional behavior that puts the driver and other motorists at risk on the road. Some common forms of this conduct are tailgating, slamming the brakes, and blocking other vehicles from changing lanes. They may also harass others by excessively flashing their headlights or honking horns. This behavior can quickly transition into road rage, which is the most dangerous level of aggressive driving. Examples of this include verbally threatening other motorists or sideswiping and intentionally ramming other cars. In some extreme cases, they might even threaten you with a firearm.
If you or a loved one was injured as a result of an accident caused by an aggressive driver, you may be eligible for financial recovery for your damages and losses.
Should you plan on filing a case against the driver, a Sacramento aggressive driving accident lawyer can help you get started.
For a free legal consultation with a aggressive driving accidents lawyer serving Sacramento, call (844) 730-0233
Aggressive Driving Definition and Laws in California
Many states distinguish reckless and aggressive driving from each other, with the latter as the more major traffic violation. They view reckless driving as careless but without the intent to hurt or threaten, while aggressive driving is purposefully so. However, California sees both terms as the same. Section 23103 of the California Vehicle Code views reckless driving as the deliberate disregard for other people and property while driving. This is regardless of whether they intended to hurt other people or not, as long as they knew the risks of their behavior and still did it anyway.
Sacramento Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Aggressive Driving Can Entail Various Crimes
Sections 23103 to 23105 of the Vehicle Code also declares that aggressive driving is a crime that can either be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on how severe the incident was. Basic reckless driving is generally a misdemeanor. Punishments can be jail sentences of up to 90 days or a fine that can reach $1,000. However, driving that results in injuries can get motorists a sentence of 30 days to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Aggressive drivers that cause grievous injuries such as broken bones, brain damage, and comas can be charged with a felony with a prison sentence of up to three years.
Those are not the only criminal charges the driver can face. They can also receive additional sanctions if they try to leave the scene of the accident. California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a) states that if the accident resulted in injuries, the driver may get an extra year in prison or county jail, as well as a fine that could reach $10,000. If they fled the scene after fatally injuring someone, they could get up to four years in prison and the same amount for the fine.
Moreover, drivers can also get charged with other offenses, such as battery or assault with a deadly weapon. The court can view the driver’s aggression on the road as a threat, or their car as a weapon, and charge them accordingly. The DMV may suspend their license as well.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by an aggressive driver you may be eligible for compensation for your losses. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC to discuss your case.
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Recover Damages with a Civil Lawsuit
Although aggressive drivers may face hefty criminal charges, that does not guarantee you will receive the justice you may be entitled to following your accident. Filing a personal injury lawsuit may help you receive compensation for the damage done to you and your loved ones. You may be able to recover expenses for medical bills, therapy, rehabilitation, property repairs, and your lost income. You may also recover damages for the emotional pain and suffering their actions caused.
In the unfortunate event that the accident killed a loved one, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for funeral and burial costs.
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Following the Submission Deadlines
Since the state courts hold criminal and civil cases separately, you do not need to wait for the district attorney to file charges against the driver before submitting your accident claim. All you need to do is comply with California’s statute of limitations for civil claims.
Car accidents can either be a personal injury, wrongful death, property damage claim, or even all three at the same time. If only your property was damaged, you have up to three years to submit your case. For injuries and deaths, you and your family have a two-year time allowance.
A Sacramento aggressive driving accident lawyer can help collect evidence and build your case to ensure that you can present your suit on time.
We Will Help Bring Injustices to Light
If you are a victim of aggressive drivers in Sacramento, California, know that Ben Crump Law, PLLC is here to support your case against them. We have a Sacramento aggressive driving accident lawyer ready to help you pursue the compensation you and your family deserve. Founded by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, our law firm dedicates itself to fighting against unjust treatment all across the United States. As a contingency-based law firm, our clients pay nothing out of pocket and nothing up front. We take our fee from the settlement we secure on your behalf.
For a free case review call (844) 730-0233 to speak to a member of our team today. The call is free and there is no obligation.
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