An aggressive driver puts themselves and all other road users at risk from accidents and injuries. Aggressive driving can encompass various behaviors and actions by drivers, including:
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Changing lanes unsafely
- Tailgating
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
- Improper passing
- Driving on the shoulder or median
- Generally operating the vehicle in an erratic or reckless manner
- Failure to signal
- Racing
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a person drives aggressively when they commit multiple traffic offenses that endanger other persons or property. The Insurance Information Institute (III) found that aggressive driving accounted for more than half of all fatal traffic accidents between 2003 and 2007.
Reckless and aggressive drivers endanger lives. If you or a loved one suffered the tragic consequences of getting into an accident with an aggressive driver, you could consult with a Salt Lake City aggressive driving accident lawyer to explore your legal options. Ben Crump Law, PLLC, believes that you deserve compensation if an aggressive driver caused your accident. Contact us today at (800) 598-7557 to find out whether you have a case and could recover compensation.
You Could Have Legal Recourse
If an aggressive driver caused your injuries and damages, you could potentially sue them in a personal injury lawsuit and recover for your medical bills and other damages. If your loved one died due to an accident caused by an aggressive or reckless driver, you could file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Proving Negligence
An important part of your case will involve proving that the at-fault driver caused your accident and injuries through their reckless and negligent behavior. While you might believe that your case is clear-cut, you will need evidence that holds up in a court of law.
You will need to prove that the other driver had a duty of care toward you, that they breached that duty of care, and that your accident and injuries resulted from the breach.
Unfortunately, getting all the evidence together and building a case against an aggressive driver can prove challenging. However, a Salt Lake City aggressive driving accident lawyer knows how to handle these types of claims and collect evidence to prove a driver’s negligence. Evidence your lawyer will seek out might include:
- Pictures or videos of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Police accident reports
- Traffic camera footage
- Vehicle black boxes
- Medical reports detailing your injuries
Types of Compensation Available After an Aggressive Driving Crash
In a successful lawsuit against a negligent aggressive driver, you could potentially recover various types of damages, including economic and noneconomic compensation.
Economic Damages
- All medical expenses (both current and future)
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Damage to your car and other property
- Funeral costs (in a wrongful death lawsuit)
- Loss of income and benefits from the deceased (in a wrongful death lawsuit)
Noneconomic Damages
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Loss of companionship (in a wrongful death lawsuit)
- Loss of parental guidance for minor children (in a wrongful death lawsuit)
Remember that not all types of compensation may apply in your case. Likewise, you could receive other types of compensation not mentioned here. Damages depend heavily on the extent of your injuries and the specifics of your car accident case. If you want to find out what you could recover, call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today for a free case review.
How an Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
Building a case against an aggressive driver can become time-consuming. You might weigh your options of going it alone or hiring a car accident lawyer. Hiring an attorney might make sense if you continue to suffer from your injuries or do not have legal knowledge and training. They could give you peace of mind that you are in good hands.
A Salt Lake City aggressive driving accident lawyer can help you in many ways with your claim.
Providing Legal Counsel
A car accident lawyer knows your next best steps to get justice. They will analyze and research your accident, then advise you on what steps you could take to recover the compensation you need to cover your accident-related losses.
Building Your Case
An aggressive driving accident lawyer will build your case and gather the necessary evidence to prove the aggressive driver’s negligence. Besides collecting crucial evidence, an attorney can also hire expert witnesses if needed for your claim and ensure that you file your case before the four-year statute of limitations set by Utah Code §78B-2-307 runs out.
Defending Your Interests
A car accident lawyer can take over all communication with the at-fault party’s insurance company to protect you. Insurance adjusters might try to push you into accepting a lowball settlement offer; however, your best interests will always come first with a car accident lawyer. Your lawyer can calculate your damages and know the precise value of your case. They will have the figure in mind as they negotiate with the insurance company for an adequate out-of-court settlement. If necessary, they can argue for that figure in court.
Representing You
You might find representing yourself in a car accident claim daunting and challenging, especially if you do not know legal procedures and applicable laws inside and out. Remember that you will most likely face a lawyer who will know how to fight for their client’s best interests. They might argue that you share part of the blame for an accident, which under Utah Code §78B-5-818, could reduce your award. A car accident lawyer can refute their claims and argue for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, Now for Help
Ben Crump Law, PLLC knows how to tackle tough cases and can fight for your rights to justice and compensation. A Salt Lake City aggressive driving accident lawyer will work to keep an aggressive driver from getting away with causing you pain, suffering, and expenses. Call us today at (800) 598-7557 for a free, no-obligation case review with a team member.
