When you drive safely and follow the road rules, the last thing you expect is for another driver to strike you. Unfortunately, crashes with overly aggressive drivers and incidents of road rage are far from uncommon.
Drivers who tailgate, speed, and engage in other aggressive driving tactics may find themselves held liable if they cause a crash that injures you. In many cases, a St. Petersburg aggressive driving accident lawyer can help you pursue legal action to hold aggressive drivers accountable and receive compensation for your injuries.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can assess your situation, investigate the facts that led to your aggressive driving crash, and determine the identity of all potentially liable parties. We also could help you obtain the evidence that is vital to supporting your aggressive driving claim. You can reach our offices to learn more about your legal options by calling (844) 730-0233 today.
Defining Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving can be the basis for a traffic citation under state law. The Florida Department of Transportation defines crashes involving speeding and aggressive driving as those in which a driver drives too fast for conditions, exceeds a posted speed, operates a motor vehicle in an erratic, reckless, or aggressive manner, or in which one driver commits any two of the following actions:
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Improperly passing another motorist
- Failing to stay in the proper lane
- Disregarding other traffic signs or road markings
Drivers who meet the definition of speeding and aggressive driving can receive a traffic ticket for their actions. However, many of these aggressive driving incidents cause crashes, too.
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ Annual Traffic Crash Facts Report, more than 66,000 crashes occurred in Florida in 2017 that involved speeding and aggressive driving. Many of these crashes resulted in injuries, which might make injury victims eligible to pursue personal injury claims.
Receiving a traffic ticket for speeding and aggressive driving does not automatically make drivers liable in personal injury claims related to those incidents. However, a police report and issuance of a traffic ticket can serve as evidence in support of a claim based on negligence. A traffic citation can help prove that the driver was not driving safely.
A St. Petersburg aggressive driving accident lawyer can help you gather the evidence necessary to build a strong personal injury case. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today to share the details of your traffic accident and get your questions answered as you consider your next steps.
For a free legal consultation with a aggressive driving accidents lawyer serving St.Petersburg, call (844) 730-0233
Compensation in an Aggressive Driving Accident Claim
If a collision with an aggressive driver injures you, you might be able to seek different types of compensation for your losses. You could recover compensation for damage to your vehicle or other property. You also might be able to receive compensation for your medical expenses, emotional trauma, scarring and disfigurement, and lost wages if you cannot work.
If you suffer an injury that permanently impairs you in some way, you could seek compensation for that loss, including loss of your future earning capacity if you cannot return to work due to your impairment. This form of payment may help you cover expenses necessary to accommodate your impairment, such as medical assistive devices, medical equipment, or modifications to your home or vehicle.
St.Petersburg Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Handling Your Aggressive Driving Accident Claim
Florida law requires every driver to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance of at least $10,000, and property damage liability (PDL) insurance of at least $10,000. PIP insurance covers up to 80% of $10,000 of reasonable and necessary medical expenses relating to your crash, no matter who was at fault for the accident. On the other hand, property damage liability insurance covers property damage to the vehicles of others if you are involved in a crash.
If your medical expenses are more than your PIP coverage, and you have suffered property damage, as well, you could look to the insurance company of the responsible party for coverage of those expenses. If you have suffered severe injuries, such as those that cause you a permanent disability, loss of a limb, or a similar impairment, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver.
Handling an insurance claim is a complex matter, and trying to negotiate with a big insurance company on your own can be challenging. Some insurance adjusters will try to give you a quick lowball settlement offer in hopes of appeasing you. Legal counsel could help negotiate potential settlements and ensure that you receive the full amount of damages to which you are entitled.
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Working for You on a Contingency Fee Basis
At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, we will not collect any fees from you until you win an award from the parties responsible for your injuries. This type of fee arrangement is known as a “contingency fee basis.” When we take a case on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay anything out of pocket or up front. Our fee comes out of the settlement or damages award that you receive.
As you are recovering from your injuries following an aggressive driving accident, you should not have to worry about paying for a lawyer to protect your rights. Allow us to take on some of your burden by handling the financial aspects of your claim.
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Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, Today
As Florida Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety statistics show, involvement in a crash with an aggressive driver is not a rare phenomenon. All too often, these crashes result in severe injuries that significantly impact your life.
When you or a loved one suffers injuries in this type of crash, you may have grounds to bring a claim or lawsuit against the aggressive driver. While you do not need to hire a lawyer to handle this situation, you might want to consult with a St. Petersburg aggressive driving accident lawyer to ensure that you are on the right track.
If you would like to know about your legal rights in the aftermath of an aggressive driving accident or have questions, call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 730-0233 today for a free case review.
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