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AGGRESSIVE DRIVING ACCIDENTS
Representing Victims of Accidents Caused By Aggressive Driving in Coral Springs
Nearly half of all car accident fatalities that occur in the U.S. each year result from aggressive driving. According to a survey performed by AAA, 80 percent of motorists indicated that they think aggressive driving is extremely dangerous. At the same time, half of the same people surveyed admitted to engaging in some form of aggressive driving behavior within the 30 days prior to the survey. At the Law Offices of Adam Baron, our Naples aggressive driving accident attorneys have handled many personal injury claims for people throughout South Florida. In the aftermath of a devastating crash, you should consult a knowledgeable Naples car accident attorney to assert your rights.
Seeking Compensation after an Aggressive Driving Accident
A driver who engages in aggressive driving behaviors and who causes a serious crash as a result likely can be held liable for any injuries suffered in the collision.
Examples of aggressive driving include:
- switching lanes rapidly and repeatedly
- speeding
- tailgating
- running red lights or stop signs
- passing on the inside
- passing in no-pass areas
- failing to yield
- weaving and swerving
- road rage
Proving Aggressive Driving As the Cause of Your Accident
To prove that the defendant is liable, the plaintiff must show that the defendant acted negligently. In other words, the defendant must have failed to operate his or her vehicle with the same reasonable care that a prudent driver would use in a situation similar to the circumstances surrounding the accident. The standard of care requires compliance with all applicable traffic regulations, including speed limits and reckless driving laws. According to Florida Statutes Section 316.92, reckless driving consists of operating a vehicle with a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of another individual or other people’s property. If the plaintiff can show that the defendant violated applicable statutes or traffic rules at the time of the crash, the plaintiff probably will be able to establish that the defendant breached the appropriate standard of care. After showing that the defendant failed to drive with due care, the plaintiff must prove that this failure was the direct cause of the injuries that he or she sustained.
Compensation For Accidents Caused By Aggressive Driving
Common forms of damages that may be available for victims of aggressive drivers include:
- hospital bills
- any costs of future treatment
- lost income
- reduced earning capacity
- emotional distress
The plaintiff may also be able to seek punitive damages from the defendant in situations in which he or she can show that the defendant’s conduct was intentional, willful, or especially egregious. Punitive damages are intended to go beyond compensatory damages when there is a perceived need to punish a defendant for an elevated level of misconduct.