If you were injured by a motorist who was driving aggressively, you could be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. You do not need to feel out of control in a situation like this.
A Marietta aggressive driving accident lawyer from Bader Law Injury Lawyers may help you regain a sense of agency through a personal injury case. You may be able to recover compensation for an array of expenses, including pain and suffering. Call our team today for a free consultation at (404) 888-8888.
How Georgia Views Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving is not just a generic term for when someone behaves violently on the road. There is an actual legal definition, as illustrated under the Official Code of Georgia (OCGA) §40-6-397.
Georgia defines it as using a motor vehicle to:
- Annoy
- Harass
- Molest
- Intimidate
- Injure
- Obstruct
Some laws thrive on specificity, while others are vaguer on purpose, allowing people leeway in proving their case. As you can see, there are many ways in which a person could use their vehicle to commit aggressive acts against another person. You and your injury lawyer will need to compile evidence to show that the responsible party used their vehicle to do one or more of the above.
For a free legal consultation with a aggressive driving accidents lawyer serving Marietta, call (404) 888-8888
Examples of Specific Aggressive Behaviors
Aggressive driving does not solely refer to road rage. It refers to an array of actions and behaviors that threaten others’ safety while driving.
You may have been the victim of any of the following aggressive driving actions.
Tailgating
One of the most common forms of aggressive driving is following too closely. Even without aggression behind it, this action is dangerous. By following another car too closely, the tailgater reduces the time and distance available to stop should the car in front of them brake.
Tailgating can cause:
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Multi-car collisions
- Truck underride crashes
Aggressive tailgating also includes an element of bullying and intimidation not found in regular tailgating, including flashing lights, honking, and obscene gestures.
Improper Lane Changes
Belligerent driving can also lead to lane change accidents.
Improper lane changes can include:
- Changing lanes suddenly
- Cutting off another driver
- Blocking someone from merging
- Weaving in and out of traffic
Sideswipe and rear-end collisions are common results from improper lane changes, causing injuries that range from whiplash to traumatic brain injuries.
Harassment
The main component separating aggressive driving from other traffic infractions is the other driver’s combativeness. In some cases, when aggression escalates, mere tailgating or lane changes are not enough for the aggressor. They may purposefully bully other drivers, either by verbal or physical means.
Some aggressive components of your accident may have involved:
- Honking
- Flashing lights
- Gestures
- Yelling
- Following
- The driver exiting their vehicle to threaten you
There are other examples of aggressive driving practices that we have not included here.
Marietta Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
What Aggressive Driving Laws Mean in Your Injury Case
Aggressive driving is a crime in Georgia. Someone convicted of aggressive driving is guilty of a high, aggravated misdemeanor. Therefore, if you were injured by such a driver, they could face criminal consequences. Although that may be of comfort, you will not necessarily receive compensation through that criminal case. Moreover, a driver who is not charged or convicted of a crime also does not necessarily avoid consequences.
You have recourse options through your personal injury claim–– a civil suit separate from criminal proceedings. You can pursue compensation regardless of whether the responsible party faces consequences elsewhere. Your Marietta aggressive driving accident lawyer can build a case against the other driver to demonstrate that their aggression caused your accident and injuries.
The statute of limitations for your personal injury lawsuit is usually two years from the date of the accident, as defined under OCGA §9-3-33. However, other factors may impact your deadline to file. Get in touch with Bader Law Injury Lawyers today to learn how the law affects you by calling (404) 888-8888.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
How Aggressive Driving Impacts Victims
Georgia takes a strong stance against aggressive driving because of the damage it leaves in its wake.
As a result of another driver’s actions, you may be left with the following injuries:
- Whiplash
- Contusions
- Soft tissue injuries
- Cuts and scrapes
- Bone fractures
- Burns
- Head and spinal cord injuries
The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that 80% of American drivers showcased aggression on the road in 2016, with eight million drivers exhibiting road rage-related behaviors. For you, all it took was one’s person’s actions to result in serious consequences. You can call Bader Law Injury Lawyers today to discuss your case.
Click to contact our Marietta Car Accident Lawyers today
You Can Recover Compensation for Various Damages
Being in an accident is already scary. If the other driver deliberately caused it as a way of scaring you or getting revenge for a perceived slight, you may be feeling even more terrified. In addition to your medical bills and lost wages, you may pursue compensation for the emotional and psychological distress of the collision.
In Georgia, the monetary value of pain and suffering varies on a case-by-case basis. Discuss your financial recovery options with your lawyer. They can determine the value of your losses.
Learn About Your Options in a Free Case Review
At Bader Law Injury Lawyers, we understand that you may be feeling stressed out right now. Yet, with the help of a Marietta aggressive driving accident lawyer, you can start putting this upsetting time behind you. We can advocate for your legal rights, recover compensation, and explain your options. To learn more, call our team today at (404) 888-8888.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
