Los Angeles Aggressive Driving Accident Attorney

Most people who drive on a regular basis can report feeling frustrated with other drivers on the road at least once, if not routinely. But while feelings of frustration may be common, acting on those feelings can be dangerous. To be sure, SafeMotorist.com reports that 66 percent of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving. This number does not account for the number of total accidents or injury-causing crashes.

If you have been in an accident caused by an aggressive driver, our Los Angeles car accident attorneys at the law offices of El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers can help. Please reach out to us today for your free, no-obligation case consultation.

ACTS OF DRIVER AGGRESSION THAT LEAD TO ACCIDENTS

While there are a number of dangerous behaviors that drivers can engage in from behind the wheel, ranging from distracted driving to impaired driving and more, driving aggressively is one of the most dangerous. “Aggressive driving” refers to a number of dangerous driving behaviors that include, but are not limited to:

• Following too closely/tailgating;
• Speeding;
• Illegally changing lanes;
• Cutting off another driver;
• Tapping one’s brakes in retaliation;
• Running a red light or stop sign;
• Failing to yield;
• Weaving in and out of traffic;
• Intentionally blocking other drivers who are attempting to turn or change lanes; and
• Flashing lights or using lights inappropriately.

In some cases, an act of driver aggression will lead to a crash; in other cases, it could be dangerous enough to result in one of the drivers involved actually getting out of their vehicle and assaulting the other.

YOU DESERVE COMPENSATION AFTER AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER’S NEGLIGENT ACTION

Any of the actions listed above can lead to a serious accident and one that results in traumatic and devastating injuries, including brain injuries, internal injuries, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, bone fracture injuries, amputation injuries, and more. Injuries may leave a person with a variety of economic and noneconomic losses, including:

• Medical expenses;
• Lost wages;
• Pain;
• Suffering;
• Emotional anguish; and
• Property damage costs.

Our Los Angeles car accident attorneys believe that you deserve to be compensated for 100 percent of your economic and noneconomic losses. We work hard to investigate your case, determine the precise cause of the accident and identify the at-fault party, gather evidence to prove negligence and damages, and negotiate your settlement.

Is Aggressive Driving a Criminal Offense in California?

The NHTSA defines aggressive driving as operating a vehicle ‘in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger other persons or property.’ Common aggressive driving behaviors include lane blocking, tailgating, making sudden lane changes, and failing to yield right of way. According to a National Safety Council study, these acts are a factor in 50 percent of all accidents.

Aggressive driving is often likened to road rage, which refers to when a driver commits an act of violence against another road user. Because road rage is a crime, this relation often raises the question, is aggressive driving a criminal offense?

Contact our Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys with El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers if you have been injured in an aggressive driving accident.

Aggressive Driving Laws in California

California is one among very few states in the country with laws making aggressive driving a criminal offense. Aggressive driving is considered an automobile crime, which means charges may carry criminal penalties and permanently remain on your criminal record.

The California aggressive driving statute defines the act as a ‘willful and wanton disregard for the safety of other persons or property.’ This means that a court must determine whether the aggressive driver deliberately chose to disregard safety measures.

Proving aggressive driving may require that a court consider the following factors:

• The speed the driver was traveling at
• Whether the driver engaged in dangerous maneuvers such as tailgating
• If the driver’s actions endangered other road users

Aggressive Driving-Related Charges

California has passed several codes that are used to place aggressive driving charges. Two of the charges an aggressive driver may face include:

• Aggressive or Reckless Driving

Under the California Vehicle Code 23103 VC, it is a crime to ‘drive a vehicle on a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. The court will determine whether a driver has violated the law by looking at acts such as tailgating and swerving.

• Assault

If an aggressive driver threatens, demonstrates, or applies force to another driver, pedestrian, or cyclist, they may be charged with assault, a misdemeanor, under the Penal Code 240 PC.

Penalties for Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving is initially treated as a misdemeanor crime in California. Being convicted may lead to the following penalties:

• A fine of up to $1,000
• Jail time of up to 90 days
• Surcharges in auto insurance rates
• Loss of driving privileges
• Having your vehicle impounded

An aggressive driver may also face ‘extreme aggressive driving,’ charges, which is a serious auto crime. For instance, if you are charged with assault with a deadly weapon in an aggressive driving incident, you may face a fine of up to $10,000 or jail time of up to 4 years.

According to vehicle codes, subsequent aggressive driving charges carry increasingly severe penalties.

Consult a Car Accident Attorney

Is aggressive driving a criminal offense? California is one of the few US states that have made aggressive driving a criminal offense and set up designations to the act. If a driver is convicted of this crime, they may face criminal penalties and a permanent record.

Aggressive drivers don’t use their vehicles as weapons, but they engage in dangerous acts. If an aggressive driver injures you, you may be liable for compensation. Please contact us today at 888-540-0325 to talk to one of the Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys with El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers.

CALL OUR LOS ANGELES AGGRESSIVE DRIVER ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS TODAY

Proving that aggressive driving was the cause of your car accident can be difficult, especially as you focus on your recovery and answering questions about your future. When you call our Los Angeles aggressive driving car accident lawyers, you can count on talented, passionate, and experienced attorneys on your side. We will handle all elements of the claim process on your behalf and work diligently to get you the settlement you deserve.

For your free consultation with our Los Angeles aggressive driving accident lawyer, send us a message or call us directly. We work on a contingency fee basis.