Aggressive Driving Accidents

Anyone who has spent more than a few minutes behind the wheel in Southern California knows that it’s not always a fun place to drive. Los Angeles and the surrounding areas are notorious for traffic, road construction, and complex highways that often frustrate drivers. Add to the mix the fact that everyone is in a rush these days, and it’s no surprise that the rate of aggressive driving accidents in Southern California is so high. At Power Trial Lawyers, we proudly represent accident victims and their loved ones in personal injury and wrongful death cases stemming from accidents caused by reckless and aggressive drivers. We are immediately available to meet with you to discuss your rights and help recover the compensation you need, deserve and are entitled to.

Aggressive driving accidents are one of the most common causes of traffic accidents in Southern California and across the country. Today, people are taking on more responsibilities than ever before. Whether it’s working multiple jobs, shuttling kids between school and after-school activities or keeping a busy social calendar, drivers almost always seem to be in a rush. This leads some motorists to engage in dangerous driving behavior that dramatically increases the risk of an accident. In fact, according to a 2019 report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, approximately 80 percent of drivers displayed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once within the past month.

When most people think of aggressive driving, speeding comes to mind. Certainly, speeding is the most common form of aggressive driving. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is responsible for about 20 percent of all fatal car accidents . However, speeding isn’t the only type of aggressive driving. Below is a list of other dangerous driving behaviors that often lead to aggressive driving accidents:

• Brake-checking
• Changing lanes without signaling;
• Cutting in and out of lanes;
• Driving on the shoulder, sidewalk or median;
• Driving too fast for the conditions;
• Failure to obey traffic signs, traffic control devices, or traffic officers;
• Failure to observe construction zone signs;
• Failure to yield right of way;
• Following too closely;
• Frequently changing speeds;
• Passing where prohibited;
• Racing
• Reckless driving; and
• Speeding.

Road rage is a heightened form of aggressive driving that crosses the line from legal-but-reckless driving to illegal. Road rage involves a driver’s actions that are intentionally designed to harm, intimidate, or threaten others on the road. The following are all considered road rage:

• Cursing at other drivers;
• Intentionally ramming another vehicle;
• Running another driver off the road;
• Making obscene gestures;
• Preventing other drivers from passing; and
• Throwing things out of a moving vehicle.

Not surprisingly, road rage is a primary cause of aggressive driving accidents. While the figures vary slightly, most experts agree that road rage causes at least 2,000 injuries and results in 30 murders per year. However, this figure likely underestimates the true number of accidents caused by road rage, as drivers are not likely to admit they engaged in road rage after an accident.

If you are someone you love was seriously injured in a car accident, reach out to the dedicated Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Power Trial Lawyers for immediate assistance. At Power Trial Lawyers, we have more than a decade of experience handling aggressive driving accidents and can help you hold negligent, reckless, and aggressive drivers accountable for their actions. Our lawyers know where to look to uncover evidence proving the driver responsible for your injuries was engaging in aggressive driving behavior and what it takes to get you and your family the compensation you deserve. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with an attorney today, call 844-844-POWER (7693). You can also connect with us through our online contact form. We proudly represent clients in Los Angeles County and Orange County and have conveniently located offices in Los Angeles and Newport Beach.