Virginia aggressive driver accident attorneys

Victim of an aggressive driver accident in Virginia?

We have all had those gut-wrenching moments when we are about to drive through a green light, and a driver from the crossing street barrels by, running their red light and nearly hitting our car. While aggressive drivers are not talked about as much as drunk drivers, they are a huge risk to all of us on the road. Their anger and other emotions can cause them to ignore changing road conditions, miss obvious warning signs, and drive recklessly, all of which can lead to an accident.

We at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys have seen the damage that reckless drivers have caused. We have worked with numerous clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries, costly property damage, and impossibly high medical bills because of an aggressive driver’s erratic actions. That’s why we are passionate about helping those who were hurt in an accident through no fault of their own. If your injuries were caused by the bad choices of an aggressive driver, call us at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777. Find out your options, and how we can help you.

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The dangers of aggressive drivers

Don’t underestimate the dangers of an aggressive driver. While their ability to judge distance, time, and objects in the road may not be impaired, like drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol are, aggressive drivers still make dangerous decisions based on overwhelming anger and out-of-control emotions. Their ability to drive safely is clouded, and it’s usually just a matter of time before they cause an accident.

Some common injuries caused by aggressive drivers in wrecks include:

• Spinal injuries
• Brain damage
• Nerve damage
• Amputations or the loss of a limb
• Organ damage/internal bleeding
• Broken and fractured bones

These kinds of injuries can be devastating and may result in months out of work, high medical bills, and a lot of pain. While driver’s education courses often don’t focus as much on our emotions while we drive as they do on impaired driving, the truth is that an aggressive driver can cause as much damage and injuries as an impaired driver. That’s why knowing how to spot an aggressive driver could save your life and the lives of your loved ones.

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Identifying an aggressive driver

If you drive to and from work or anywhere else often, chances are you have seen an aggressive driver. You may have noticed someone plowing through a red light, narrowly avoiding oncoming traffic. Maybe you have experienced someone tailgating and blaring their horn at you. Maybe you have even been in a car with an aggressive driver and had the harrowing experience of not knowing if they were about to cause an accident.

One of the best ways to protect yourself from aggressive drivers is to know what they do. Common signs include:

• Speeding
• Excessive horn use
• Tailgating
• Screaming at or insulting other drivers
• Ignoring stop signs and red lights
• Violating traffic laws
• Not giving the right of way
• Failing to use turn signals while merging or turning
• Making sudden changes in course or direction

If you see any drivers exhibiting these behaviors, it’s best to avoid them altogether. If you’re driving, let them pass, or you may be able to turn off onto a different road. Once you are safely out of their way, report them to law enforcement to help keep others safe.

If you are a passenger in a car with an aggressive driver, your best options are to try not antagonize them further, and then find a chance to leave the vehicle safely as soon as you can.

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Liability in an accident

If an aggressive driver caused your accident, then they are liable for the resulting damages. Aggressive drivers do not get a pass because they let their emotions get the better of them. When anyone harms another person, they should be held responsible.

But that doesn’t mean that getting compensation from their insurance company will be easy. The aggressive driver’s insurance company will likely try to deny liability in a road rage accident because their policies only cover “negligence.” They may say that willful acts of aggression are not covered. But if the driver was otherwise distracted, impaired, or recklessly driving, then that driver may be found liable for negligence.

What can I be compensated for following an accident with an aggressive driver?

When you file a claim against an aggressive driver, you may be awarded compensation for damages you may have suffered as a result of the accident, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Lowered quality of life

Ways to demonstrate that you deserve compensation include keeping all bills, receipts, and pay stubs to document your costs, and getting testimonies from friends and family members about how the accident has affected your life and mental health. Of course, the best way to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve is by hiring a skilled, experienced Virginia aggressive driver accident lawyer to fight for you and your case.

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Get help from a great legal team in Virginia

Becoming the victim of an aggressive driver is frightening. You may be suffering from painful injuries, trauma, and a sense of hopelessness about your future. That’s precisely why you should contact us at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys. As Virginia car accident attorneys, we are experts in our field, and we have helped countless clients get the compensation they deserve. If your accident was the fault of an aggressive driver, call us at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777. We are ready to meet with you in a free consultation to discuss all your options and see how we can help you.

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Additional Information

• Does tailgating really get you there faster?
• Patience is a virtue, and impatience on the road is reckless
• Help! What can I do about road ragers?
• Speeding - NHTSA