Theoretically, every driver knows what aggressive driving is or at least has heard about aggressive driving. In fact, if you have been driving on the road long enough, you have likely encountered an aggressive driver. This person may have followed too closely, honked way too much, sped around you in a risky lane change maneuver, or engaged in some other aggressive driving tactics.
While the negative effects of aggressive driving on others is clear, not everyone is aware of potential health and safety impacts on the aggressive driver.
Aggressive Driving Explained
Aggressive driving is the behavior a driver engages in that results from stress, frustration, impatience, and other irrational acts that can put others at unnecessary risk of danger. Examples of aggressive driving behaviors include:
- Tailgating;
- Speeding;
- Cutting off others;
- Yelling at others;
- Honking at others.
Examples of road rage include:
- Stalking or following other drivers to intimidate;
- Threatening other drivers;
- Purposely hitting other vehicles;
- Displaying a weapon to frighten others.
Aggressive Driving: Higher Risk of Accidents
While it is true that everyone is at risk of getting into an accident just by driving on the road, aggressive driving increases the risk of a crash for yourself and others. Because aggressive drivers are on the offense, they lose the benefits of defensive driving. This causes them to take longer to react to obstacles, traffic, or other drivers. Moreover, speeding or following too closely makes it hard to avoid a collision.
Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to avoid aggressive driving including:
- Giving yourself plenty of time to get to your destination;
- Planning your route before you leave;
- Checking traffic patterns ahead of time;
- Always staying within the speed limit;
- Pulling over to calm yourself down; or
- Giving an aggressive driver space and not engaging.
Protect Your Rights
While there is no way to completely rid your risk of being hurt by an aggressive driver, there are certain steps you can take to protect your rights if you are involved in an accident with one. These steps can help ensure you will successfully obtain monetary compensation under Nevada law.
- Call the police: The first thing to do immediately after an accident with an aggressive driver is to contact law enforcement. An aggressive driver has likely violated at least one traffic law, making it easier to obtain monetary compensation.
- Seek medical attention: After any car accident, you should always seek help from a medical professional even if you do not think you were seriously hurt. You should also see a doctor to get checked out, even if first responders cleared you to go home.
- Do not just take a settlement: If the car insurance carrier has offered you a settlement for your claim, make sure you speak with an attorney first. Oftentimes these offers are well below what you need to compensate for your injuries, expenses, and loss of income.
Hire an Experienced Attorney
If you have been involved in a Nevada accident with an aggressive driver, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at H&P Law right away. Do not speak with the insurance company’s representatives until you get the advice of an attorney. Do not wait to start your case. Doing so can negatively affect any monetary compensation to which you may be entitled.
