Some people make decisions while operating their vehicles that put others at risk of injury or death. Aggressive driving, for example, some Georgia residents view as a positive and necessary thing. The simple truth is, aggressive driving is negligent driving.
It only takes being out on Georgia roads for a few minutes to spot aggressive drivers. What is it that they are doing? What compensation is available to those who fall victim to these drivers?
Aggressive driving is…
Aggressive driving, according to the AAA Foundation, is deliberately driving in an unsafe manner. A few examples of aggressive driving include:
- Failing to obey traffic signals
- Failing to follow traffic signs
- Tailgating
- Speeding
- Weaving between lanes
- Not using turn signals
- Blocking traffic
- Flashing lights as punishment
There are others, but you get the idea. Aggressive driving is doing everything drivers training teaches one not to do.
Road rage
There are times when people take aggressive driving to an extreme. This is known as road rage. You may have been the victim of a road rage driver, or you may have heard stories in the news about this type of behavior. Someone exhibiting signs of road rage may:
- Scream at other drivers
- Throw things at other cars
- Cut off other cars, then slow down
- Sideswipe other vehicles
- Force other cars off of the road
In other words, road rage is intentionally trying to cause victims harm — either emotional or physical.
Victim of an aggressive driver?
If you or a loved one have fallen victim to an aggressive driver, you may have the right to seek compensation for any losses resulting from the encounter. If you suffered injuries, you may file a personal injury claim in civil court. If you lost a loved one, you may file a wrongful death claim. No matter what type of claim you end up with, legal counsel can help you negotiate or litigate a settlement if your case includes all the necessary elements to establish negligence.
What damages are compensable? The law allows victims of negligent drivers or — in the event of fatality — their surviving family members to seek relief for all documented losses. It does not matter if they are economic or non-economic in nature. A few examples of recoverable damages include medical expenses, lost wages, funeral costs, and pain and suffering — to name a few.