Regardless of your skill at driving, accidents can happen. Unfortunately, you can’t always predict for the other driver, and aggressive driving can lead to dangerous accidents. A personal injury lawyer can be a useful resource during an aggressive driving case and can guide you through any medical or vehicular claims process.
What is Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving is the colloquial way of describing a pattern of behaviors that are risky if not illegal. You may have heard people categorized as either aggressive drivers or defensive drivers as a way of describing how they engage with other drivers on the road. Aggressive drivers usually seem as if they’re in a hurry, and this can occasionally turn into road rage. Common behaviors include:
- Speeding or ignoring road signs and conditions
- Tailgating
- Excessive honking or flashing of headlights
- Risky merging
- Cutting other drivers off
- Rude gestures
- Screaming at other drivers
Steps to Take After an Aggressive Driving Accident
Accidents caused by someone else’s aggressive driving tend to shake us up and cause confusion and stress. After an accident, it’s important to keep track of the appropriate steps to take. Here’s what you should do after this type of incident:
- Call 911: After any accident, you should call 911. Police officers are trained to handle the aftermath of an accident and will ensure that contact information and insurance documentation is exchanged. They will also take statements from witnesses and file an official report, which is often helpful in assigning liability.
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- Seek medical attention if necessary: Directly following an accident, you should take stock of your own physical condition. Some injuries, like concussions, may not present with immediate symptoms. Even if you feel fine, you should still see a medical professional.
- Collect evidence: This mainly consists of ensuring a police report was filed and taking photographs of any damages incurred, as well as road conditions and anything else related to the accident. Keep any documentation from medical providers as well.
- Contact a Lawyer: One of the most important steps you can take after a car accident is to speak with a personal injury lawyer. They can help you with the claims process and make sure you get everything you’re entitled to.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After an Aggressive Driving Accident
Accidents often cause property damage as well as physical or emotional injuries, making a personal injury lawyer indispensable. A skilled personal injury lawyer in Louisville can make sure you receive the damages you’re owed and that your needs are represented fairly. Specifically, a personal injury lawyer can help you in the following ways:
- Gathering and Preserving Evidence: A personal injury lawyer can collect crucial evidence such as traffic camera footage, eyewitness testimonies, and police reports to establish the other driver’s aggressive behavior, ensuring all relevant data is preserved and leveraged.
- Consulting Accident Reconstruction Experts: Lawyers can work with accident reconstruction specialists to recreate the scene and provide a detailed analysis of how aggressive driving led to the accident, strengthening your case.
- Handling Insurance Claims: An attorney can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, negotiating settlements and ensuring that you are fairly compensated for medical bills, property damage, and other losses resulting from the aggressive driving incident.
If you have recently been involved in an accident, contact us now for a free consultation. Our skilled car accident lawyers in Louisville can ensure that the process is handled smoothly and accurately.