Roseville Aggressive Driving Accident Attorney
Aggressive driving is more than just a moment of frustration behind the wheel – it can quickly lead to avoidable crashes, injuries, and sometimes even life-changing consequences for everyone involved. When another driver’s reckless behavior causes an accident, California law allows victims to pursue financial compensation for their injuries through a car accident claim in Roseville, CA. Recognizing the signs of aggressive driving and knowing your rights makes a big difference if you ever become a victim.
What Counts as Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving includes a variety of risky behaviors behind the wheel that endanger others on the road. It goes beyond simple mistakes and involves actions that show impatience or a complete disregard for while driving. Examples of aggressive driving include:
- Excessive Speed
- Tailgating
- Unsafe Lane Changes
- Failure to Yield or Signal
- Weaving In and Out of Traffic
- Brake-Checking
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
- Other Types of Road Rage
Any of these actions can seriously raise the risk of an accident and may leave the aggressive driver liable for damages and injuries they cause (in addition to criminal penalties in some cases).
California Statutes That Prohibit Aggressive Driving
Depending on how serious and dangerous the situation is, California law may treat aggressive driving as a crime under several different statutes. For example:
Reckless Driving (Vehicle Code 23103)
This law makes it a crime to drive with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property.
(a) A person who drives a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
If a driver uses their car to intentionally threaten or hurt someone (such as ramming or attempting to run someone off the road), they can be charged with this much more serious felony, assault with a deadly weapon.
Each of these laws is designed to punish and prevent aggressive acts that put others at serious risk on California roadways, and when a person violates these statutes, the injured parties can file a civil lawsuit against the person responsible.
What To Do After an Aggressive-Driving Crash
After an accident in Roseville that was caused by aggressive driving, acting quickly and taking certain steps will help you protect yourself and build a strong case for compensation.
Call 911 and Seek Same-Day Medical Attention
Contact emergency services immediately, even if injuries seem minor, so everyone gets the medical care they need and police arrive on the scene to create an accident report. Seeking care right away not only protects your health, but it also documents your injuries and supports your case later on.
Document the Scene
Use your phone to thoroughly photograph all areas relevant to the crash, including each vehicle, the spacing in the lanes, position of traffic lights or other signs, and any visible skid marks. Take photos of any of your visible injuries as well.
Avoid Posting on Social Media
No matter how tempted you are to discuss the crash or vent about injuries online, it’s best to avoid all posts about the situation until your claim is resolved. Insurance adjusters regularly search profiles to find material that helps them deny or limit payments.
Call a Roseville Injury Lawyer Promptly
Getting a dedicated injury attorney in Roseville, CA, on your side as soon as possible helps you get the evidence you need to show that another party was responsible for the accident. They’ll speak with witnesses and handle all insurance company conversations and negotiations as well.
If you’ve been involved in an accident because of someone else’s aggressive driving, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.