Drivers should keep even temperaments and stay levelheaded behind the wheel to safely operate their motor vehicles. If a driver cannot control his or her frustration or other strong emotions, this can lead to aggressive driving behaviors that ultimately cause a car accident. If you get hurt in an accident caused by an aggressive driver in Austin, Texas, it may benefit you to hire an Austin personal injury attorney for the claim process.
Aggressive driving can refer to a variety of driver actions and behaviors that are unsafe, hostile or violent. These behaviors are often the result of driver frustration or impatience. Examples include:
In some cases, aggressive driving can escalate into road rage. This is a mental state where a driver is so enraged that he or she willfully compromises the safety of others, such as by ramming another vehicle or blocking an intersection.
If someone who is driving aggressively, recklessly, or erratically hits you in Austin, try to remain calm and report the accident to the police. If you feel unsafe, remain in your vehicle with the doors locked and the windows up. When the police arrive, describe the other driver’s behaviors so that they are included in the police report.
The police may issue the driver a citation for any violated traffic laws, such as speeding or red-light running. Do not admit fault for the accident. Visit the nearest hospital for prompt medical care, then request copies of your medical records and keep track of health care expenses.
When you are ready to seek justice, start by calling your own car insurance company and notifying them of the crash. Then, file a claim with the aggressive driver’s car insurance provider. Under Texas’s at-fault law, you can hold an aggressive driver responsible for causing a car accident.
During a Texas car accident claim, the injured victim or plaintiff has the burden of proof. This means the plaintiff must prove the truth of what he or she is claiming. The burden of proof in a civil case is a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning more likely to be true than not true.
Proving that an aggressive driver caused your crash may take evidence such as admissions from the driver, eyewitness statements, videos of the crash, photographs of the scene, a police report, and any convictions against the driver for reckless driving. A car accident attorney in Austin can help you collect evidence to establish fault during your claim.
Recovering fair financial compensation for losses caused by an aggressive driving accident in Texas can be difficult. You will have to go up against the at-fault driver’s insurance company and its claims adjusters to prove your case, establish your damages and negotiate a settlement.
Having a car accident attorney represent you can make the legal process easier and more efficient. A lawyer can help you hold an aggressive driver accountable. Contact FVF Law Firm at (512) 640-2146 to schedule a free consultation regarding an aggressive driving accident in Texas. Our lawyers bring together more than 100 years of legal experience and are here to help navigate and educate you through the legal process.
Proving aggressive driving may involve gathering evidence, including witness statements, dashcam footage, traffic camera recordings, and accident scene documentation. An experienced attorney at FVF Law can help you collect and analyze this evidence to build a strong case against the aggressive driver.
Typically, the aggressive driver is held liable for any accidents or injuries caused by their behavior. However, in some cases, other parties may also share responsibility, especially if the aggressive driver was operating a company vehicle. FVF Law can investigate to identify all liable parties and hold them accountable.
Victims of aggressive driving accidents may be eligible for compensation covering medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle repairs, and more. FVF Law is dedicated to helping accident victims in Austin pursue the compensation they deserve for these and other losses.
After an aggressive driving accident, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention if necessary. Call the police to report the accident, gather information from the other driver, take photos of the scene, and collect contact details from witnesses. For further assistance, contact FVF Law to help you protect your rights and navigate your case.
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Acting quickly is essential, as evidence can disappear over time. FVF Law can help you initiate your claim promptly to ensure compliance with Texas’s statute of limitations.
It’s best to avoid speaking directly with the other driver’s insurance company without consulting an attorney first. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or place some blame on you. FVF Law can handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf to protect your rights and pursue a fair settlement.
FVF Law offers full support in aggressive driving cases, from gathering crucial evidence to working with accident reconstruction experts if needed. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and get started on your path to recovery.