Aggressive Driving and Road Rage Accidents in Florida
Tampa is well known for its heavy traffic, and statistics indicate that the city’s traffic is on the rise. With all that traffic comes an increased risk of dangerous driving practices, which include aggression and full-on road rage. If you’ve been injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s aggression, you need the professional legal counsel of our experienced Tampa car accident attorneys at Matthews Injury Law in your corner.
Speed Is the Hallmark of Aggressive Driving
Excess speed is a primary contributor to fatal car accidents, which makes it one of the most dangerous driving practices on our roadways. Speeding is also considered a hallmark of aggressive driving, and it’s often accompanied by additional risky habits like tailgating.
The State of Florida defines aggressive driving as the combination of any two or more of the following:
- Speeding
- Changing lanes improperly or unsafely
- Refusing to yield the right-of-way as required by law
- Ignoring traffic control signs, lights, and signals
- Tailgating
Tampa officers are well acquainted with the dangers associated with aggressive driving, and they take the matter seriously.
When Aggressive Driving Crosses into Road Rage
Aggressive driving is exceptionally dangerous, and road rage is far more so. While Florida doesn’t have a legal definition for road rage, the state does have criminal charges for instances when aggressive driving crosses the line into road rage.
Ultimately, the act of road rage requires malicious intent. When a motorist allows their anger to take over behind the wheel, the danger involved can escalate quickly. Each of the following can qualify as road rage:
- Honking obsessively at another driver
- Making obscene or rude gestures at another driver
- Leering menacingly at another driver
- Throwing things at another driver
- Using one’s car to intimidate another driver or to actually hit another driver
- Forcing another driver off the road
- Brandishing a weapon at another driver
The Losses You Suffer
To help ensure fair compensation in an accident claim based on aggressive or enraged driving, your significant losses should be carefully accounted for. The primary categories of loss include the following:
- Your current medical bills and the related expenses you’re likely to experience in the future
- Your lost earnings and any losses that relate to your earning potential
- Your physical pain and emotional duress, which can be difficult to overstate in the aftermath of a violent accident that was caused by another driver’s aggression or rage
A knowledgeable Tampa car accident lawyer will skillfully advocate for a fair settlement on your behalf.
Turn to Our Experienced Tampa Car Accident Attorneys for the Help You Need
If another motorist’s seriously dangerous driving practices leave you injured, you need professional legal representation. Our capable Tampa car accident attorneys at Matthews Injury Law will leave no stone unturned in our focused efforts to obtain a favorable claim resolution on your behalf. Learn more about everything we can do to help by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 813-530-1000 today.