Getting involved in an accident or harmful altercation with an aggressive driver in Laredo is a frightening experience. It is critical to understand your rights in this situation, as you may be able to pursue criminal charges and civil liability against the aggressive driver. An experienced Laredo car accident attorney can help.
What Is Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving refers to any violent or belligerent behavior committed by a motor vehicle driver on the road. It can involve anything from breaking traffic laws to physical altercations between drivers. Aggressive driving can be triggered by issues in the driver’s personal life, frustration over traffic conditions and mental health problems.
Aggressive driving or road rage in Laredo creates an extremely dangerous circumstance for everyone on the roads. An enraged or hostile driver can be unpredictable. A driver who is frustrated, impatient or angry will not consider road safety. Instead, he or she is likely to break roadway rules and put others at risk.
What Are Texas’s Aggressive Driving Laws?
Texas does not have a law specifically against aggressive driving. However, it does criminalize reckless driving. Texas Transportation Code § 545.401 states that a person commits the offense of reckless driving “if the person drives a vehicle in wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
Reckless driving has a broad definition that can encompass a wide range of dangerous and wanton driver behaviors. Examples include:
- Excessive speeding or street racing
- Aggressively tailgating (following too closely)
- Weaving in and out of traffic without signaling
- Running red lights
- Violent or confrontational road rage behaviors
- Excessive horn honking or intimidation tactics
Reckless driving is a misdemeanor crime in Texas unless it results in serious bodily injury or death to others, in which case it can be enhanced to a felony. The penalties for reckless driving can include a fine and/or jail time.
Can I Recover Compensation After Being Hit By an Aggressive Driver?
Texas is a fault state. This means you have the right to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against an aggressive driver for causing your automobile accident in Laredo. All drivers in Texas are required to maintain minimum amounts of car insurance, which you can access during your claim as an injured victim.
Do not settle for less than you deserve for a case involving an aggressive driver. These accidents can have severe consequences, including catastrophic injuries, expensive property damage, and physical and emotional suffering. Hire an attorney in Laredo to maximize your financial recovery.
What to Do After an Aggressive Driving Accident in Laredo
If you get injured in an aggressive driving accident, try to stay calm and avoid responding to the driver. Remain in your vehicle if it doesn’t feel safe to exit. Call the police and explain what happened. Once they arrive, give the officer your side of the story and write down your police report number for your records. Always report aggressive or road rage drivers to the police.
Get medical care immediately for any injuries you suffer. Keep copies of your medical bills and records. Call your own car insurance company to report the accident. Then, when you are ready to negotiate a settlement with the aggressive driver’s insurance provider, start by consulting with a Laredo personal injury attorney. These cases can be complicated and require legal assistance to achieve a fair result.