Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyer in Atlanta, GA
Aggressive driving is a dangerous and all-too-common issue on Atlanta’s roads, leading to countless accidents and injuries each year. At GMV Law Group, we understand the profound impact such incidents can have on your life, from physical injuries to emotional and financial burdens. Our dedicated team of Atlanta car accident lawyers is committed to standing by your side, fighting for your rights, and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you have been in a crash with a reckless driver, don’t wait to reach out to an experienced Atlanta aggressive driving lawyer. Contact us today at 404-975-4878 for a free consultation.
Common Aggressive Driving Behaviors
Aggressive driving encompasses a range of dangerous behaviors that put everyone on the road at risk. Understanding these behaviors can help you identify and avoid potential hazards. Here are some of the most common forms of aggressive driving.
Tailgating
This involves following another vehicle too closely, leaving insufficient space to stop safely. Tailgating is a leading cause of rear-end collisions and is often a sign of impatience or frustration.
Excessive Speeding
Driving well above the speed limit is a typical aggressive driving behavior. Excessive speeding reduces the driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of accidents. It’s not just about breaking the law; it’s about endangering lives.
Reckless Lane Changes
Aggressive drivers often weave in and out of traffic without signaling or checking blind spots. These reckless lane changes can easily result in side-swipe accidents or force other drivers to make sudden, unsafe maneuvers.
Ignoring Traffic Signals
Running red lights or stop signs is another form of aggressive driving. This behavior shows a blatant disregard for traffic laws and the safety of others, often leading to severe collisions at intersections.
Cutting Off or Blocking Other Drivers
Some drivers intentionally cut off other vehicles or block them from merging, which can cause abrupt braking and potential multi-car pileups. This type of behavior is both hostile and highly dangerous.
Road Rage
Road rage is when a driver engages in hostile actions such as rude gestures, verbal insults, or even physical confrontations. Road rage can escalate quickly, leading to dangerous and sometimes deadly situations on the road.
Recognizing these aggressive driving behaviors is crucial for staying safe. If you encounter an aggressive driver, it’s best to stay calm, avoid confrontation, and report the driver to local authorities if necessary. Your safety and the safety of others should always be the top priority.
Georgia Law: Aggressive Driving vs Reckless Driving
Georgia Code Section §40-6-397 defines aggressive driving as operating a motor vehicle with the intent to annoy, harass, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person. It lists several specific traffic violations considered aggressive driving when done with this mindset, including following too closely, improper passing and turning, driving too slowly, and reckless driving.
Meanwhile, reckless driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle with a reckless disregard for others’ safety. This can overlap with aggressive driving.
Aggressive Driving Penalties
Aggressive driving is considered one of the most serious traffic violations. Georgia law classifies it as a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. Potential consequences of an aggressive driving conviction include a fine of up to $5,000 and up to 12 months in jail. If convicted, Georgia drivers will receive 6 points on their driving record.
For aggressive drivers under 21, a conviction results in an automatic suspension of their driver’s license.
How an Aggressive Driving Lawyer Can Help Accident Victims
Aggressive driving, such as excessive speed, tailgating, and reckless lane changes, can often lead to serious accidents. If you are in a crash with an aggressive driver, it is crucial to have a skilled lawyer help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Establishing Fault
One of the primary tasks of an aggressive driving lawyer is to establish the other driver was at fault. A skilled attorney will gather and analyze evidence, including police reports, eyewitness testimonies, and traffic camera footage, to demonstrate the other driver’s aggressive behavior and how it directly led to the accident.
Settlement Negotiation
Many personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations rather than going to trial. An experienced attorney is adept at negotiating with insurance companies and the legal representatives of the aggressive driver. The lawyer will calculate the full extent of the damages suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
With this information, the attorney will advocate for a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your losses. Skilled attorneys understand the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts and are prepared to counter these strategies effectively.
Representation in a Lawsuit
If settlement negotiations aren’t successful, the case may proceed to court. An aggressive driving accident lawyer will represent you throughout the litigation process, presenting a compelling case to the judge and jury. This includes preparing legal documents, questioning witnesses, and making persuasive arguments in court. The goal is to seek damages for your injuries and other losses.
Aggressive Driving Accident FAQs
What Is an Aggressive Driving Accident Case Worth?
The worth of an aggressive driving accident case can vary widely based on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and whether you are found partially at fault.
Victims of aggressive driving crashes can seek several types of civil damages.
Medical Bills
This can include costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment. Compensation for medical bills aims to ensure that victims are not financially burdened by the costs of necessary medical care resulting from the accident.
Lost Income
Reckless driving accidents often result in severe injuries that can prevent victims from returning to work, either temporarily or permanently. Lost income compensation covers the wages and benefits the victim would have earned had the accident not occurred.
This can also extend to future earning potential if the victim is unable to return to their previous employment or if their ability to work is significantly diminished.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages address the physical pain and mental anguish caused by the accident. Victims may entitled to compensation for immediate pain after the accident, the pain endured during recovery, and emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the behavior of the at-fault party was particularly egregious, victims may be awarded punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. These are designed to punish the at-fault party for their reckless conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years. This means that if you’re in a collision with an aggressive driver, you must file a lawsuit within two years of the accident.
Call an Atlanta Aggressive Driving Lawyer Today!
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by an aggressive driver in Atlanta, it’s essential to have a dedicated legal team on your side. At GMV Law Group, our experienced Atlanta aggressive driving lawyers are committed to helping accident victims secure the compensation they deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll such accidents can take, and we are here to provide the support and expertise you need.
Don’t navigate this challenging time alone. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 404-975-4878 or using our online form.
