If you’ve been involved in an aggressive driving accident, reach out to us today to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Common Forms of Aggressive Driving
There are several dangerous behaviors that increase the likelihood of accidents. Common aggressive forms of driving are:
- Speeding: Driving over the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the severity of impact.
- Tailgating: Following too closely is one of the leading causes of rear-end collisions and is a common form of aggressive driving.
- Weaving Through Traffic: Changing lanes frequently and unpredictably makes the road a risky place for everyone.
Road Rage and Intentional Harm
Road rage is aggressive, hostile driving behaviors with the intent to antagonize or harm others. This dangerous behavior can escalate quickly and cause accidents where one driver intentionally harms another. Such behavior can have legal consequences that include criminal charges.
Recognizing Signs of Road Rage
Signs of road rage include aggressive honking, tailgating, making rude gestures, and attempting to block other vehicles. If you notice these behaviors, it’s important that you do not engage with the aggressive driver. Just stay calm and avoid any further contact. Be sure to drive to a safe place to report the aggressive behavior to authorities.
Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Requirements
Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system, which significantly impacts how accident claims are handled. This system allows drivers to receive compensation for injuries and damages from their own insurance, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. This means that injured parties can get compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and some other benefits without needing to prove liability.
There are, however, some limitations to no-fault coverage. Specifically, recovery for non-economic damages like pain and suffering is generally restricted unless specific conditions are met, such as severe injuries.
To file a claim, victims must file with their own insurance company. However, exceptions exist for cases involving serious injuries. If serious harm was caused by aggressive driving, the victim may be able to pursue additional claims against the at-fault driver. Having an experienced lawyer who understands these nuances is critical to making it through the complexities of Michigan’s no-fault insurance system successfully.
Proving Liability in Aggressive Driving Cases
To recover compensation beyond what no-fault insurance allows, it’s important to establish liability in an aggressive driving accident. Here are a few key elements of proving liability that you need to know:
- Evidence Collection: Important evidence includes police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to demonstrate reckless or dangerous driving.
- Law Enforcement Role: Citations and reports from law enforcement can strengthen a case by clearly showing fault.
- Legal Assistance: A skilled attorney can help prove negligence and ensure that you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries.
Damages Available for Recovery
After an aggressive driving accident, victims may be entitled to recover various types of damages. They include:
- Economic Damages: Like medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Documentation of all damage — regardless of the type — will help you maximize compensation in a settlement or court award.
Benefits of Hiring a Michigan Personal Injury Attorney
When dealing with an aggressive driving accident claim, having a Michigan car accident lawyer by your side offers many advantages, such as:
- Expert Representation: A lawyer experienced in Michigan’s laws and insurance claims will represent your best interests.
- Maximizing Compensation: Experienced lawyers know how to negotiate effectively with insurers to get fair compensation.
- Guidance Through the Legal Process: A lawyer knows the intricate procedures involved in filing claims and can pursue a lawsuit in court if necessary.
- Peace of Mind: Letting an attorney handle your case allows you to focus on your recovery.
Contact Our Michigan Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in an aggressive driving accident, Fieger Law is here to help. Reach out today for a consultation and let us support you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
