Baltimore Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyers
Driving around Baltimore can be an aggravating experience, but there’s no excuse for drivers who let their anger, impatience, or frustration get the better of them. When they do, they’re apt to make impulsive mistakes that put everyone around them at risk.
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by an aggressive driver in Baltimore, you need to hold them accountable for what they’ve done. Let the aggressive driving accident lawyers at Cohen & Dwin, P.A., serve as your champion and advocate.
Are you worried about paying your medical bills and rebuilding your life? Don’t face the future alone. Instead, contact our office today and request a free case review with a Baltimore aggressive driving accident attorney. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and tell you how we can stand up for justice on your behalf.
What Is Aggressive Driving?
The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as committing moving violations in concert with the result of endangering the safety or property of others. While not all careless driving behaviors rise to the level of aggressive driving, certain behaviors that inherently risk the safety of other motorists are typically included under the umbrella of aggressive driving. These include:
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating
- Running red lights
- Failing to obey traffic signals
- Failing to obey traffic signs, including stop signs and yield signs
- Failure to yield
- Cutting off other drivers
- Brake checking
Aggressive driving should not be confused with road rage. Although aggressive driving and road rage have similar sounding names, road rage behavior is defined as uncontrollable rage and anger directed at other motorists that can lead to violent behavior and actions.
Like many other states, Maryland has aggressive driving traffic laws.
Drivers can be charged with aggressive driving in Maryland if they commit at least three of the following offenses simultaneously during a single period of continuous driving:
- Exceeding the maximum posted speed limit
- Failure to yield
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Overtaking or passing a motorist on the right
- Merging immediately in front of an overtaken motorist (cutting off)
- Running a red light
- Driving on a laned road outside of a single-lane
Drivers charged with aggressive driving in Maryland face fines up to $500 and have five points added to their license. Furthermore, they could be held liable for accidents that result from their unsafe driving behaviors.
How Aggressive Motorists Cause Car Crashes
Aggressive driving involves several unsafe driving behaviors like speeding, tailgating, and unsafe lane changes. While any one of these behaviors is risky, combining three or more of them dramatically increases the chances of colliding with another road user. Drivers engaging in aggressive maneuvers are also less able to respond to sudden changes in traffic patterns and road conditions, meaning it is harder to avoid an accident when emergencies arise.
Speeding is one of the most common aggressive driving behaviors. NHTSA estimates that speeding killed 12,330 drivers in a single recent year.
Aggressive Driving Statistics in Baltimore
Data from Zero Deaths Maryland shows that the state recorded a total of 108,443 motor vehicle crashes in one recent year, causing 566 traffic fatalities and over 40,700 serious injuries. Aggressive driving incidents in the state caused 3,365 car accidents and 36 total fatal crashes, in addition to at least 1,700 serious injuries, according to the report.
In Baltimore County, statistics indicate aggressive driving behavior played a role in at least 158 collisions. Most aggressive drivers were between the ages of 21 and 39. Additionally, more men – especially young males – were involved in aggressive driving collisions than women, 4,004 to 2,428.
Injuries Sustained from Aggressive Driving Accidents
Aggressive driving can lead to catastrophic injuries.
Some of the most common injuries associated with aggressive driving accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spine injuries
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Facial injuries
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Dislocations
- Burns
- Soft tissue damage
- Abrasions
- Lacerations
- Contusions
Being involved in a collision involving an aggressive driver in Baltimore can also lead to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. In serious cases, individuals may also develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other conditions like insomnia.
How to Avoid Aggressive Drivers and How to Report Them in Maryland
You can protect yourself from aggressive drivers by following a few simple steps. Do not engage with them or respond to their aggressive behaviors. If someone is driving aggressively and attempting to pass you unsafely, move over and let them pass. Give other drivers plenty of space.
Avoid eye contact, verbal altercations, and rude hand gestures. Dealing with aggressive drivers can be frustrating, but you don’t want your actions to escalate an aggressive driver into a road rage incident. Aggressive motorists can be unpredictable, and they may attempt to turn an already dangerous situation into a violent altercation.
If you encounter an aggressive or unsafe driver on Baltimore roadways, call 911 or #77. Give law enforcement as much information as possible, such as the license plate number and the vehicle’s make, model, and color.
Compensation in Baltimore from Aggressive Driving Accidents
Has an aggressive driver injured you in a car accident? If so, you can file an insurance claim against them seeking compensation for your injuries. Just understand that an insurance company wants to pay you as little as possible to save themselves money.
Before you accept a settlement, discuss your situation with an experienced Baltimore aggressive driving accident lawyer at Cohen & Dwin, P.A.
We can calculate the value of your claim and negotiate for maximum compensation for you for losses like the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Our aggressive driving accident attorney can review your situation, collect valuable evidence, and outline all your options for recovering the money you need, including an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Get Help from Our Experienced Baltimore Car Crash Lawyers
At Cohen & Dwin, P.A., we know how frightening an accident caused by driver aggression can be. That’s why we want to advocate for you and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Contact our office today and set up a free case evaluation with our Baltimore aggressive driving accident attorneys.
