Aggressive Driving and Road Rage in Kentucky Car Accidents

There is plenty of evidence of how frustrating and overwhelming traffic, construction, and other drivers can be on roadways. Yet, even when conditions are challenging, drivers must remain calm and operate their vehicle according to the laws of the state.

When this does not happen, and you suffer injuries because a driver was aggressive or engaging in road rage, you have the right to seek legal action.

Here is what you need to know about aggressive driving and road rage in Kentucky car accidents from an experienced Lexington car accident attorney.

What Is Aggressive Driving and Road Rage

Aggressive driving includes any reckless behavior a driver engages in that puts the safety of others at risk. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Office of Highway Safety provides examples of aggressive driving, such as:

• Running red lights or stop signs
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Making hand or facial gestures to other drivers
• Speeding
• Tailgating, or following the person in front too closely
• Making verbal threats
• ·Honking, flashing lights, screaming, or otherwise acting in a threatening manner

When a person engages in these types of actions, they are purposefully putting others at risk. The result is often an increased risk of causing a car accident.

The Consequences of Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving causes car accidents in Kentucky. Many of these accidents are particularly devastating because of the speed and force involved.

Data from the state shows that aggressive driving was the second most common factor that contributed to fatal car accidents in the state, accounting for 32% of all accidents involving a fatality. It was also a factor in 26% of all serious car crashes.

There are several reasons for this:

• Aggressive drivers have less focus on the roadway. They are engaging in a form of distracted driving.
• Drivers who are aggressive create unsafe conditions for all people on the road, limiting their ability to stop their vehicle or move out of the way when road conditions change.
• Drivers who engage in reckless behavior like this are often moving at a much faster rate of speed, creating a much more serious accident when they do strike someone.

No matter how frustrating road conditions are or the mistakes other drivers make, every person is responsible for the complete control over their vehicle and abiding by the state’s laws. When they fail to do that and cause injury and deaths of others as a result, they can be held accountable for the losses they create.

How to Prove Distracted Driving in Kentucky Car Accidents

With the guidance of a Kentucky car accident lawyer, you will be able to demonstrate a person was engaging in reckless behavior by looking at critical evidence. That may include:

• Witness statements
• Accident reconstruction work that rebuilds what happened
• Cameras and dash camera footage
• Expert testimony
• Statements from all parties involved
• Any data from the vehicle that shows speeding
• Cell phone messages that indicate distraction

These are not simple cases to prove. Yet, they can be a very important type of accident to use an attorney in because of the seriousness of the claim. Victims may be able to seek compensation for all of their losses.

Set Up a Free Consultation to Learn More

If you were involved in an accident in which the driver was aggressive or engaging in road rage, contact us at Gary C. Johnson P.S.C. for guidance at a free consultation. Allow us to fight for your rights.