Yes—you can hold an aggressive driver accountable if their reckless behavior causes your injuries or property damage. When someone tailgates, weaves through traffic, or intentionally cuts you off, they breach their legal duty to drive safely. If you are injured, you have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, and even pain and emotional distress.
What Counts as Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving includes a variety of dangerous behaviors that endanger everyone on the road. Examples of aggressive driving include:
Excessive speeding or sudden braking to intimidate other drivers
Tailgating or crowding vehicles
Swerving between lanes without signaling
Running red lights or stop signs
Deliberately cutting off other drivers
Weaving through traffic to gain position
These actions are not only illegal but also increase the likelihood of accidents and serious injuries.
How Can I Show an Aggressive Driver Caused My Crash?
To file a personal injury claim in Somerset County, you must establish four key elements of negligence:
Duty of Care: Every driver has a legal obligation to obey traffic laws and drive safely.
Breach of Duty: You must show that the other driver’s aggressive behavior violated this duty.
Causation: You need to prove that the aggressive driving directly caused your accident and injuries.
Damages: You must demonstrate actual losses, including medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
Each of these elements is essential to building a successful case for compensation.
What Evidence Strengthens Your Case?
Strong evidence can make or break a personal injury claim. Key types of evidence include:
Police reports documenting the incident and any citations issued
Dash-cam footage or surveillance video showing the aggressive behavior
Eyewitness statements from other motorists or bystanders
Medical records and bills
Photos of vehicle damage and the accident scene
Expert accident reconstruction analysis
The more comprehensive your evidence, the stronger your claim.
What Compensation Could I Recover?
Victims of aggressive driving accidents may recover several types of compensation:
Economic Damages: Covers tangible losses such as medical expenses (current and future treatment), lost wages, and car repair or replacement costs.
Non-Economic Damages: Addresses intangible impacts, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term effects on your quality of life.
Why Work with a Lawyer for an Aggressive Driving Claim?
Aggressive driving cases often involve complex legal issues and skilled insurance company tactics aimed at minimizing payouts. Adjusters may downplay the incident as a “routine traffic accident” or argue that you share fault.
An experienced attorney can counter these arguments by:
Conducting a thorough investigation and gathering all relevant evidence.
Consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
Handling negotiations with insurance companies.
Advocating for your rights in court, if necessary.
Contact Our Somerset County Car Accident Lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P.
When an aggressive driver disrupts your life, you need legal representation that is both compassionate and assertive. Our experienced Somerset County car accident lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of aggressive driving accidents. For a free consultation, call 732-247-3600 or complete our online form. With offices in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Manalapan, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.