We always hear about the dangers of drunk and distracted driving, but aggressive driving is also a serious problem in Kentucky.
Aggressive driving is responsible for many serious and fatal car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aggressive driving causes 35% of all car accidents and 2/3 of fatal accidents.
Signs of aggressive driving
These statistics are alarming, but you have probably encountered aggressive drivers on the road. They are usually the drivers who are speeding, weaving through traffic or tailgating other drivers.
More serious signs of aggressive driving are yelling, honking a horn or threatening other drivers. Sometimes an aggressive driver will target one driver and purposely follow them in a threatening manner.
Aggressive driving is a form of negligence and aggressive drivers who cause a car accident should be held responsible for their behavior. Negligence is the legal theory that a personal injury action is based on.
Negligence means a driver failed in their duty to drive safely and that failure caused an accident that harmed others.
Proving negligence after an aggressive driving accident
If you believe aggressive driving was responsible for your car accident, it is important to gather as much evidence as you can to prove the aggressive driving.
Kentucky uses a comparative negligence system, which means the aggressive driver could claim you were also negligent and a court could reduce your compensation based on your own percentage of negligence.
Evidence to prove another driver’s aggression can include photos and videos of the accident, witnesses or police reports.
Witnesses could testify about the other driver’s behavior just before the accident, while properties around the accident scene may have video footage of the accident that could show the aggressive driving.
Protecting yourself from aggressive drivers
The best way to avoid an aggressive driver on the road is to simply stay away from them. Do not engage with them or match their behavior, even if they are making you mad.
However, if you end up in an accident with an aggressive driver, you should know how to build the strongest case for negligence possible.