Oklahoma has been ranked the third most dangerous state in the country to drive in, according to a recent report from KJRH-TV. The article cited a study by YourMechanic.com that ranked states based on driver skills, car theft rate, most aggressive drivers, average driver speed, and other factors. The study cited Oklahoma’s poor road conditions, high average driver speed and speed limits, and high levels of aggressive driving.
Unlike in some other states, aggressive driving is not a specific criminal offense in Oklahoma. However, a person can be charged with reckless driving when they drive a motor vehicle in a careless or wanton manner without regard for the safety of persons or property. Even when a person is not cited for reckless driving, their aggressive behavior on the road can lead to serious consequences in the form of catastrophic car accidents.
If you suffered serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a motor vehicle accident caused by another motorist’s aggressive driving in Oklahoma City or a surrounding area, an attorney from Cain Law Office could help you seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Don’t select just any car accident attorney to handle your case. Choose a law firm with specific experience handling aggressive driving accident claims.
Cain Law Office has won more than $30 million in verdicts and settlements for our deserving clients. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to talk about your case. You can schedule a free initial consultation as soon as you call (855) 759-6858 or contact us online today.
What Is Aggressive Driving?
While aggressive driving is not defined by Oklahoma law, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatal Accident Report System (FARS) identifies the following driver-related behaviors as indications that crashes may have involved aggressive driving:
- Tailgating
- Improper or erratic lane changing
- Illegal driving on road shoulder, in ditch, or on sidewalk or median
- Illegal passing
- Operating the vehicle in an erratic, reckless, careless, or negligent manner
- Suddenly changing speeds
- Failure to yield right of way
- Failure to obey traffic signs, traffic control devices, or police officers
- Failure to observe warnings or instructions on vehicles displaying them
- Failure to signal
- Driving too fast for conditions or in excess of posted speed limit
- Racing
- Making an improper turn
The list above is by no means all-inclusive. Several other behaviors could also constitute aggressive driving. Every accident is different, and it is critical that you retain legal counsel for help proving that another driver was operating aggressively.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) reported that a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that almost 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression, or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the previous year. From 2003 to 2007, research showed that more than half of fatal crashes involved at least one driver who performed a potentially aggressive action.
What to Do If You’re the Victim of a Road Rage Accident
Get medical treatment immediately. The immediate aftermath of any car accident is extremely confusing for all people involved, but the general rule is to make sure that you receive medical care. You should go to a hospital even when you are not sure how badly you were hurt.
Call the police. Do not get into an argument with the aggressive driver. Contact the local law enforcement agency to file a police report. If an officer determines that the other driver was operating too aggressively, they may be cited for reckless driving.
Preserve evidence. At the scene of your crash, try to preserve whatever evidence you can by taking pictures of everything involved. Photograph the vehicles, people, and all other factors, and take as many pictures as you possibly can.
Talk to witnesses. Also look to see if there are other people who saw your accident. Ask these individuals for their names and phone numbers in case they are needed as witnesses.
Do not discuss your crash with anyone but your lawyer and your doctor. Try not to say anything about your crash to anybody. Be especially careful not to post anything about it on social media. Most importantly, do not to speak to an insurance company or give a statement until you have legal representation.
Compensation After an Accident with an Aggressive Driver
While most car accident cases are settled out of court, some cases will make it there eventually. Settlement negotiations often continue until the statute of limitations is about to lapse, and then your attorney may be forced to file a lawsuit.
Although many cases will settle right before they go to trial, the cases that do go trial can result in a person being awarded compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are usually a combination of economic damages and noneconomic damages, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages from time missed from work
- Damaged property replacement
- Loss of future earnings (if disabled)
- Travel expenses for treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Our dedicated aggressive driving accident lawyer can help you thoroughly document all the losses you have suffered in order to demand maximum compensation in your personal injury claim. We will investigate the crash and collect all evidence needed to prove fault and hold the aggressive driver responsible.
Talk with a Lawyer Experienced in Handling Aggressive Driving Claims
Did you suffer catastrophic injuries or was your loved one killed in a car crash caused by aggressive driving in the greater Oklahoma City area? If so, you could be entitled to compensation for all of the different costs and losses you have incurred or will incur because of the accident.
Cain Law Office represents all clients on a contingency fee basis, so you will not have to pay any legal fees unless you receive a monetary award. Call (855) 759-6858 or contact us online to set up a free consultation with our knowledgeable aggressive driving accident attorney.
