When people drive aggressively, they put themselves and everyone else on the road with them at risk. This aggressive behavior can cause car accidents, and in some cases may also lead to road rage, defined as a physical assault following a traffic incident, which causes intentional harm. According to the National Safety Council, firearms are involved in 40 percent of incidents of road rage.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in an accident caused by another driver’s recklessness, a New Jersey aggressive driving lawyer could analyze your case. Speak with a skilled traffic tickets attorney that could advise you of your best legal options going forward.
What Does Aggressive Driving Look Like?Aggressive and reckless driving commonly takes the form of:
- Speeding
- Frequent or erratic lane changing
- Tailgating
- Driving through stop signs and traffic lights
- Not using their directional signal
- Gesturing rudely to other drivers
- Refusing to let other drivers pass or driving too closely to other vehicles
All of these actions can and do endanger other drivers.
Charges That Can Result from Aggressive DrivingDriving aggressively can result in a number of different charges, depending on the circumstances and the severity of any resulting accident or injury.
Hit and RunWhenever a driver is involved in any accident in which they cause damage to a person, an animal, or property, they must pull over and call the police immediately. Failing to do so can be charged as a hit and run, which can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the injury that was caused.
Hit and run convictions can result in a driver losing their license completely, or having it suspended for a period of time. Furthermore, in addition to potentially facing steep fines and jail time, they may have to compensate the victim financially in a civil suit.
Reckless DrivingIn legal terms, reckless driving is the wanton disregard for the laws of the road and is considered a moving traffic violation. It is punishable by suspension or revocation of a convicted party’s driver’s license, as well as fines and imprisonment.
Tailgating TicketsTailgating is when someone follows the car in front of them too closely and is considered a moving violation. When a driver tailgates another driver, it is very hard for them to avoid rear-ending another vehicle if they stop suddenly.
Vehicular HomicideA driver can be charged with vehicular homicide or manslaughter if their negligent, reckless, and/or illegal operation of their vehicle directly causes the death of their passenger, another motorist, or a pedestrian or cyclist.
How to Avoid Reckless Driving and SpeedingDriving aggressively or with excessive speed is one of the main cause of traffic accidents in New Jersey. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 27 percent of fatal traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2015—causing a total of 9,557 deaths—were speed-related.
There are several things any driver can do to reduce the risk of experiencing or causing an accident while driving at a high rate of speed. In general, it is wise to plan ahead to avoid traffic congestion and leave plenty of time to reach a destination, avoid excessively changing lanes, maintain an appropriate distance from other drivers, and remain calm if other drivers act recklessly. A New Jersey aggressive driving lawyer could further advise individuals on how to avoid reckless driving offenses and defend those that have already been charged.
Value of a New Jersey Aggressive Driving AttorneyIf you were charged with or injured in an accident that involved aggressive driving, you may need legal advice for addressing a variety of different traffic violations. Contact a New Jersey aggressive driving lawyer today to get started protecting your legal rights.