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Aggressive driving is a serious and growing problem on Phoenix roadways. From excessive speeding and tailgating to road rage and reckless lane changes, aggressive driving behaviors put everyone at risk. These reckless actions often lead to devastating car accidents, resulting in serious injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens for victims and their families.
At Torgenson Law, we understand the dangers of aggressive driving and the harm it can cause. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by an aggressive driver, our experienced Phoenix auto accident lawyers are here to fight for your rights. We will work tirelessly to hold the at-fault driver accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Phoenix is known for its heavy traffic, long commutes, and hot desert climate — all factors that can contribute to aggressive driving behaviors. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), aggressive driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the state, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
Aggressive driving is more than just speeding or occasional impatience behind the wheel — it is a pattern of reckless behavior that endangers others on the road. Under Arizona law (ARS § 28-695), aggressive driving occurs when a driver commits two or more of the following violations:
When aggressive driving escalates to intentional acts of violence or intimidation, it can become road rage, which is even more dangerous and can lead to criminal charges.
Aggressive driving accidents often occur due to reckless and impatient behavior. Below are some of the most common causes of these dangerous crashes in Phoenix.
Speeding is one of the most common forms of aggressive driving and significantly increases the risk of severe crashes. Drivers who exceed speed limits have less time to react, require longer stopping distances, and cause more violent collisions. Speeding combined with reckless behaviors such as weaving in and out of traffic or running red lights makes accidents more likely and more dangerous.
Tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle, is a leading cause of rear-end collisions. When an aggressive driver tailgates, they leave little to no room for the front vehicle to stop suddenly. Some aggressive drivers even engage in brake checking, where they intentionally slam on their brakes to intimidate another driver, often leading to a crash.
Aggressive drivers often refuse to yield the right of way, forcing their way into intersections, highways, and merging lanes. Cutting off other drivers, refusing to let vehicles merge, or suddenly changing lanes without signaling are all aggressive behaviors that can cause high-speed side-impact and rear-end collisions.
Running red lights and stop signs is an extremely dangerous aggressive driving behavior that frequently leads to T-bone collisions at intersections. Drivers who try to “beat the light” or ignore stop signs put pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists at significant risk of severe injuries or fatalities.
Road rage occurs when a driver allows frustration to turn into violent or dangerous behavior. Chasing another vehicle, making threatening gestures, or using a vehicle as a weapon to intimidate another driver can lead to catastrophic accidents. In some cases, road rage incidents can escalate into physical altercations or criminal charges.
Aggressive driving accidents often involve high speeds and sudden impacts, leading to severe and life-altering injuries. Victims of these crashes may suffer from:
The physical toll of an aggressive driving accident can be devastating, often requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. In addition to the financial burden, victims and their families must also cope with the emotional and psychological impact of life-altering injuries or the tragic loss of a loved one.
Determining liability in an aggressive driving accident is crucial for ensuring victims receive full compensation. While the aggressive driver is often at fault, other parties may also share responsibility depending on the circumstances of the crash. Identifying all liable parties can help maximize the compensation available to victims and hold all responsible parties accountable.
If an aggressive driver caused the crash due to reckless actions, they can be held legally liable for damages. Arizona law holds drivers accountable for negligence, especially if they violated traffic laws or engaged in road rage. Behaviors such as excessive speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic, and intentionally intimidating other drivers create unnecessary risks on the road, making the aggressive driver responsible for any resulting harm.
If an aggressive driver was operating a commercial vehicle, such as a delivery truck or rideshare vehicle, their employer may also be liable. Companies can be held responsible if they failed to properly train their drivers or encouraged unsafe driving behaviors. Employers who impose unrealistic delivery deadlines, fail to enforce safe driving policies, or neglect to discipline reckless drivers may contribute to a culture of aggressive driving, increasing the risk of accidents.
In some cases, poor road design, malfunctioning traffic signals, or missing road signs contribute to aggressive driving crashes. Government agencies responsible for road maintenance may be partially liable for failing to address hazardous conditions. Roads that lack proper signage, have dangerous blind spots, or contain poorly maintained intersections can increase the likelihood of aggressive driving behaviors leading to accidents. If a municipality was aware of these issues but failed to make necessary improvements, they may share legal responsibility.
If a vehicle malfunction, such as brake failure or steering defects, contributed to the crash, the manufacturer or a negligent mechanic could share responsibility for the accident. Defective car parts, faulty safety features, or improper vehicle maintenance may prevent a driver from controlling their vehicle safely, leading to a crash. If an investigation determines that a mechanical failure played a role in the accident, the automaker or service provider responsible for maintaining the vehicle may be held liable.
Victims of aggressive driving accidents may suffer serious injuries, emotional distress, and financial hardships. If you were injured due to an aggressive driver’s reckless behavior, you may be entitled to significant compensation to help cover your losses. The compensation available in these cases generally falls into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic damages compensate for the financial losses directly caused by the accident. These damages include medical expenses such as hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may also recover compensation for lost wages, including income lost due to time away from work or a reduced earning capacity if your injuries impact your ability to perform your job.
Economic damages also cover property damage, including repairs or the replacement of your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the crash. In cases where victims require long-term medical care, therapy, or home modifications to accommodate permanent disabilities, future medical expenses may also be included in their compensation.
Non-economic damages address the physical and emotional suffering caused by the accident. These damages compensate victims for pain and suffering, which may include chronic pain, physical discomfort, and lasting mobility issues resulting from their injuries.
Emotional distress is also considered in these claims, as many victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a serious crash. If the injuries have significantly altered a victim’s ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed or impacted their overall quality of life, compensation may also be awarded for the loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the at-fault driver’s actions were particularly reckless, dangerous, or intentional. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which aim to compensate the victim, punitive damages are meant to punish the aggressive driver and serve as a deterrent against similar behavior in the future. These damages are typically awarded in cases involving extreme negligence, such as road rage incidents, high-speed reckless driving, or intentional acts of aggression toward another driver.
Being involved in an aggressive driving accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. The moments after the crash are critical, both for your health and for protecting your legal rights. Taking the proper steps can help ensure you receive the medical treatment you need, preserve important evidence, and strengthen your ability to recover full and fair compensation.
Even if your injuries seem minor, it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time if left untreated. A medical evaluation not only ensures that you receive the necessary treatment but also provides an official record of your injuries, which can be crucial evidence in your claim.
If emergency responders arrive at the scene, allow them to examine you and follow their recommendations for further treatment. If you are not transported to the hospital, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to rule out any hidden injuries and to document your condition.
Reporting the accident to law enforcement is one of the most important steps you can take. When officers arrive, they will assess the scene, take statements from those involved, and create an official accident report. This report provides an objective record of what happened and may include details about the aggressive driver’s behavior, such as speeding, tailgating, or running a red light.
If the driver was cited or arrested for reckless driving or road rage, this information can further support your case. Be sure to request a copy of the police report, as it will be valuable when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action against the at-fault driver.
If you are physically able, collecting evidence at the scene can significantly strengthen your claim. Take photos of the accident, including the damage to all vehicles, any visible injuries you sustained, traffic signals or signs, and the overall road conditions. If the aggressive driver was acting recklessly or engaging in road rage, try to document their behavior or ask witnesses for their accounts of what happened.
Witness statements can be crucial in proving liability, especially if the other driver denies responsibility. Additionally, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, but avoid discussing fault or making any statements that could be used against you later.
After the accident, the aggressive driver’s insurance company may contact you to ask for a statement or offer a quick settlement. It is important to remember that insurance adjusters are not on your side; their goal is to minimize the amount they pay out in claims. They may attempt to downplay your injuries, suggest that you were partially at fault, or pressure you into accepting a low settlement before you understand the full extent of your damages.
Remember, speaking to an insurance company without legal representation can jeopardize your claim and result in receiving far less compensation than you deserve. Before making any statements or signing any documents, consult with an attorney who can protect your rights and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Aggressive driving accidents can be complex, especially when dealing with drivers who were engaging in reckless or intentionally dangerous behavior. An experienced attorney can thoroughly investigate the accident, gather critical evidence, and build a strong case to prove the other driver’s liability.
A lawyer will handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies, ensuring that you are not pressured into accepting a settlement that does not fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If necessary, an attorney can file a lawsuit and take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Torgenson Law, we are committed to fighting for victims of aggressive driving accidents. Our Phoenix car accident lawyers will investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait — call us today at 602-726-0747 or reach out online for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.
