Some drivers are far more aggressive than others. There are those who never slow down even in the depths of the winter months. There are plenty of others who become angry with people they encounter on the road because of their perceived slowness or the traffic maneuvers they perform.
Aggressive drivers can cause crashes in a variety of ways. They may engage in erratic behavior at the wheel in ways that other drivers cannot predict. They might also swerve at and intimidate other drivers, causing them to collide with another vehicle or go off the road entirely. Aggressive drivers can cause crashes that leave people with inoperable vehicles and major personal injuries.
What options does someone have after a crash caused by an aggressive driver?
They can potentially take the matter to court
People impacted by the bad behavior of others have certain rights. Those harmed by negligence or regulatory infractions in Michigan often have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit. Proving that the other driver did something illegal or unsafe and caused damages will be key to a successful lawsuit.
Michigan technically does not have a law about road rage. However, police officers responding to a crash could accuse someone of reckless driving. Excessive speeding, swerving and other conduct that is patently unsafe may constitute a violation of Michigan’s reckless driving statute.
Someone cited for causing a crash or prosecuted for reckless driving may be liable for the damages they cause others. Particularly if the other party involved in the crash has reduced their no-fault coverage in accordance with recent insurance reform efforts, it may be necessary to hold an aggressive driver accountable for injury-related expenses.
Aggressive drivers could put someone in the hospital and leave them unable to support their families for weeks, if not longer. The other party affected by an aggressive driver should not have to absorb those expenses. Even those who have maintained unlimited personal injury protection (PIP) coverage may still want to take legal action after a crash caused by an aggressive driver. Otherwise, their sizable claim will very likely increase what they pay for insurance for years to come.
Holding someone accountable for aggressive driving often requires communicating with law enforcement after a crash and looking into one’s options for compensation by seeking legal guidance as proactively as possible.