Houston TX Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyer
When an aggressive driver causes an accident, that person should be held responsible for his or her behavior. At Hernandez Sunosky, LLP, our Houston Aggressive Driving and Accident attorneys are experienced in dealing with legal claims against aggressive drivers. If an aggressive driver in Houston, TX caused you or a loved one to suffer injuries and losses, our Houston accident attorneys can help you get justice.
Houston’s freeway system includes approximately 575 miles of freeways and expressways in the Greater Houston area. At any given moment, motorists on these roadways will see an aggressive driver on the road. These drivers speed down I-10 or US 59, tailgate others, or cut off other drivers with no regard for safety. These driving behaviors aren’t only annoying, but illegal and potentially deadly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that aggressive driving contributed to 56% of deadly vehicle crashes.
What is Aggressive Driving?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as occurring when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.”
Some behaviors typically associated with aggressive driving include:
- Exceeding the posted speed limit
- Following too closely or tailgating
- Erratic or unsafe lane changes
- Improperly signaling lane changes
- Violating traffic signals or controls
All of these behaviors are dangerous on their own, but a combination of any of these can increase the potential for a fatal accident.
Aggressive driving behaviors can also trigger road rage. Road rage is a criminal offense and is “an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of one motor vehicle on the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or is caused by an incident that occurred on a roadway.”
Is Aggressive Driving Illegal in Texas?
Yes. Aggressive drivers in Texas can be fined up to $200 or spend time in jail for the following:
- Following too closely
- Illegal pass on the right
- Failure to control speed
- Unsafe speed
- Disregarding a No Passing Zone
- Cutting across a driveway to make a turn
- Failing to yield at a stop intersection
- Failing to give way when being passed by another vehicle
- Increasing your speed while another vehicle is trying to pass
- Failing to stop after leaving a driveway, building or alley
- Failing to stop for approaching train
- Reckless driving
- Assault with a motor vehicle
- Aggravated assault with a motor vehicle
- Criminally negligent homicide with a motor vehicle
What Should I Do if I am Confronted by an Aggressive Driver?
When you encounter an aggressive driver, consider doing the following:
- Don’t respond to the aggressive driver and make matters worse
- Avoid eye contact, gestures or flashing your lights
- Don’t challenge the aggressive driver
- Don’t try to reciprocate or “get even”
- If concerned for your safety, call 9-1-1. Don’t get out of your car or go home.
What Can I Recover for Against an Aggressive Driver Under Texas Law?
If you or a loved one suffered injuries as a result of aggressive driving, you may be able to recover:
- Medical bills
- Lost Wages
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental Aguish
- Emotional Distress
- Disfigurement
- Physical limitations
Contact Hernandez Sunosky, LLP for Help! Free Consultation.
If you’ve been injured because of an aggressive driver, contact Hernandez Sunosky, LLP for a free, no obligation consultation with our Houston Car Accident Attorneys and Houston Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys. We’ll evaluate your claim and help you understand which legal options may be available to help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.