Some causes of motorcycle accidents, such as drunk driving and speeding, have clear legal definitions. In most cases, a driver with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher is drunk, and in most cases a driver who exceeds the posted speed limit is speeding.
While there is no similar standard for aggressive driving, aggressive driving is often the cause of serious crashes, it can be defined, and riders who are hurt by aggressive drivers can recover damages for their injuries.
Aggressive Driving Defined
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.” This may include things such as:
- Speeding.
- Following another vehicle too closely—also known as tailgating.
- Disregarding traffic laws, traffic signs, or traffic lights.
- Weaving in and out of traffic.
An aggressive driver may perform one or more of these offenses and may put all motorists—including motorcyclists—at risk of suffering serious or fatal injuries in a crash. Motorcyclists may be in significant danger because aggressive drivers may not take the time to look for smaller vehicles such as bikes, or may fail to correctly judge how far away a motorcyclist is before changing lanes or proceeding through an intersection. Additionally, the results of an aggressive driving accident can be significant for a rider whose motorcycle lacks the safety feature of other vehicles and who may be violently thrown from his bike during a collision.
Protect Your Recovery If You’ve Been Hurt by an Aggressive Driver
If you’ve been hurt or your loved one has been killed by an aggressive driver, then you are going to have to prove what caused your motorcycle accident before you can recover damages. Proof may include evidence from the accident scene or evidence recovered during the discovery phase of a personal injury case. Do not settle your claim with an insurance company before you know the full extent of your injuries. To learn more about your rights, please download a free copy of our report, The Ultimate Guide for Motorcycle Accident Victims, today.