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According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, the term “aggressive driver refers to an angry motorist attempting to intentionally injure or kill another driver because of a traffic dispute.” A driver exhibiting road rage is an aggressive driver.
Why are Drivers Aggressive?
A driver may be aggressive if, for example:
- The driver is angry about traffic conditions
- The driver is angry about the actions of another driver
- The driver is angry because of something going on in the driver’s life that has nothing to do with the situation on the road
Anyone can be an aggressive driver regardless of past driving history or even a calm demeanor off the road.
Aggressive Driving Examples
The cause of a driver’s aggression is not as important as a driver’s actions. A driver who does one or more of the following may be an aggressive driver:
- Drives too closely to the car in front to pressure the driver of the vehicle in front to drive faster
- Flashes headlights to signal a driver to move over
- Beeps the horn in frustration
- Changes lanes without using a turn signal
- Makes obscene gestures
- Yells at other drivers
- Weaves in and out of traffic
- Speeds up at a yellow light to try to beat the light
- Slows down to prevent other drivers from driving the speed limit
- Makes a right turn from a center or left lane
- Stays still at a green light
- Races another vehicle
All of these actions create an uncertain and potentially dangerous situation on the road.
Aggressive Driving Injuries
Aggressive driving can lead to head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, and other types of crashes. These crashes can result in serious and potentially life-threatening injuries, such as:
Victims of aggressive driving accidents have legal rights and may be able to make financial recoveries.
Help for Victims of Iowa Aggressive Driving Accidents
The rules for recovering damages in an Iowa aggressive driving accident are the same as they are for other types of accidents. First, you must prove that the aggressive driver was negligent by establishing that it is more likely than not that:
- The driver owed you a duty of care. Every driver owes every other person on the road a duty of care.
- The driver breached the duty of care by failing to act as a reasonable driver. This is where evidence of the specific aggressive actions taken by the driver will be presented.
- The breach of the duty of care caused your injuries. Your accident injuries would not have occurred but for the driver’s negligent actions.
- You have a legal right to damages. Iowa law allows you to recover damages for your injuries.
Then, you must prove the value of your damages, which could include compensation for past and future:
- Medical costs. All reasonable healthcare expenses such as hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, doctors’ appointments, physical therapy, and other medical services should be compensated.
- Lost income. Any income that you did not earn because of your injuries should be part of your recovery. This includes wages, benefits, and income from self-employment.
- Out-of-pocket expenses. Any property damage, household help, childcare, or other expenses you incur as a result of your injuries should be part of your settlement or court recovery.
- Physical pain and emotional suffering. The physical pain and emotional suffering caused by your accident injuries can be valued and included in your financial recovery.
Insurance companies and defense lawyers will mount a defense to try to pay you as little as possible after an aggressive driving accident. However, Iowa insurance companies know that our lawyers mean business and that if they fail to offer a fair settlement that we will take them to court.
Let our firm of experienced accident attorneys represent you! We would be pleased to offer you our Win or It’s Free Guarantee. Call us today to schedule your free initial consultation in our Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, or Davenport office or invite us to your home or hospital room.
