While it’s understandable to feel impatient when stuck in Houston traffic, letting that frustration influence behavior can cause accidents. If you suffered injury from an impatient or angry driver’s actions, a Houston aggressive driving accident lawyer from Domingo Garcia can represent you. We’ll work to demonstrate how their anger caused your injuries and argue for damages that cover all your losses.
Our Houston Attorneys Battle Aggressive Driving Through Multiple Avenues
The Houston car accident lawyers from our firm can handle several stages of your case, from the initial insurance claim filings to representation in court. Our handling of an aggressive driving case includes:
- Taking inventory of your income losses and medical bills
- Projecting losses over time to recognize appropriate settlement offers
- Filing an insurance claim and running interference with adjusters
- Making sure you understand any paperwork, terms, or requirements
- Advocating for the damages you deserve
- Gathering evidence of aggression to prove negligence
- Obtaining police reports and other pertinent records
- Helping you file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit
- Preparing your case for court while continuing to negotiate for a fair settlement
We provide consultations at no charge. Our firm can even help you receive medical treatment while we work on your case, so you don’t have to put your life or recovery on hold.
How does a Lawyer Prove Aggressive Driving?
Driver aggression is a spectrum of behaviors that may include:
- Tailgating
- Speeding
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Sudden lane changes
- Not signaling
- Brake checking
- Illegal passing
- Ignoring signs and signals
Tailgating and brake checking can cause rear-end collisions. Illegal passing and ignoring signs and signals can cause head-on collisions. Lane changes and weaving in traffic can cause sideswipes. Speeding—the leading aggressive driving behavior associated with fatal crashes, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III)—can cause any number of accidents.
Since aggressive driving cases can center on various negligent behaviors and accident types, our lawyers employ different methods and approaches to each case, such as:
- Witness testimony, photos, and video
- Footage from traffic, security, and dash cameras
- Police reports, including citations of fault
- Expert accident reconstruction
An aggressive driver may have already engaged in risky behavior before they hit you, setting off traffic cameras or sparking other drivers to report them. We can use that as evidence in your case. People who saw the accident or the events leading up to it can also testify that a driver behaved erratically or recklessly.
If your accident happened in an area with few or no witnesses, you may still have a case. We can consult experts who can reconstruct your accident using evidence like your account, photos, and physical debris. Even your injuries can tell part of the story, such as how fast the driver was going and where they hit you. Expert analysis can help support your case.
Ultimately, proving aggression depends on the type of aggressive behavior at the center of your case. At Domingo Garcia, we demonstrate aggression by thoroughly investigating the events of your crash and gathering targeted evidence of negligence.
Consequences and Compensation for Aggressive Driving Accidents in Houston
Aggressive driving accident injuries can devastate victims, especially because drivers might not take action to mitigate damage. Take speeding as an example. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classifies speeding as an aggressive driving behavior. The faster a car moves, the harder it is for the driver to maintain control or stop in time to avoid an accident, and the more severe the resulting injuries may be.
Since our clients often endure serious and even catastrophic injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or permanent paralysis, our aggressive driving accident lawyers in Houston leave no option for compensation unexplored.
We can pursue damages for:
- Surgeries and hospitalizations
- Rehabilitative care and medical equipment
- Prescription medications
- Modifications to home or car
- Long-term or at-home assistance
- Psychological counseling
- Past and future lost income
- Out-of-pocket expenses
We can even consider the accident’s effect on your welfare. Pain and suffering compensation can cover:
- The toll of chronic pain
- The loss of a hobby or activity
- Psychological struggles like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Consequences to relationships
- Changes in quality of life
- Emotional and mental anguish
What If the Accident Was Fatal?
In cases of wrongful death, surviving family members can file an insurance claim or lawsuit to recover damages like:
- Medical care before their loved one’s passing
- Funeral and burial services
- Lost income the decedent previously provided
- Loss of guidance and support
- Pain and suffering
Domingo Garcia has experience in fatal accident cases. We can help honor your loved one’s memory and legacy.
When to File a Lawsuit for Aggressive Driving in Houston
According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you generally have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Some exceptions could apply, like if the crash incapacitated you and prevented you from taking prompt legal action.
Another possibility is if the driver fled the scene. Amped up on adrenaline, convinced their behavior was warranted, or simply scared, the driver might have taken off. In such cases, the court may toll (or delay) deadlines until law enforcement locates the driver.
However, you should never assume the statute of limitations doesn’t apply in your case. In fact, some situations can shorten the timeline to less than two years. A Houston car accident lawyer from our firm can confirm the deadline that applies to your case.
What If the Police Charged the Driver with Road Rage?
Road rage is a step up from aggressive driving. Examples include forcing someone off the road, deliberately hitting a vehicle, or getting out of the car to harass someone. As the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) reports, road rage is more than negligent—it’s sometimes criminal. In fact, some road rage incidents can even escalate into assault or homicide charges.
If your aggressive driving case involved charges against the other driver for road rage, you don’t have to wait for that criminal case to conclude. You can file a civil suit against them for their actions regardless of how the criminal case turns out. Our lawyers can even conduct an independent investigation.
We Fight to Hold Aggressive Drivers Accountable for Their Actions
Aggressive drivers put everyone at risk. To pursue justice for your losses and work to make Houston’s roads safer, contact Domingo Garcia today. Our Houston aggressive driving accident lawyers can review your case and develop a plan for seeking compensation.
