Experienced Aggressive Driver Attorneys in Minnesota
A vehicle with an aggressive driver behind the wheel should be considered a lethal, deadly weapon. The tragic facts are that, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, road rage accounts for hundreds of fatal crashes nationwide. In a recent year, Minnesota had 381 fatalities caused by car accidents, with over 50 percent of those deaths resulting from an aggressive driver. Though the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that Minnesota drivers are among the kindest throughout the U.S., there are still people who have anger issues on our state’s roads and highways.
When a driver is impatient and thinks they are a “good” driver versus a “bad driver,” such as someone going too slow (in their mind) in a passing lane, the simmering rage inside of them may cause them to behave irrationally and dangerously. The anger they feel may cause the aggressive driver to take it out on an innocent car operator. Though probably everyone has gotten angry because of another driver’s mistakes or poor judgment, when a driver doesn’t control their anger, serious accidents and injuries can occur. Some of those injuries will lead to death.
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What Is Considered Aggressive Driving in Minnesota?
A vehicle operator who drives unsafely, or deliberately maneuvers their vehicle to do something harmful with disregard for others safety should be considered an aggressive driver. Aggressive driving is a traffic offense punishable by a citation and fines (and sometimes license suspension) and is even worse if an accident was caused, especially if there were injuries involved. Aggressive driving is not an innocent act or a mistake. When an aggressive driver causes an accident, there may also be criminal penalties. Although aggressive driving and road rage are often used interchangeably, there are some differences.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, aggressive driving includes the following types of behavior:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Running a red light
- Rolling “stop” at stop signs
- Honking in anger
- Not signaling when changing lanes
- Cutting in front of another vehicle then slowing down
- Braking to force another driver to brake
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Turning on headlights to annoy another driver
- Speeding up when another driver is trying to pass
- Blocking cars attempting to pass or change lanes
- Following a vehicle too close to prevent another vehicle from passing
What is Considered Road Rage in Minnesota?
When aggressive driving escalates to road rage, here’s how it can manifest:
- Rude and obscene gestures
- Forcing a driver off the road
- Sideswiping
- Ramming
- Throwing objects at the other vehicle
- Getting out of the car to confront the other driver
- Physical altercations
- Threatening with violence
- Actual violence
- Brandishing a weapon
Aggressive Driving and Road Rage Are Serious Traffic and Criminal Violations
Here are the sobering and frightening NHTSA, AutoVantage Club, and Safe Motorist statistics on aggressive driving and road rage:
- 66% of fatal car accidents are caused by aggressive drivers
- 37% of road rage incidents involved a firearm
- 12,810 injuries and 218 murders occurred in the U.S. over seven years because of aggressive driving and road rage
Minnesota Aggressive Driving and Road Rage Penalties
The criminal penalties imposed for reckless driving, a misdemeanor, may vary depending on the incident circumstances. In general, the penalties for non-injury reckless driving include up to 90 days in jail and/or fines of $1,000. For reckless or aggressive driving that caused serious bodily injury to another driver or their passengers, a gross misdemeanor, the penalties carry up to one- year incarceration and/or fines of $3,000. Some instances may rise to the level of a felony, which carry much greater consequences.
What You Should Do If You’ve Been Injured in An Aggressive Driving Accident
If you’ve been the injury victim of an aggressive driver or a road rage incident, you may need help filing a claim with the insurance companies or proceeding to civil court to recover the damages you are entitled to recover. The highly experienced car accident Minnesota personal injury attorneys at Siebens Edmunds Miller are qualified to help ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries.
We will navigate the claims and legal procedures within the statute of limitation deadlines to protect your rights when you’ve been injured in a car accident because of an aggressive driver.
Contact Us For A Free, No-Obligation Case Evaluation
A no-obligation consultation and case review with our knowledgeable, compassionate car accident attorney team is free. And as our client, you’ll never pay a penny to us up-front. We’ll cover all the costs until we achieve a financial settlement for your injuries.
So, don’t hesitate to call us today at (651) 994-6744 or message us here to schedule our meeting. We are eager to help!
Frequently Asked Questions about Aggressive Driving in Minnesota
Sieben Edmunds Miller
What constitutes aggressive driving in Minnesota?
Aggressive driving in Minnesota encompasses various unsafe behaviors exhibited by vehicle operators, including speeding, tailgating, running red lights, rolling stops at stop signs, honking in anger, failure to signal when changing lanes, cutting off other vehicles, weaving in and out of traffic, and engaging in other dangerous maneuvers with disregard for others’ safety.
How is road rage defined in Minnesota?
What should I do if I've been injured in an aggressive driving accident in Minnesota?
If you’ve been injured in an aggressive driving accident in Minnesota, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance promptly. Our experienced attorneys can help you file a claim with insurance companies or pursue civil litigation to recover the damages you’re entitled to. We’ll navigate the legal process and protect your rights within the statute of limitations deadlines.
How can Sieben Edmunds Miller assist me with my aggressive driving accident case?
At Sieben Edmunds Miller, our dedicated team of car accident attorneys is committed to ensuring that you receive full compensation for your injuries caused by an aggressive driver. We’ll provide a free, no-obligation case evaluation to discuss your options and cover all costs until we achieve a financial settlement for your injuries.
Can I sue the aggressive driver for damages in addition to filing an insurance claim?
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit after an aggressive driving accident in Minnesota?
Will my insurance premiums increase if I file a claim for an aggressive driving accident?
What evidence is essential for proving fault in an aggressive driving accident case?
Essential evidence for proving fault in an aggressive driving accident case may include police reports, eyewitness testimony, photographs or video footage of the incident, medical records documenting injuries, and expert opinions from accident reconstruction specialists. Our experienced attorneys can help you gather and present the necessary evidence to support your claim.
What should I do if the aggressive driver fled the scene of the accident?
Can passengers injured in an aggressive driving accident also seek compensation?
Yes, passengers injured in an aggressive driving accident can also seek compensation for their injuries. Passengers have the right to file personal injury claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy or pursue legal action if necessary. Our attorneys can assist passengers in understanding their legal rights and pursuing fair compensation for their damages.
What if I contributed to the accident in some way?
Even if you contributed to the accident in some way, such as by engaging in minor traffic violations or making driving errors, you may still be eligible to recover compensation under Minnesota’s comparative negligence law unless you are deemed 51% or more at fault. Our attorneys will evaluate the circumstances of the accident and help you understand how your level of fault may affect your claim.
Is it possible to seek punitive damages in an aggressive driving accident case?
What are the penalties for those convicted of aggressive driving and road rage in Minnesota?
How long will it take to resolve my aggressive driving accident case?
The timeline for resolving an aggressive driving accident case can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the extent of injuries, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate. Our attorneys will work diligently to pursue a timely resolution while ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your damages.
If you have any further questions or need assistance with your aggressive driving accident case, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free case evaluation. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process and seek justice for your injuries.
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