Aggressive driving and road rage are very real issues. Always a dangerous practice for other vehicles and people on Houston roads, the stakes of aggressive driving rise exponentially when it involves truck drivers at the helm of large and heavy vehicles.
In one survey, 80% of polled drivers said they showed aggression, anger, or road rage at least once a year. That’s a sobering number. This means you will likely deal with an aggressive driver at some point. If it’s a truck driver, any injuries or damages caused by their driving could be quite serious, if not fatal.
Aggressive Driving and Road Rage in Houston, TX
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aggressive driving occurs when someone is driving in a way that endangers or will likely endanger other people and property. While aggressive driving is considered a traffic violation, road rage is considered a criminal offense.
An example of aggressive driving would be speeding when there is heavy traffic.
Other examples are:
- Driving too close to cars in front of you (tailgating)
- Weaving between lanes of traffic
- Intentionally driving too slowly
- Not obeying traffic lights or stop signs
- Not signaling when changing lanes
- Not letting cars pass or change lanes
- Passing a car or vehicle on the wrong side of the road
In Texas, moving violations for aggressive drivers and reckless driving can result in a fine of up to $200 for each offense and even jail time.
Aggressive driving in its extreme form is described as road rage, which can unfortunately result in violence. Standard road rage behavior can include shouting or making obscene gestures.
Other examples would be:
- Throwing something at another vehicle
- Ramming another vehicle or sideswiping it
- Forcing a vehicle off of the road with your vehicle
- Assaulting another driver
In 2021, according to Texas state data, 1,629 crashes involved road rage as a contributing factor.
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Why Do Truckers Drive Aggressively?
There are many reasons why truckers drive aggressively. Truck drivers are often under a great amount of stress. They may be under pressure to meet a delivery deadline or trying to make up for lost time due to bad traffic, inclement weather, or poor driving conditions.
Truckers spend long periods of time on the road, which can take a toll physically, emotionally, and mentally. Drivers are often fatigued by their long hours. Like noncommercial drivers, truck drivers also get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Who Is Liable When Aggressive Driving Results in a Truck Accident?
When a truck driver’s aggressive driving causes an accident, the driver may be responsible for any injuries and property damage that occurred. The trucking company that employs the driver may also be found to be liable for the accident.
Most trucking companies have insurance policies that will cover accidents. If you want to recover compensation for injuries and other damages, you will likely have to work with their insurance company.
The company will investigate the accident to see if its driver was at fault. If they find that’s the case, they will make a settlement offer. If they don’t admit that they are at fault or if they don’t make a satisfactory offer, you may have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit.
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Call a Houston Truck Accident Attorney If You Were Injured Due to Aggressive Driving in Houston, TX
Sharing the road with commercial vehicles can be intimidating to regular-sized cars. If you’ve been involved in an aggressive driving accident with a Houston truck driver, call an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as you can.
They will assess your case and advise you on your options and whether they include an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
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Contact the Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
Contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers at (713) 500-5000.
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About the Author Brian White
Brian White earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer.
Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and community initiatives.
Client testimonials highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents.
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