Aggressive drivers and your auto accident

Aggressive driver?

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation statistics, aggressive drivers top the list for causing serious injuries and fatalities in the state. That means aggressive drivers caused 400 more deaths between 2013 and 2015 than drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Anyone here ever had to suddenly change lanes or pull off to the shoulder to avoid being hit by a “NASCAR” driver? Even if you managed to avoid a car accident, you still experience the trauma. Shortness of breath. Heart pounding. Hands shaking!

You’re not alone. MoDOT’s top category for serious car accident injuries is sadly named “run-off-road” crashes.  This type of accident caused almost 6,000 serious injuries and over 1,000 fatalities from 2013 to 2015.

The problem with a “run-off-road” crash is that many times the aggressive driver is nowhere to be found.

It’s terrible to witness a bad car accident, and not be able to identify the culprit.  This happened to me once.  Out of the corner of my eye in my rear view mirror, I saw an 18 wheeler going at least 60mph suddenly change lanes in front of an SUV. I was stopped in the far left turn lane. The SUV swerved to avoid the truck .  It flipped across the intersection in front of me onto the opposite side of the highway. Thankfully the opposing traffic was stopped at a red light.

The SUV was totaled. The 18 wheeler was long gone. Perhaps the truck driver never even knew he caused a terrible accident in his haste and carelessness. I could only say it was a white truck. Not much evidence to go on, for sure! I could only hope the driver didn’t sustain serious long-term injuries.

If you’ve been in a serious car accident caused by an aggressive driver, please read on!  Don’t just let your insurance company settle for you.

Even the Department of Motor Vehicles admits on their website that the auto insurance adjuster is going to offer you a low settlement fee. It’s their job. They have to watch out for the bottom line of the company they work for — even if it is car insurance you paid for.

However, a serious auto accident can cause a multitude of “hidden” costs over the years such as:

  • Chronic pain
  • Back, neck, and spine issues
  • Eventual surgery
  • Lost hours of work
  • Worry and emotional stress due to pain and financial losses

Worse than a low settlement fee, your insurance company may try to claim your car accident was partially your fault.

If you’ve been the victim of a “run-off-road crash”, this scenario is even more likely.  Let’s hope you have a good, solid witness to your car crash. Aggressive drivers are often hard to catch!

Did you know that a car accident attorney will often take your personal injury case on a contingency fee basis?

This means the lawyer only gets paid if he wins your case. Then he gets a percentage of the settlement.

You owe it to yourself and your family to get the best possible legal outcome if your auto accident was caused by an aggressive driver.  The Law Offices of Nathan  A. Steimel, LLC  has a top rating as car accident attorneys by AVVO.  Don’t hassle with the insurance company! Get expert legal help instead.

Call 636-244-3737 today for a free initial consultation.

This website is designed for general information only. The information presented on this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship