Aggressive driving poses a significant risk to everyone on the road. All aggressive driving is dangerous. However, when a commercial truck driver acts aggressively, the stakes are even higher.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident caused by an aggressive truck driver, you may be entitled to recover significant compensation. However, you need an experienced Chicago truck accident attorney to protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
At Meyers & Flowers, our personal injury attorneys in Chicago have helped recover over $6 billion for our clients. We have the experience, skills, and resources to help you get the justice and compensation you are entitled to. Schedule a free consultation by calling (630) 576-0528 or visiting our contact page.
What Is Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving is any behavior that is done deliberately or with ill intention or disregard for the safety of others. According to AAA, nearly 80 percent of drivers in the United States have expressed aggression while driving at least once in the last 30 days.
While it includes road rage conduct such as cursing, obscene gestures, and threatening other drivers, aggressive driving can also include behavior that is not so obvious. Driving aggressively is a significant contributor to accidents and injuries.
Why Do Truck Drivers Drive Aggressively?
Many truck drivers operate under strict deadlines and often become stressed while driving. Aggressive driving by truckers can be caused by:
- Unreasonable deadlines.
- Driver fatigue.
- Traffic jams that they fear will make them miss their deadlines.
- Poor road conditions.
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Being paid per mile.
- Stress.
- Failing to take adequate rest breaks.
Regardless of the reason, when truck drivers act aggressively, they put their own lives and the lives of other motorists in considerable danger.
What Does Aggressive Driving Look Like?
Aggressive driving takes many forms. Examples of aggressive driving may include:
- Speeding. Aggressive driving, which includes speeding, is a contributing factor in a significant percentage of truck accidents.
- Sudden lane changes. When truck drivers fail to use their turn signals or move into another lane without regard for the other vehicles nearby, they can easily cause a collision.
- Tailgating. There is not much scarier than having a semi-truck right on your bumper. Truck drivers cannot stop or slow down their rigs quickly. When they tailgate, they put the front driver in danger. If the leading driver must stop quickly, the truck is likely to crash into it, causing devastation.
- Running stop signs and red lights. When truck drivers are in a hurry or stressed, they may blow through a stop sign or traffic light, placing everyone in the vicinity at risk.
These are only a few examples of conduct that constitute aggressive driving. However, there are many other ways a truck driver can put others at risk by driving aggressively.
How Aggressive Driving Causes Truck Accidents
Big trucks are more challenging to stop, slow down, and maneuver. When a truck driver fails to drive safely, they can quickly cause an accident. When they speed, they increase the risk of an accident and the force of impact in a collision.
When they tailgate, they may not be able to stop and may crash into the vehicle ahead of them. When they run stop signs, they are more likely to be involved in a crash with another car.
Aggressive driving contributes to accidents regardless of the type of vehicle being driven. However, when truck drivers drive aggressively, the chances of an accident increase, and the severity of injuries is often significantly greater.
How an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Truck accident claims are often complex, involving multiple parties, attorneys, and insurance companies. You need the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer to protect your rights. At Meyers & Flowers, our truck accident lawyers have the experience and knowledge to help you recover maximum compensation. Call us today at (630) 576-0528 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation.