WASHINGTON, D.C. AGGRESSIVE DRIVING CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Washington DC Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyer

Aggressive drivers are the bane of a motorist's existence. And, on Washington DC roadways, it seems like we have more than our fair share. Aggressive drivers make life difficult for commuters, and they cause a huge number of car accidents on DC streets.

But you can hold these aggressive drivers accountable! If you have been injured due to the reckless and negligent actions of an aggressive driver in the District of Columbia, speak to a DC Car Accident Lawyer today, and we will help you understand your rights. We will fight for the compensation that you deserve. Call today for a free consultation in DC, and everywhere in the DMV.

What is Aggressive Driving in DC?

According to DC law, it is the "willful or wanton disregard for the rights and safety of others." A person who is found guilty of reckless driving is breaking the law, as well as violating of the rules of the road.

Generally, a driver can also be charged with Aggravated Reckless driving, if the driver also commits additional crimes, such as:

1. Operating the vehicle over 30 miles an hour over the speed limit

2. Causing bodily harm or permanent disability to another person

3. Causing property damage and excess of $1,000 (per DC Code 50-2201.04(b-1)

A conviction of aggravated reckless driving, on a first offense, is not merely breaking traffic law, which is punishable by a ticket, but the aggressive driver can be arrested and, if convicted of a misdemeanor, also be sentenced for up to 90 days.

Aggressive driving takes on many forms, but it is relatively easy to recognize. Aggressive driving usually stems from a driver who feels frustrated or otherwise slighted, due to real or perceived actions that have happened on the roadway, involving other motorists. Aggressive drivers endanger themselves, their passengers, and all other drivers on the highway.

Some examples of reckless driving include some of the following driving patterns and behaviors:

• Making offensive hand signs

• Yelling at other drivers

• Disregarding traffic control devices such as stop lights and stop signs

• Shoulder passing

• Tailgating

• Speeding

• Chasing another vehicle

• Passing recklessly/passing too close to another vehicle

• Changing lanes without signaling

• Failing to allow other vehicles to merge

• Honking unnecessarily

• Braking in the middle of the roadway

• Brake-checking

• Intentionally blocking traffic

• Throwing objects at other vehicles

• Displaying weapons

• Running a vehicle off the roadway

Another driver acting improperly, and aggressively, is dangerous. If you are around an aggressive driver, you need to call 911 right away. If you have been hurt after a car accident caused by an aggressive driver, then call the Washington DC aggressive driving accident lawyers at Blaszkow Legal so we can begin fighting for you today.

Washington DC Aggressive Driving Statute: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/50-2201.04

Investigating Washington DC Aggressive Driving Accidents

As soon as you retain Blaszkow Legal to fight for you, we set our team to work figuring out exactly what happened, and locating the evidence that we will need to prove the other driver's negligence, recklessness, and aggressive acts. Always remember that you, as the claimant, have a duty to prove your case, not merely to make allegations.

As part of our investigation, we will always review the scene of the crash. In some instances, this involves sending one of our investigators to the location of the accident, and taking photos as well as scene measurements. While inspecting the scene, we will also attempt to locate camera footage.

Camera footage is one of the best pieces of evidence that we can find in any case, and it is doubly helpful and aggressive driving car accident cases. Surveillance cameras come from many locations, such as gas stations, residential buildings, banks, atms, and even the ring doorbell cameras on private residences.

Locating and preserving this footage is paramount, since camera footage does not last forever. It has to be specifically preserved, or the systems that record the footage will overwrite, over time.

Car Insurance Claims and Washington DC Aggressive Driving Accidents

If you have been hurt due to the negligence, recklessness, and aggressive actions of another motorist, you have the right to file a claim for your damages. However, the insurance companies, through their insurance adjusters, work very hard to either minimize your claim, or deny it entirely. Dealing with insurance companies is never easy, and that is one of the main reasons you need an experienced car accident lawyer fighting on your side.

Insurance companies will utilize several tactics in handling these claims to begin undermining your case. Here are some of the most common tactics they use:

• Using your words against you. Insurance adjusters are very well-trained by an industry that takes in billions, and pays out little. They specifically hire people who sound pleasant and empathetic on the phone, but are actually working to cut you off at the knees. They will lull you into a false sense of security and concern, and convince you to make a recorded statement, that they can then use against you.

• Alleging contributory negligence. Washington DC is a jurisdiction that, for the most part, follows a legal concept known as contributory negligence. Contributory negligence in Washington DC means that if you are even 1% responsible for the happening of the accident, then you cannot recover. If the insurance companies are able to allege that you are partially at fault for the accident, they will simply deny your claim.

• Lowball settlement offers. If insurance companies believe that they are ultimately liable for their insured conduct, they will often make initial settlement offers. Initial settlement offers from insurance companies are usually ridiculously low, and very rarely, if ever, represent the fair value of a client's case. Insurance companies are under no obligation, or legal requirement, to tell you everything that you are entitled to claim. If you only claim X, and they offer you X, and pay you X, then you have waived the rest of your claim. Never speak to an insurance company, and never accept a settlement offer, without having your case reviewed by an attorney!

Pursuing an Aggressive Driving Car Accident Case in Washington, DC

Most car accident cases do not have to go to court. In fact, over 80% of the car accident cases that we work in Washington DC are able to be resolved without any litigation. However, it is important for insurance companies to know that you are ready, willing, and able to go to court, and to hold their driver responsible for his or her negligence. We make sure that the insurance companies know this by applying the Blaszkow Legal Method to every case. The Blaszkow Legal Method means that we prepare your case for litigation, from the moment you call the office. When the insurance companies deal with Glasgow legal, they know that they are not dealing with a law firm that is afraid to fight. Unfortunately, there are a lot of car accident law firms that do not take cases to trial.

There are some tactical considerations when determining when to file a lawsuit. Aggressive driving case is often have underlying criminal cases. Even if your treatment is over and settlement negotiations are not going anywhere, it may not make sense to file your lawsuit yet, until the underlying criminal case is completed. If a defendant, that is the person who causes the accident, pleads guilty in court, that admission can be admitted and used against him in the civil trial.

A car accident attorney may recommend litigation in a client's case for one of two main reasons:

1. The at-fault party's car insurance company is denying liability, or

2. The at-fault party's car insurance has accepted liability, but is refusing/failing to give you fair value for your damages (injuries, expenses, etc)

Contact an Experienced Washington DC Aggressive Driving Accident Attorney Today

Insurance companies are never on your side. They will do whatever they can to pay you as little money as possible, or to pay you nothing at all. Blaszkow Legal will stand up and fight the insurance companies, and hold aggressive drivers accountable for their actions. Don't let the the big insurance companies stall you, delay you, and play games with you. Fight for your right to compensation with a Washington DC Personal Injury Lawyer!

Call Blaszkow Legal today, at 703-879-5910, and let us negotiate with the insurance companies to get you everything that you are entitled to.

Remember, talking to a car accident lawyer is free! There is no upfront cost, and all personal injury consultations are free. We don't get paid unless you collect money!