Numerous actions while behind the wheel of a car could be described as aggressive driving. In some cases, a speeding motorist might be aggressive as she operates around the Phoenix area. In others, a tailgating driver may be aggressive as that tailgater looks to hurry up and rush even though other cars are present on the roads. At times, a driver who attempts to pass another in an area with opposing traffic present may also be considered aggressive.
The term aggressive driving may be synonymous in the minds of many with road rage but in fact, the two are legally defined actions under the state laws of Arizona. There can be overlap in these categories and in some instances, a driver’s actions may be either aggressive driving or road rage in addition to being another violation of the traffic or criminal code, like running a red light or driving under the influence of alcohol. Police officers in Phoenix have been watching for and identifying these dangerous actions for some time in an effort to stop the offenders and to promote safety on the streets but not every driver is stopped before a collision occurs. When a crash happens and a victim is injured, that victim is guaranteed certain protections under the laws and may be able to obtain a financial settlement for his or her suffering. Speaking with a personal injury attorney in Phoenix is a good place to begin if you have been hurt and you have questions about your legal options and your legal rights.
A deadly car accident happened in Gilbert on Sunday and police suspect that street racing may have placed a role in the impact. Two cars collided after one side-swiped the other near the intersection of Higley Road and Ocotillo Road in the afternoon. The impact caused one driver to lose control of his vehicle which left the road’s surface and rolled over into a nearby wash, killing a 20-year-old male passenger inside that car. The 24-year-old male driver of that vehicle survived as did the 16-year-old male driver of the second vehicle.
Witness reports indicate that both vehicles were traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the collision and that it appeared that the people inside the cars knew one another as they talked at stop lights. At this time, police are trying to determine whether street racing played a role in this crash or whether anyone acted in a negligent manner before the collision happened, potentially leading to charges for that person.
There is no amount of compensation that can ever be considered adequate when a loved one loses his or her life but the laws in Arizona allow surviving family members of these victims to seek relief. This relief can help a family move forward with their lives by providing payment that can cover things like lost wages due to the loved one’s passing, pain and suffering experienced by the family, and loss of companionship due to the death.
The personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. have experience helping families who have lost loved ones to traffic accidents and if your family has been affected or if you have been injured, we want to help you as well. We believe that everyone should understand their rights before trying to settle a claim so we offer a free case consultation without any obligation to all victims and their families who call us toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we put the interests of our clients first so we have a licensed lawyer available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call and to speak with you.
If an accident has changed your life, do not allow yourself to continue suffering without relief. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Car Crash Allegedly Caused by Driver Running Red Light in Surprise, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published April 6, 2015.
Resource:
Man, 20, killed in Gilbert rollover crash, by Jennifer Thomas, azfamily.com, published April 6, 2015.