Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer
Las Vegas Aggressive Driving Lawyer
20 years of legal experience. 20 years of exceptional results.
Table of Contents
Speak With a Las Vegas Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyer TodayWhat Is Aggressive Driving in Las Vegas?Common Aggressive Driving Behaviors That Cause Accidents in Las VegasWhy We Win Aggressive Driving ClaimsHigh-Risk Locations for Aggressive Driving Accidents in Las VegasInjuries Commonly Caused by Aggressive DriversWho Can Be Held Liable After an Aggressive Driving AccidentCriminal Penalties for Aggressive Driving in NevadaFrequently Asked Questions About Aggressive Driving in Las Vegas
Speak With a Las Vegas Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyer Today
When involved in an aggressive or reckless driving accident, the path to fair compensation is one that is filled with a complicated legal process, hostile insurance companies, and unexpected events.
Luckily, this path can be made easy for you and your family when you choose to work with an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney from the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm.
Our law firm has spent over 20 years helping accident victims win their personal injury cases and secure rightful compensation, and you can be the next when you schedule a free consultation with our firm by calling (702) 566-3600.
What Is Aggressive Driving in Las Vegas?
Aggressive driving in Las Vegas is described in Nevada Revised Statutes 484B.650 as a pattern of dangerous behaviors that occur within one mile of driving that pose hazards to other road users. Common dangerous driving behaviors that aggressive drivers commit include:
- Speeding continuously for more than a mile
- Tailgating another vehicle
- Not yielding the right of way
- Running red lights or ignoring traffic signals
These violations can influence how your personal injury claim is handled and negotiated.
How Nevada Law Defines Aggressive Driving
Nevada law describes aggressive driving as engaging in behaviors that create an immediate hazard to others within one mile of driving. If you violate traffic laws while driving aggressively, you may face these consequences:
- Up to six months in county jail
- Fines ranging from $250 to $2,000
- Potential license suspension or revocation
Aggressive Driving vs. Road Rage
While aggressive driving involves breaking traffic rules in a way that endangers others, road rage involves more serious actions like intentional threats or acts of violence against someone. The main difference is that road rage aims to harm others.
Road rage can lead to criminal charges, whereas aggressive driving usually just results in traffic tickets.
Common Aggressive Driving Behaviors That Cause Accidents in Las Vegas
Aggressive driving endangers all drivers on Las Vegas roads. If you've been in a reckless driving car accident, understanding what led to the collision can strengthen your civil claim. Common aggressive driving behaviors include:
- Continual speeding beyond the posted speed limit
- Unsafe and sudden lane changes that cut off other drivers
- Following other vehicles too closely
- Ignoring traffic signals at intersections
These actions by a reckless or aggressive driver can lead to car accidents, causing serious injuries and vehicle damage to accident victims. If an aggressive driver injured you, you may be able to seek compensation for medical bills and lost wages by working with our Las Vegas reckless driving attorney.
Excessive Speeding and Unsafe Lane Changes
Negligent drivers who speed excessively reduce their reaction time, increase stopping distances, and raise the risk of a collision. Aggressive drivers who make unsafe lane changes also threaten everyone's safety by reducing the space between vehicles and acting unpredictably.
If you were injured in a Las Vegas car accident caused by these behaviors, you may have grounds to seek compensation for your injuries.
Tailgating and Following Too Closely
Following too closely is a dangerous driving behavior that can result in a rear-end vehicle accident, which in Las Vegas accounts for about 40% of all crashes, with many occurring at busy intersections and highway ramps.
When a negligent driver follows too closely, their lack of stopping distance greatly increases the risk and severity of injury to you.
Running Red Lights and Ignoring Traffic Signals
When an aggressive driver ignores traffic signals, they put both drivers and pedestrians at risk. Negligent drivers who ignore traffic signals may be distracted, impaired by drugs or alcohol, or engaging in road rage.
Cutting Off Other Drivers
Cutting off other drivers is a type of aggressive driving where a driver abruptly and closely changes lanes in front of another vehicle, often without using their turn signal.
This usually causes the driver who got cut off to brake suddenly and hard to avoid rear-ending the driver who cut them off. On busy roads, this sudden braking can result in a chain reaction of vehicles braking unexpectedly, making an overall dangerous situation.
Why We Win Aggressive Driving Claims
For over 20 years, we have helped people injured by others' negligent actions in Nevada pursue and secure the financial compensation they deserve. Those 20 years of experience have fine-tuned our law firm in:
- Insurance Negotiations: We have spoken with every major insurance company hundreds of times and know how each operates, directly benefiting our clients in negotiations.
- Case Building: Even in aggressive and reckless driving accidents where fault may seem clear-cut, our attorneys still build the strongest case possible to ensure not a dollar of our client's compensation is lost
- Client Relationships: Our attorneys always keep a personal relationship with clients to fully understand their wants and issues.
- No Upfront Costs: Our firm won't charge a dollar upfront to accident victims looking for our help to file a claim. Additionally, we won't charge anything unless we win your case.
If you are ready to work with our law firm or want to learn more, we offer a free consultation that can be scheduled by calling (702) 566-3600.
High-Risk Locations for Aggressive Driving Accidents in Las Vegas
Las Vegas has several high-risk roadways and highways where aggressive behavior is more likely to occur. The I-15 highway, especially during rush hour, can be very dangerous, as heavy traffic often leads to road rage and reckless driving. Tourist-heavy zones also present risks, as unfamiliar drivers navigate vehicle- and pedestrian-loaded streets.
Intersections, such as Flamingo Road and Rainbow Boulevard, Sahara Avenue and Eastern Avenue, and Charleston Boulevard and Lamb Boulevard, are among the most common intersections for aggressive driving.
If your accident occurred in any of these areas, the experienced car accident lawyers at The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm are here to help build your case, handle negotiations, and secure a fair settlement.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Aggressive Drivers
Injuries from a reckless driver can affect you both physically and emotionally. Some common injuries are:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Psychological trauma from road rage
In severe cases, these accidents can result in wrongful death vehicle accidents, which occur when someone sustains fatal injuries due to someone else's negligence.
Physical Injuries
When an aggressive driver causes a high-impact collision, the physical injuries can be severe and devastating. Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase stopping distance, which can lead to a greater force of impact. As a result, you might suffer multiple bone fractures, internal injuries, or deep lacerations.
If a reckless driver is found to be at fault, you can be compensated for the medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress these injuries cause.
Long-Term Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Encounters with an aggressive driver can leave you with real psychological trauma. You might develop conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression, which can affect your daily life and relationships. Pursuing maximum compensation can help cover the costs associated with your mental health recovery.
Who Can Be Held Liable After an Aggressive Driving Accident
After a reckless driving accident, the aggressive driver who caused your injuries is usually liable for your damages, and their insurance company is responsible for covering your losses. However, liability isn't always limited to just one party. In some cases, other people might be financially accountable.
For example, if the reckless driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer could also be liable. Understanding who can be held responsible in your civil case is important for getting the compensation you deserve.
When the At-Fault Driver Bears Full Responsibility
When a reckless driver causes a collision in their vehicle solely due to their actions, they will usually be responsible for any damages and injuries. Their liability can be established by your legal team through evidence such as:
- A police report
- Dashcam footage
- Skid marks
Third-Party Liability in Aggressive Driving Cases
Beyond the aggressive driver, other parties may share liability in your case. Identifying these parties can expand your access to insurance companies and increase your potential compensation. Common third parties include:
- A trucking or rideshare company if their employee caused the accident
- A government entity if road defects contributed to the crash
- An auto repair shop if faulty repairs played a role
Exploring third-party liability can help you gain better access to insurance companies and increase your compensation.
Criminal Penalties for Aggressive Driving in Nevada
Drivers who engage in aggressive driving can face a misdemeanor charge. This charge can be elevated to a felony if serious injuries or damages are involved.
Criminal charges can negatively affect a driver's civil claim, as they give the defense and the insurance company something to argue and can reduce compensation.
Criminal Penalties for Aggressive Driving Convictions
Under Nevada law, an aggressive driver can be tried in criminal court and face increasing penalties. For a first offense, a driver might get up to 6 months in jail and pay fines between $250 and $1,000. If they are caught being aggressive a second time, the fines go up to $1,000 and $1,500. For a third and subsequent offense, fines go up to $2,000.
Driving aggressively in a work or pedestrian safety zone will result in doubled fines.
How Criminal Charges Affect Your Civil Injury Claim
A criminal conviction for aggressive driving serves as conclusive evidence of liability under NRS 41.133, which weakens the convicted person's personal injury case.
Additionally, a criminal charge usually puts a person above the 51% fault threshold, preventing them from seeking a settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aggressive Driving in Las Vegas
What Compensation Can I Recover After Being Injured by an Aggressive Driver in Las Vegas?
Our personal injury attorneys can assist you in obtaining compensation for various damages resulting from a car crash with an aggressive driver. These damages can cover medical expenses, future medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Even if you were partly at fault, you might still receive compensation as long as your responsibility is less than 51%.
How Do I Prove That a Driver Was Driving Aggressively in a Nevada Personal Injury Case?
To prove that an aggressive driver caused your injuries, gather evidence such as dashcam footage, police reports, and witness statements. Use the evidence to show that the driver violated NRS 484B.650, which can support your negligence claim even if no ticket was issued.
How Long Do I Have to File an Aggressive Driving Accident Claim in Las Vegas?
In Nevada, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim against an aggressive driver. If your injuries were not immediately noticeable, the discovery rule can extend your deadline to when they were reasonably discovered. For minors, the two-year period begins at age 18.
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