In Florida, you can be cited for reckless driving if you operate your vehicle in a manner that “demonstrates a willful or wanton disregard for safety.” Reckless driving can carry a felony penalty if the accident resulted in serious bodily injury. However, Florida has a statute (316.1923) for aggressive careless driving. To be cited for this, you must have engaged in “two or more traffic offenses at the same time or one after the other.”
For example, if you commit just one traffic offense such as speeding or tailgating, you are likely to be charged with careless driving. However, if you commit two violations together such as tailgating and then passing in a dangerous, improper way, you’re likely to be cited for aggressive careless driving. Because aggressive careless driving involves multiple offenses, each one has to be established in a personal injury claim. 
Aggressive Rideshare Drivers
Any driver who operates a vehicle in an aggressive manner can cause a serious and/or fatal accident. This includes aggressive rideshare drivers. These drivers may feel pressed for time or want to get in as many rides as possible and drive aggressively to meet their commitments or make additional money. Aggressive driving is dangerous, puts the lives of others at risk, and is against the law. Some common examples of aggressive driving include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Failing to yield
- Not obeying traffic signals or signs
- Passing or changing lanes without using signals
- Cutting off other drivers
Many of these aggressive actions result in accidents that can cause injury or death. If you were injured as a result of aggressive driving, contact an attorney as soon as possible to help ensure fair compensation.
If You Were Injured in a Rideshare Accident
If you were injured in an accident due to an aggressive rideshare driver, there are several things to do that can help with your personal injury claim. These include:
- Get medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident, no matter how minor they may seem.
- Call the police and file a report. Be sure to get a copy of the police report.
- If you are able to stay at the scene, gather evidence from the accident including photos, witness information, and driver contact information. You may want to write down details from the accident regarding anything you remember about the aggressive driver’s behavior leading up to the crash.
- Report the driver to the rideshare company, so they are aware of the accident and that the driver was involved.
- Don’t speak to any insurance companies until you have contacted an accident attorney.
How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Case
In order to receive compensation for damages from the rideshare accident, you need to prove that the rideshare driver’s aggressive driving was the cause of the crash. This can sometimes be a challenge, so having an experienced lawyer to help with your claim is important for ensuring you get the full compensation you deserve. A lawyer can do the following:
- Investigate the accident by gathering evidence to determine cause and liability
- Negotiate and communicate with insurance companies
- Determine the full value of your case
- Protect your legal rights
Some possible damages you may recover after a rideshare accident are:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Loss of past and future income earnings
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
If you have been injured in an accident due to an aggressive driver and have questions, contact Browning Law Firm for a free, no obligation consultation. To schedule an appointment, fill out our online contact form, or call us today.
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