Before we head out, we’re often told “be careful out there” or “watch out for crazy drivers.” You can do all you can to protect yourself, like buying a car with advanced safety features and wearing your seatbelt, but virtually nothing can protect you from a deranged driver. This is especially true when the aggressive driver is operating an 18-wheeler, big-rig, or tractor-trailer.
It’s unfortunate but true that many truck drivers don’t respect the rights of other roadways users. Truck drivers have a responsibility to obey traffic laws and drive in a reasonably safe and attentive manner at all times. An aggressive truck driver has the ability to end someone’s life or almost certainly disable someone. At Sutliff & Stout, our Houston truck collision lawyers will handle your legal matter from start to finish and obtain the compensation necessary to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
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What Actions and Behaviors Constitute Aggressive Truck Driving in Houston?
The decisions we make behind the wheel directly affect those around us. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as a compilation of behaviors, actions, and moving violations committed by a driver that puts others on the road at risk. Some attributes typical of aggressive drivers include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Blocking other cars from passing
- Cutting off others and slowing down
- Flashing headlights
- Braking excessively
- Running stop lights and signs
Occasionally, aggressive driving can intensify into cursing at drivers, forcing them off the road, or using weapons as intimidation—all of which are examples of road rage. Although there is currently no specific “aggressive driving” law in Texas, drivers who are cited for moving violations connected to aggressive behavior may face fines up to $200 and possible jail time.
TACT Program Targets Aggressive Truck Drivers
In response to the rising rate of accidents, fatalities, and injuries caused by unsafe driving practices, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched a program designed to sensitize passenger and commercial vehicle drivers to the dangers of aggressive driving. Some of the other dangerous driving actions outlined in the TACT program include:
- Improper lane changes
- Following too close
- Failing to use a signal when merging lane
- Not yielding the right of way
- Driving too fast for traffic conditions
Through a combination of marketing efforts, targeted enforcement, and education, the goal of TACT is to significantly lower the number of accidents involving truck drivers.
Get Justice after a Houston Aggressive Truck Driver Crash
Aggressive truck drivers must be held liable for their actions. Many passenger drivers already find it difficult driving next to trucks, and when truck drivers act recklessly, drivers tend to feel overly nervous and lose focus on the road. When this happens, a serious accident can occur, causing innocent people to sustain life-threatening injuries.
To recover compensation for your losses, you must prove that the truck driver’s negligence caused the crash. You’ll need to show evidence that demonstrates the driver’s aggressiveness. For instance, a skilled truck accident lawyer will examine the truck driver’s operating schedule to determine if the driver may have been overworked. The driver may have been agitated and, as a result, drove in a frustrated manner. In such a case, you may be able to hold the truck driver’s company responsible for your accident. Whatever the case may be, you can trust that Sutliff & Stout will find and preserve fact-based evidence to prove liability.
Sutliff & Stout Can Help with Your Aggressive Truck Driver Case
When an aggressive truck driver brings you harm, you need an aggressive truck accident attorney to protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve. The legal team at Sutliff & Stout has a long and successful history representing those who have been wrongfully injured in Houston. We understand the various laws and regulations that apply to commercial truck drivers, and more importantly, we know where to look and what is needed to prove the elements of your case.
At Sutliff & Stout, we believe that you should never settle for less than you deserve after suffering serious injuries caused by an aggressive truck driver. The price tag on pain is limitless, and that’s why we fight for your future. We don’t settle cases until a full and fair offer is brought to the table. When insurance companies fail to act reasonably, we’ll be ready for your day in court. Get your question answers and discover more about your case today by reaching our Board-Certified attorneys at 713-987-7111 or complete our contact form to request a free consultation.