Florida Speeding / Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyer

Speeding is a dangerous driving behavior, yet one that has become a norm among US drivers, says the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). In 2020 alone, about a third (29 percent) of all traffic fatalities involved at least one speeding driver.

Speeding in itself is a concern, but it is also part of a broader problem known as “aggressive driving.” In Florida law enforcement, speeding means exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions. Aggressive driving, meanwhile, means driving in a reckless manner or driving with multiple dangerous actions. These actions may include speeding, following too closely (tailgating), failing to yield, passing improperly, running red lights or stop signs, and more.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also defines aggressive driving is “committing a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.”

Florida is one of 15 states that have adopted statutes against aggressive driving. The Florida law says any two of the offenses above constitutes aggressive driving. However, Florida law also has a statute classifying “aggressive driving” as an unenforceable offense. Instead of facing an aggressive driving charge, violators are cited for specific offenses, such as speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield.

Speeding and aggressive driving are irresponsible behaviors. If they cause a car accident that harms you or kills a family member, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses.

Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, helps speeding / aggressive driving accident victims and their families across South Florida and the Treasure Coast, including Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, Palm Beach and Vero Beach. For a free consultation, contact us today at our toll-free number or complete our online contact form.

Aggressive Driving Causes Florida Car Accidents 

Under Florida law, “aggressive careless driving” means either 1) operating a motor vehicle in a reckless or erratic manner, or 2) committing two or more of the following acts simultaneously or in succession:

• Exceeding the posted speed
• Running a red light
• Running a stop sign
• Unsafely or improperly changing lanes
• Following another vehicle too closely (tailgating)
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Improper passing
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Violating traffic control and signal devices.

The GHSA has called for states to treat speeding and aggressive driving with the same law enforcement emphasis as they put on impaired driving (drunk and drugged driving) and occupant protection (seat belt, child safety seats) enforcement.

Unfortunately, speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors have been increasing in Florida in recent years. In 2021, the Sunshine State saw a total of 540 traffic deaths from speeding and aggressive driving. In comparison, there were only 415 such fatalities in 2020 and only 384 in 2019.

The FLHSMV report lists the following among “contributing causes of drivers in crashes” during 2021:

• Exceeded posted speed limit – 198 fatal crashes, 222 incapacitating injury crashes, 524 other injury crashes
• Improper lane change – 316 fatal crashes, 988 incapacitating injury crashes, and 2,876 other injury crashes
• Followed too closely – 10 fatal crashes, 268 incapacitating injury crashes, and 3,213 other injury crashes
• Failed to yield right-of-way – 474 fatal crashes, 3,105 incapacitating injury crashes, and 15,649 other injury crashes
• Improper passing – 52 fatal crashes, 184 incapacitating injury crashes, and 528 other injury crashes
• Ran a red light – 97 fatal crashes, 781 incapacitating injury crashes, and 3,865 other injury crashes.

Regardless of how aggressive driving is labeled, when drivers operate their vehicles in a careless and reckless manner, they should be held accountable for the harm they cause.

People who have been hurt because of aggressive driving have a right to seek compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost wages and other losses. After a fatal aggressive driving accident, the deceased’s family might seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.

Contact a Florida Speeding / Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyer Today 

At Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, we help victims of Florida speeding / aggressive driving accidents recover from their injuries and losses. When a driver chooses to exceed safe speeds or otherwise drive aggressively and recklessly and causes injury or death, those who have been harmed deserve to be made whole financially.

The speeding / aggressive driving attorneys of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, are dedicated to helping Florida residents who have suffered because of other drivers’ recklessness. If you or a loved one has been injured because of speeding or other kinds of aggressive driving, or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by an aggressive driver, you may have a right to compensation for your injuries and losses.

Since 1975, Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney has investigated the circumstances of thousands of auto accidents on behalf of clients in South Florida and have offices in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Okeechobee, Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach. If you’ve been hurt, Philip DeBerard is on your side.

Contact us today by calling our toll-free number or using our online contact form. You can put our Florida speeding / aggressive driving accident lawyers to work on your case immediately.