Aggressive driving crashes in Scranton represent some of the most preventable yet devastating traffic incidents on our roads. When drivers show road rage, speed excessively, or drive dangerously on I-81, I-380, or downtown Scranton, crashes can happen. These collisions often lead to serious injuries because of the reckless actions involved.
Unlike typical traffic accidents caused by momentary inattention, aggressive driving involves conscious decisions to endanger other motorists through hostile and reckless behaviors. These cases require specialized legal expertise to prove the intentional nature of the conduct. This helps car accident victims obtain more compensation for their injuries.
The skilled Scranton car accident attorneys at Munley Law can build cases that hold dangerous drivers responsible. If you were injured by an aggressive driver, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Types of Aggressive Driving in Scranton, PA
Aggressive driving is more than just traffic violations. It includes a pattern of hostile actions that shows an apparent disregard for the safety of other drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines aggressive driving as a driver breaking several traffic laws. These actions can put people and property at risk. However, aggressive driving includes even more dangerous behavior.
Some common types of aggressive driving include:
- Road Rage: Road rage is a very hazardous type of aggressive driving. It occurs when strong feelings about another driver’s actions lead to angry behavior.
- Intentional Intimidation Tactics: Brake checking, blocking lanes, failing to yield, and swerving at other vehicles are all types of intimidation. These behaviors demonstrate a clear intent to cause fear or harm.
- Excessive Speed: Drivers speed to show anger, feel in control, or retaliate against others for perceived insults. This purposeful speeding creates higher car crash risks and injury severity.
The psychology behind aggressive driving often involves underlying anger issues or stress responses. Understanding these behavioral patterns becomes critical for legal cases seeking to prove intentional misconduct rather than simple negligence.
Speak with a Scranton aggressive driving accident lawyer.
Proving Aggressive Driving in Scranton Car Accident Cases
You must show that crashes came from intentional, dangerous actions to obtain compensation in aggressive driving cases. This difference is important for deciding who is at fault and for possible higher damage awards.
Proof that shows aggressive driving was the cause of your car accident in Scranton includes:
- Witness Testimony: Multiple witnesses often observe aggressive driving over extended periods, providing evidence of intentional, dangerous conduct beyond momentary mistakes or inattention.
- Vehicle Data and Technology Evidence: GPS tracking, vehicle speed recordings, and even social media posts documenting dangerous driving behaviors can reveal aggressive driving patterns.
- Traffic Camera and Surveillance Footage: Video footage benefits aggressive driving cases. These recordings often show a series of dangerous actions, not just the final crash. Multiple camera angles can show deliberate swerving, brake checking, or other hostile actions.
- Criminal Charges or Citations: When police issue tickets for aggressive driving, these records can be used to seek higher damages.
- Prior Incidents: Previous citations, complaints, or legal actions can establish intentional, dangerous driving patterns that support current punitive damages claims.
What Compensation Can I Receive Following an Aggressive Driving Accident in Scranton?
Aggressive driving cases often lead to higher damage awards than regular negligence claims, such as a distracted driving accident. This is because the behavior puts others in danger on purpose. Pennsylvania law recognizes that deliberate, dangerous behavior warrants stronger punishment and higher victim compensation.
Much like a drunk driving accident, you may get extra compensation for pain and suffering after a car accident. This is true when the driver’s actions show an apparent disregard for the safety of others. Road rage incidents, intentional ramming, or deliberate intimidation can lead to punitive damages. These damages aim to punish and stop such behavior.
Reckless conduct standards apply when aggressive drivers consciously choose dangerous behaviors despite knowing the risks. This higher liability standard can increase compensation and eliminate certain insurance coverage defenses that apply only to ordinary negligence.
Insurance coverage complications may arise when aggressive driving involves intentional acts outside standard auto insurance coverage. However, alternative coverage sources and creative legal arguments can often preserve compensation opportunities despite coverage challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aggressive Driving
Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer Following an Aggressive Car Crash?
No, do not accept the insurance company’s first offer. The first settlement is always less than what your case is worth, especially in an aggressive driving accident. Instead, speak with an experienced Scranton car accident lawyer to review the offer and tell you how much your case is worth.
What If the Aggressive Driver Claims I Provoked Them?
Unfortunately, this is usually a common defense strategy. But even if you made a driving error or honked your horn, there is no legal excuse for causing an accident.
What If the Aggressive Driver’s Insurance Company is Blaming Me?
This is a common tactic used by insurance companies to avoid paying for their client’s behavior. If the insurance company is blaming you for the accident, contact our Scranton office right away to discuss your next steps.
If the Driver is Criminally Charged, How Does That Affect My Personal Injury Case?
A criminal conviction or guilty plea is strong evidence of fault in your civil case. It acts as an admission of wrongdoing that is hard for the driver or their insurance company to challenge. However, your civil case doesn’t have to wait for the criminal case to conclude. You can move forward even if no criminal charges are filed or if the driver is found not guilty. This is because civil cases require less proof.
How Quickly Do I Need to File a Claim After an Aggressive Driving Accident?
Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations is clear: you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file a lawsuit in that time, you will not be able to collect compensation. But the sooner you speak with a Scranton auto accident lawyer about your case, the better your chances are for a successful claim.
Choosing Munley Law for Your Scranton Aggressive Driving Accident
Aggressive driving cases need an experienced Scranton personal injury attorney from Munley Law. Our car accident attorneys understand the psychology behind these actions. We know how to prove intentional misconduct in Lackawanna County courts. Munley Law’s Scranton aggressive driving attorneys have successfully handled complex cases involving road rage, intentional intimidation, and deliberate dangerous driving throughout Lackawanna County.
Our team works with traffic psychology experts, digital forensics specialists, and behavioral analysts who can document the intentional nature of aggressive driving conduct. We understand distinguishing between ordinary negligence and deliberate endangerment, building cases supporting enhanced damage awards.
Munley Law has extensive experience pursuing punitive damages and enhanced compensation in intentional misconduct cases. We can overcome insurance coverage challenges to maximize victim compensation and coordinate criminal restitution with civil damage awards.
Our Scranton car injury lawyers know how these cases can cause psychological trauma. They work with mental health experts to show the full impact of being targeted by dangerous drivers.
If you’ve been injured by an aggressive driver in Scranton, contact Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case. We will explain how we can seek better compensation for the actions that caused your injuries.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on August 29, 2025.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
227 Penn Ave.
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 865-4699
Get Directions
