In California, aggressive driving that results in rapid lane changes and multiple vehicle impacts can lead to serious personal injury claims. The at-fault driver may be held liable for negligence or recklessness, and their behavior could even support claims for punitive damages due to the willful disregard for others’ safety.
⚖️ Legal Grounds: Aggressive Driving & Civil Liability
1. Violation of California Vehicle Code § 23103 – Reckless Driving
This law prohibits driving:
“…in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
Aggressive lane changing, tailgating, cutting off other drivers, or weaving through traffic at high speeds often qualifies as reckless driving, which can support a finding of negligence per se in a civil case.
2. Negligence in Multi-Vehicle Accidents
To establish liability, a personal injury plaintiff must show:
- The driver had a duty of care
- The driver breached that duty (e.g., by driving aggressively)
- The breach caused injuries and damages
If rapid lane changes by one driver cause others to swerve, brake suddenly, or collide, that driver can be held fully or partially responsible for all downstream impacts—even if their vehicle was not directly involved in each one.
📄 Evidence to Prove Aggressive Driving
- Dashcam footage from your vehicle or others
- Traffic camera footage
- Witness statements (other drivers or passengers)
- Police report describing the behavior (e.g., unsafe lane changes, high speed)
- Expert testimony (accident reconstruction)
- 911 recordings or citations for reckless/aggressive driving
🔥 Punitive Damages
If the driver’s conduct was egregious or willfully dangerous, such as:
- Road rage
- Excessive speeding while weaving
- Repeated unsafe lane changes
…the court may award punitive damages under Civil Code § 3294, which are meant to punish and deter such behavior.
💰 Recoverable Damages in California
Victims of aggressive driving accidents can claim compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (in reckless cases)
⏳ Statute of Limitations
- 2 years from the date of injury (Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1)
- 6 months if the claim involves a government agency or public roadway design (e.g., if lack of signage or road conditions contributed)
✅ What to Do After an Aggressive Driving Crash
- Call 911 and request medical assistance
- Report the incident and request a police report
- Document the scene with photos and videos
- Get contact info from witnesses
- Preserve dashcam footage
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
How To Schedule A Consultation:
Please call us at 909-848-8448 to schedule a free consultation/case evaluation or complete the form immediately below. [Please note certain formalities must be completed to retain the Law Offices of James R. Dickinson, such as the signing of a legal fee agreement [see “Disclaimers”]].