Personal Injury Home Car Accidents Aggressive Driver Accident

Colorado Springs Aggressive Driver Accident Lawyer

Written by Timothy R. Bussey · Reviewed by Benjamin Wilcox · Last updated 3 September 2026

Key Takeaways

Deadline: 3 years if a motor vehicle was involved (C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)); 2 years for most other injury claims (C.R.S. 13-80-102).
If you were partly at fault: damages are reduced by your share and barred entirely at 50% (C.R.S. 13-21-111).
Where it is filed: El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Is road rage a criminal offence in Colorado?

It can be, and that matters to your civil claim in a specific way.

There is no offence called "road rage" — the conduct is charged as reckless driving, careless driving, harassment, menacing or assault depending on what happened. A criminal charge does not decide the civil case, but the investigation produces evidence a civil claimant could not easily obtain, and deliberate conduct opens the door to exemplary damages that ordinary negligence does not.

What should I do if I am the victim of road rage?

Do not engage, and do not drive home.

Call 911 while it is happening, give the plate and direction, and drive to a police station or a busy public place rather than to your own address. Once you are safe: preserve the dashcam file before it is overwritten, photograph the vehicle damage, and get the names of other drivers who saw it — a road-rage case is won on the pattern of conduct in the minutes before impact, and independent witnesses are what establish a pattern.

Helping Victims of Colorado Springs Aggressive Driver Accidents

The road can be a dangerous place. With heavy vehicles speeding to their destination, every driver needs to be aware of the risk they could pose to those around them and act accordingly. Sadly, not everyone takes this responsibility seriously, and many drivers allow themselves to become angry and aggressive. This aggressive can, and often does, lead to risky and dangerous behavior that could easily result in catastrophic injuries, and even fatalities.

If you have become the victim of an accident with an aggressive driver, you are likely feeling incredibly afraid. When someone engages in negligent behavior out of rage, then those they harm will often be left with both physical and emotional scars. However, you shouldn’t give up hope. We at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. understand just how devastating these accidents can be and are dedicated to offering a helping hand to those who need it. With our help, you may be able to hold the aggressive driver who caused your injuries responsible for the damages that you have suffered. Call a Colorado Springs personal injury lawyer at (719) 475-2555 if we sound like the right firm for you.

Watch Out for These Aggressive Driving Signs

Keeping yourself and your passengers safe on the road is an important skill every driver should have. That may mean driving defensively, periodically checking your rear-view and side mirrors, and following all traffic laws. It can also mean, however, knowing the signs that a nearby driver is becoming aggressive. Knowing the signs of an aggressive driver can help you make choices in favor of your safety. Signs of an aggressive driver may include:

Speeding
Swerving
Tailgating
Yelling
Running red lights or stop signs
Excessive horn use
Cutting off other vehicles
Illegal and sudden lane changes

Of course, you may also find yourself becoming frustrated when on the road. Allowing yourself to become an aggressive driver places not just your life, but the lives of everyone on the road with you, at extreme risk. If you find yourself becoming angry, upset, or frustrated while driving, then you should take deep breaths and allow yourself to calm down. Remind yourself about the dangers of driving aggressively. You should even consider pulling over to the side of the road so that you can take a small break while you get your emotions under control.

The Dangers of an Aggressive Driver

When we are first taught to drive, we are told to keep a level head. Driving can be stressful, and becoming overwhelmed, whether it be with panic, frustration, or anger, can cause us to make poor decisions. Unfortunately, not everyone took that lesson to heart. Aggressive drivers are incredibly dangerous, as they make decisions out of their anger, rather than the calm logic that responsible and safe driving requires.

If an aggressive driver has become upset with you, they may purposefully try to antagonize you by speeding, driving dangerously close to your vehicle, or even swerve into you. Aggressive drivers have been known to purposefully harm others, and they could easily cause an accident through their reckless behavior. If you are worried the driver near you is acting aggressively, you should:

Allow them to pass by switching lanes or pulling over to the side of the road
Change your route in order to avoid them
Do not engage with the aggressive driver
Do not slow down in order to antagonize the aggressive driver
Do not come to a stop or get out of your car

Antagonizing an aggressive driver, whether by shouting back, slowing down, or getting out of your vehicle, can have disastrous results. Your best course of action would be to get out of their way as much as possible. If it becomes clear that the driver is following you and waiting for you to get out of your car, call 911 and ask for help.

Another danger of aggressive drivers is that they may be tempted to flee the scene of an accident that they caused through their aggressive behavior. Meaning, they may become the culprit behind a hit and run. This can make your life difficult, as filing a claim against a driver when you don’t know who they are is impossible. However, a skilled Colorado Springs car accident lawyer can help you investigate the accident to find the at-fault party or walk you through filing a claim using an uninsured motorist policy.

Recovering Damages from an Aggressive Driver

If you were involved in an accident with an aggressive driver, then that driver is likely the at-fault party. This means that you can file a claim against them and recover damages from their insurance provider. When it comes to car accident cases, there are two categories that you can claim damages from. The first, and best known, category is economic damages. Economic damages cover all financial losses that you suffered as a direct result of the accident. These may include, but are not limited to:

Lost wages
Property damage
Medical bills
Therapy costs

Economic damages are often fairly easy to prove, as you will have a lot of documentation backing your claim up. You can present bills from the hospital, old pay stubs, and quotes from a mechanic as proof of your economic damages.

The second category is non-economic damages. This allows you to claim for things outside of monetary losses. Non-economic damages may include:

Pain and suffering
Lowered quality of life
Emotional trauma
Loss of enjoyment

Because there is no real price associated with non-economic damages, the amount you are claiming for may be disputed by the insurance provider, as they will want to pay you as little as possible. The best way to prove that you have suffered non-economic damages is to keep a journal detailing the pain you have been dealing with, getting testimonials from those who knew you before and after the accident on how your behavior has changed, and speaking to a medical professional about the level of pain your injuries caused you. Even with all of that, the insurance provider is likely to try to get you to take a low offer, which is why you need a skilled aggressiver driver accident attorney in Colorado Springs to fight for you.

Get Legal Representation from an Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyer in Colorado Springs

Recovering damages and getting back on your feet after an accident with an aggressive driver can be a long and scary process, especially if you go about it alone. We at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. understand and are here to tell you that you do not need to be alone through this trying time. Our Colorado Springs car accident attorneys are available to review your case in a free consultation and more than happy to help. Call us at (719) 475-2555 to find out what your options are.

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions for Injured Victims in Colorado Springs

When you’ve been injured in an aggressive driver accident in Colorado Springs, it’s natural to have questions about your rights, the legal process, and how to protect your interests. Here are some frequently asked questions along with informative answers to help you understand the steps you should take.

What should I do immediately after an aggressive driver accident?

After an aggressive driver accident, prioritize safety and seek medical attention if necessary. Call the police to report the accident. Gather information from the other parties involved, take photos, and collect witness statements if possible. It’s essential to contact an aggressive driver accident lawyer for legal guidance.

How soon should I contact a lawyer after the accident?

It’s advisable to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier you involve an attorney, the better they can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and ensure critical evidence is preserved.

What compensation can I seek after an aggressive driver accident?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other damages related to your injuries. Our attorneys can help you determine the full scope of potential compensation.

How is fault determined in an aggressive driver accident case?

Fault is determined by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and analyzing witness statements, police reports, and other factors. A skilled attorney will work to establish liability and demonstrate the aggressive driver’s negligence.

What if I don't have health insurance to cover my medical bills?

Even if you don’t have health insurance, you can still receive medical treatment. Medical providers often work on a lien basis, meaning they will be paid from your settlement or verdict when your case concludes.

Can I negotiate with the insurance company on my own?

You can negotiate with the insurance company on your own, but it’s important to be cautious. Insurers may offer low settlements that don’t adequately cover your expenses. An attorney can help ensure you receive a fair settlement.

How long will it take to resolve my aggressive driver accident case?

The duration of your case depends on various factors, including the complexity of your injuries and the willingness of the opposing party to negotiate. Your attorney will work diligently to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.

What if the aggressive driver is uninsured or underinsured?

If the aggressive driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options. Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or other sources of compensation can help cover your damages.

What will it cost?

At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we secure compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, making legal representation accessible to all injured parties.

Why choose The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. as my legal representation?

The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. is dedicated to helping injured victims in Colorado Springs. Our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of securing fair compensation for our clients. We offer free consultations and are committed to protecting your rights and securing your future.

How long do I have to file this claim in Colorado?

Three years from the crash, because this is a tort action for bodily injury arising out of the use of a motor vehicle under C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n) — a year longer than Colorado's general tort deadline. If a city, county, district or state vehicle or roadway is involved, a far shorter clock governs first: written notice within 182 days under C.R.S. 24-10-109(1), which that statute calls "a jurisdictional prerequisite" whose failure "shall forever bar any such action".

What does a road rage claim cost to pursue?

Nothing up front, and nothing at all unless there is a recovery. A road rage review is free and the firm is paid a percentage of what it recovers rather than by the hour, so asking costs nothing. Call (719) 475-2555.

What counts as aggressive driving in Colorado?

Tailgating, weaving, unsafe passing, brake-checking and blocking. It is a pattern of conduct rather than a single act, and that pattern is what separates it from ordinary negligence.

Who is liable in an aggressive driving crash?

The aggressive driver. Where they were working at the time, their employer can be liable too — and a documented history of similar conduct can support a negligent-retention claim against that employer.

Where is an aggressive driving claim filed?

In the El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 — the district court serving El Paso County. Most claims settle without a court appearance, but the filing venue is what sets the deadline that matters.

Why does proving the pattern matter?

Because conduct that goes beyond carelessness can support exemplary damages in Colorado. Establishing it takes independent witnesses, dashcam footage and any prior citations.

How do I preserve the evidence?

Get the plate and the descriptions of witnesses at the scene, ask police to note the conduct in the report, and keep your own dashcam file — do not let it loop over.

What Are the Colorado Deadlines and Rules on This Claim?

Which deadline applies depends on how the injury happened, not on what it is called. Colorado gives three years to a claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle and two years to most other injury claims. Missing the deadline normally ends the claim regardless of its merits.

Colorado deadlines and rules that apply to this claim
A claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle	3 years — C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)
Most other personal injury claims	2 years — C.R.S. 13-80-102
If you were partly at fault	Damages reduced by your share, barred at 50% — C.R.S. 13-21-111
Where a Colorado Springs claim is filed	El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Sources and References

Deadlines are cited by section to the Colorado General Assembly’s published 2024 revised statutes. This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is decided on its own facts.