Collecting Compensation for Accidents Caused by Road Rage

Car accidents occur at an alarming rate across the nation. While many of these accidents are caused by a driver’s failure to abide by traffic laws or by a defectively designed or assembled car part, a surprising number of accidents are also the result of road rage. This type of reckless behavior can have devastating consequences for others on the road, so if you were injured in an accident caused by an aggressive driver, you should speak with an experienced car accident attorney who can help protect your interests.

What is Road Rage?

A term used to describe the violent behavior exhibited by a driver, road rage generally stems from a driver’s uncontrolled anger at another driver’s actions, although it is often worsened by drug use, freeway congestion, and outside stressors related to the driver’s personal life or employment. Road rage can also lead drivers to take the following dangerous actions while driving:

• Purposefully striking a nearby vehicle;
• Attempting to run another car off of the road;
• Pulling over and trying to engage in a physical confrontation with another driver whose actions have somehow upset the assailant; and
• Using a weapon against another car or driver.

Many situations involving road rage begin with aggressive driving tactics, such as:

• Speeding;
• Abruptly switching lanes to cut off other drivers;
• Tailgating;
• Brake checking to force a driver following in the rear to slam on his or her brakes;
• Flashing headlights at passing vehicles;
• Verbally attacking nearby drivers; and
• Honking repeatedly at other drivers.

These types of aggressive driving tactics not only indicate that a driver is struggling with road rage, cut can actually inspire road rage in other drivers.

How to React to Road Rage

Those who have inspired the ire of another driver should make an attempt to diffuse the situation by taking the following steps:

• Making an effort to remain calm;
• Avoiding eye contact with the aggressive driver;
• Refraining from responding to another driver’s verbal abuse;
• Ignoring attempts to engage in a physical altercation;
• Waving or mouthing an apology to the other driver if the incident was sparked by a tailgating incident or an abrupt lane change;
• Refusing to pull over and engage in an altercation with the other party;
• Avoiding pulling off onto side streets or areas that are less congested;
• Remaining on well-lit and well-traveled streets; and
• Giving the other driver plenty of room to pass.

In especially severe cases, drivers who are the object of another’s road rage may want to consider  making a note of the car’s model and license plate number and later filing a report. If you believe that another driver poses an imminent threat to you or your family’s safety, do not hesitate to call the police.

Whatever tools a driver finds most useful in handling someone else’s road rage, it is always crucial to avoid confrontations. Historically, confronting a driver with road rage has resulted in tragedy for many drivers, some of whom have sustained serious injuries as a result of the encounter.

Call Today to Speak With an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

Those who are injured in accidents caused by drivers with road rage can collect compensation from the at-fault parties, so if you were involved in an accident with an overly aggressive driver, please call Boone & Davis at 954-566-9919 to schedule a meeting with a dedicated car accident lawyer who can evaluate your case. Our Fort Lauderdale legal team is prepared to help you immediately.

Resource:

wistv.com/story/32447248/road-rage-rampant-in-america