In the United States, there are nearly 20,000 car accidents every day. These motor vehicle accidents happen for a multitude of reasons. Most commonly, car accidents happen because of human error.
Road rage is one unfortunate cause of accidents. Road rage is entirely preventable but still causes many accidents. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a road rage incident or road rage-induced car accident, you deserve to have dedicated representation, working hard to ensure that you receive full financial compensation for any damages caused.
What Is Road Rage
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines road rage as driving so aggressively that it puts other drivers at a higher risk of injury. Many drivers experience road rage when someone cuts them off, won’t get out of the passing lane, or when another driver honks at them.
Some drivers even act as if they are the police. If these drivers see another driver using a cell phone or breaking another law, they think it’s their job to correct the person. However, some behaviors are solely under the control of the aggressive driver. Many road rage incidents start before the driver even gets in the car. Maybe he or she is late for work or had a rough day at work. Once on the road, this frustration with aspects of his or her life manifests itself behind the wheel, and that is dangerous because that driver is in control of a potentially deadly, vehicle.
No matter how upset drivers become, they are responsible for their actions. Even if you did something wrong, like not using a turn signal, your misdeed does not give the other driver the right to drive aggressively or put you at risk of injury.
Car accidents are usually caused by people, and road rage accidents are not uncommon. Each driver owes a duty of care to the surrounding drivers. When drivers conduct themselves in a way that places another individual in danger, they breach that duty of care and are responsible for the accident and any resulting injuries. You have every right to hold the at-fault driver responsible for the accident and the resulting harm, including physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses and lost wages.
Spotting an Aggressive Driver
Car accidents caused by aggressive driving that resulted in death increased over 500 percent in the past ten years. That is an incredible jump.
These are some clues that you might be around an aggressive driver:
- Erratic lane changes
- Tailgating
- Speeding up and slowing down rapidly
- Constant horn honking or flashing headlights
- Using hand signs
- Yelling
- Speeding
Recognize these signs quickly, so you can take action to remove yourself from a potentially tragic situation. When you spot aggressive drivers, you should let them pass and be on their way, allowing you to remain safe and well behind them. You also have the option of changing your route. If you feel the need, get off at the next exit or turn off onto another street. Taking these actions may delay your trip slightly, but it will also make your trip safer.
Accidents Caused by Road Rage
According to a recent study, angry drivers are more likely to speed, tailgate, and generally drive more aggressively than other drivers. Unfortunately, the best way to stop this behavior isn’t known; in fact, many experts think this behavior is tied to our societal pressures of always being “on the go.” Thus, by the time we get into the car, we’re already tense and even the smallest things can set us off.
Regardless, that’s no excuse. Most people can control their emotions and realize when they’ve taken it too far before it’s too late. Sometimes, however, people let their emotions get the better of them. That can cause road rage accidents. These include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipes
- T-bone accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Gunshots
No matter what kind of collision resulted from the road rage, it’s important to remember that it was not your fault. The aggressive driver is at fault and thus should pay for your injuries and medical expenses.
Seeking Compensation for Your Injuries
Recovering from a car accident, regardless of the cause, can be challenging. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you might be out of work temporarily or permanently. This can create a great burden on you, making it difficult to pay your bills.
When appropriate, your law firm should work hard to secure you compensation for the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
The last thing you need when trying to recover from a serious auto collision is to worry about how to recovery compensation for your injuries and mounting expenses. That’s why you need to speak with a trusted car accident lawyer who can help determine your eligibility to file a personal injury claim and maximize your recovery.
Most personal injury cases settle without need of a trial. Understandably, you may need the money and want to put this incident behind you as quickly as possible. Your lawyer should negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to maximize your compensation, but sometimes insurance companies refuse to act reasonably. In that case, make sure your lawyer is fully prepared to take your case to trial. You deserve the opportunity to focus on your physical recovery. Let your lawyer worry about your financial recovery.
Why Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer?
You deserve an experienced road rage accident lawyer to represent you and help you maximize your compensation. A good car accident lawyer can show you how to put this traumatic experience behind you.