Se Habla Español
Road rage is a serious problem on our roads that affects countless individuals on a daily basis. Driving can be very stressful, and in response to frustration, motorists might take risks they normally wouldn’t, like speeding, honking aggressively, tailgating, or cutting other drivers off. These dangerous actions can lead to serious accidents and put other road users at risk of harm.
If you suffered injuries in an accident that resulted from someone else’s road rage, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and options. Schedule a complimentary case review with a skilled car accident lawyer who can evaluate the details of your accident and determine whether you have a valid claim.
By definition, road rage refers to angry, violent, or aggressive behavior exhibited by the driver or passenger of a motor vehicle in response to certain situations on the road or another driver’s actions. Angry drivers are more likely to have impaired judgment and give in to their emotions without fully considering the possible consequences of their actions.
Motorists may be more likely to engage in road rage when they:
The key difference between road rage and aggressive driving is that road rage usually involves a specific target and is motivated by anger. Aggressive driving, on the other hand, often stems from impatience or feeling pressed for time. Regardless of whether the motorist’s actions are motivated by anger or impatience, disregarding traffic laws is never acceptable.
While road rage can take many forms, it usually involves (1) verbal outbursts or expressions, (2) physical actions or threatening gestures, or (3) intentionally engaging in unsafe and illegal practices behind the wheel.
Road rage is most commonly expressed through verbal outbursts and physical gestures or actions. Here are some examples of this form of road rage:
When drivers experience anger behind the wheel, they are more likely to take risks on the road and perform dangerous maneuvers. Their ability to anticipate and respond to potential dangers is compromised due to such behavior, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
Some examples of unsafe maneuvers that constitute road rage include the following.
These are some of the most common and dangerous examples of road rage. Tailgating typically involves an angry driver deliberately following another vehicle too closely. In some situations, the driver in front may respond to being tailgated by brake checking or suddenly hitting the brakes to scare the other car into backing off.
However, this extremely dangerous tactic can lead to serious rear-end collisions, especially at high speeds. Following too closely is illegal in most states, and while the exact distance may vary, a general rule of thumb is to allow at least one car length of space for every ten mph of speed. In heavy traffic or low visibility conditions, leaving extra room is always better if possible.
Another example of road rage is when angry drivers weave in and out of traffic, switch lanes without signaling, or suddenly swerve in front of another car. Improper or excessive lane changing often happens because a driver is running late, feeling impatient, or trying to assert dominance on the road.
Whatever the reason, engaging in such behaviors is against the law and poses a serious threat to road safety. Drivers who make sudden and unpredictable lane changes force other drivers to react quickly, increasing the risk of sideswipe collisions. At high speeds, a sideswipe crash can send a vehicle into a spin, cause it to roll over, or push it into other cars, resulting in a major multi-vehicle crash.
One of the most terrifying and incredibly dangerous situations that puts the lives of everyone on the road at risk is when an enraged driver uses their vehicle as a weapon. This may begin with verbal insults or hostile gestures like flashing headlights. As tensions rise, the road rage driver may swerve toward the victim’s car threateningly or try to physically force their vehicle onto the shoulder.
Drivers and passengers in the car being targeted can easily flip multiple times or crash into objects on the side of the road with violent force. The injuries of survivors who’ve been involved in this kind of road rage accident are often severe, ranging from traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage to broken bones and internal bleeding. Victims may also experience lasting emotional consequences that disrupt their sleep, relationships, and daily functioning.
Depending on the severity of the crash, you may need to miss days or weeks of work while you recover. You may be facing costly medical bills, and without a steady income, covering daily living expenses can quickly become overwhelming. A skilled car accident attorney can provide the necessary guidance and support to secure the best possible outcome in your case.
If you or someone you know has sustained injuries in a motor vehicle crash that resulted from another driver’s negligence, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can give you an honest assessment of the potential strength of your case and advise you of your rights and legal options. When you’re trying to recover from painful injuries and emotional distress, the last thing you should have to worry about is the stress of dealing with insurance companies and managing all the paperwork involved in your case.
Schedule a complimentary case review with Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon, where a skilled car accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate the crash, gather crucial evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.