Everyone gets frustrated with other drivers at one point or another but acting on those feelings of anger can be deadly. There are dozens of examples of road rage resulting in fatal motor vehicle accidents. A person who causes an accident out of anger not only faces the potential of a personal injury lawsuit, they could potentially face criminal charges.
Keep reading to learn more about what road rage is, how you can notice it, and how you can prevent it from causing an accident. If you have already been injured in an accident then we urge you to contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Road rage defined
Many people think of road rage as nothing more than aggressive driving. While both can be dangerous, they are different things. Road rage is a civil and / or criminal offense that results from a driver assaulting another person or vehicle on the road. It can involve a driver intentionally hitting another driver or someone they are sharing the road with.
Due to the fact that high speeds are often involved, road rage can result in significant injuries and death. Road rage can also involve a driver getting out of their vehicle to assault or threaten another driver.
Stay away from aggressive drivers
While aggressive driving and road rage are not the same thing, one can often lead to the other. If you see an aggressive driver, get away from them. This may involve slowing down, switching lanes, or even getting off the road. The further you can get from them, the lower your chances are of being injured.
Call the police
If you believe that a driver is threatening your safety or the safety of someone else on the road, then call 911 for help. If possible, give the officer the license plate of the car. Otherwise, tell them what type of vehicle it is, the color of the vehicle, and where you last saw them. An officer can then be dispatched to handle the driver.
Never confront an aggressive driver
Being around an aggressive driver can understandably make a person mad. You may want to make an angry gesture, or react to their aggressiveness with aggressiveness of your own. Do not do this. You do not want to retaliate at all. In fact, it is wise not to make eye contact. Simply get away from the driver as quickly as you can.
Call an attorney if you are injured by a driver with road rage
If you have been injured due to the actions of a road rage driver then you should contact a personal injury attorney right away. Do not accept a settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance company without first talking to an attorney. Reach Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation today.
