Road rage is a problem that many Americans may experience within their lifetime. Unfortunately, a study by the NHTSA indicated that up to 66% of vehicular fatalities can be attributed to aggressive driving. Furthermore, around 37% of traffic fatalities involved the use of a firearm, tailgating, or aggressive distractions such as honking, crude gestures, and other aggressive behaviors. As a result, thousands of road rage accidents happen daily in the United States, leading to preventable deaths and serious injuries.
Road rage is common in North Carolina. Many of us may have witnessed road rage first-hand or have heard horror stories from the news, family, or loved ones. Being on the receiving end of aggressive driving can be extremely frightening and disorientating. As many drivers seek to avoid engagement with a dangerous, aggressive driver, they often try to swerve away from the vehicle and may collide with another driver or be run off of the road. Many incidents involving road rage have led to multi-vehicle pile-ups or fatalities.
If you have been the victim of another driver’s aggression or been involved in a road rage accident, contact the experienced team of attorneys at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters’, to receive your free, confidential case evaluation. Call (800) 529-0804 or contact us online today.
Road rage, or driver aggression, may occur when drivers attempt to take their anger out on other innocent drivers. Aggressive driving is hazardous as it often involves a lack of control, proper judgment, aggression, and, to top it off, the use of a heavy, dangerous vehicle. Additionally, drivers whom an aggressive driver has targeted can become so distracted by an aggressive driver’s behavior that they become involved in a collision by either being driven off the road or accidentally hitting another vehicle.
Sadly, the Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly 80% of drivers admit to engaging in aggressive driving within the last 30 days. The NHTSA reports that there are several leading causes driving individuals to drive aggressively, including:
Road rage may be described as an aggressive driving practice that may include the following behaviors:
If you become involved with an aggressive driver, you must be very careful in these circumstances, as escalation may occur quickly. In the U.S., within the past seven years, over 200 murders have been associated with road rage. While it isn’t always possible to avoid being the victim of another driver’s anger, you may be able to reduce the risk of serious injury related to these occurrences. If you are involved with an aggressive driver:
If you have been involved in a car accident caused by road rage, you should:
A road rage accident may lead to costly medical expenses, vehicle repair bills, and injuries. If an aggressive driver caused your accident, you would likely be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim. However, some car insurance companies will not cover road rage accidents, or fault may otherwise be disputed. Call an experienced North Carolina personal injury attorney to review your legal options for compensation. Knowledgeable car accident lawyers may be able to negotiate with insurers or suggest other alternatives for pursuing compensation for your damages.
If you or a loved one have been injured or killed due to an accident involving road rage, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your damages, including pain and suffering. Aggressive drivers may be financially responsible for your accident damages if their actions lead to the accident. Contact the experienced car collision attorneys at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters’, to receive your free, no-obligation consultation by calling (800) 529-0804 or contacting us online.