How Road Rage Can Affect Your Personal Injury Case in Alabama

Aggressive driving and road rage are serious problems that affect drivers on Alabama roadways every day. Tailgating, cutting off other vehicles, and other irresponsible behaviors can cause accidents that result in serious injuries and fatalities. At Moore Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys in Mobile, AL help clients understand how road rage can be a relevant element in a case and fight to hold negligent parties accountable. Here, we explain how road rage can impact liability, fault, and the types of damages you may be entitled to receive.

What Is Road Rage?

Road rage is a form of aggressive driving that involves deliberate, hostile behavior directed toward another driver, pedestrian, or passenger. Drivers who engage in road rage often face criminal charges associated with reckless driving and other offenses, while aggressive driving is usually considered a traffic violation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines road rage as when a driver “commits moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property; an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger of one motor vehicle on the operator or passengers of another motor vehicle.”

Signs Of Road Rage in Alabama

Drivers engaging in road rage often start by tailgating, cutting other vehicles off, weaving in and out of traffic, flashing their headlights, or honking their horn. If you see someone exhibiting these driving behaviors, do not engage them — it’s best to avoid them as much as you possibly can.

Some examples of road rage include:

• Running other drivers off the road
• Intentionally hitting other vehicles
• Yelling or making rude gestures
• Getting out of a vehicle to engage in a physical confrontation
• Threatening someone with or using a weapon to inflict harm
• Inciting passengers to fight another motorist

In a personal injury lawsuit, proving road rage can help establish that the at-fault driver was negligent or acted with malicious intent. Our personal injury attorneys in Alabama understand the nuances of the law and are well-versed in what it takes to prove fault and establish liability in these cases.

Determining Road Rage in a Personal Injury Case

In a legal context, proving road rage requires more than just a feeling that the other driver was angry. Claims of road rage must be supported by evidence that demonstrates the at-fault party’s behavior.

Evidence that can be helpful to Alabama personal injury lawyers in road rage cases include:

Witness Testimony

Passengers, occupants of other vehicles, and bystanders can provide testimony describing how a road rage incident took place. They may describe aggressive behavior, shouting, dangerous driving maneuvers, and other behaviors specific to the situation. These observations are just one factor that helps paint a picture of how road rage led to a car or truck accident.

Camera Footage

Dash cams, traffic cameras, surveillance video, and cell phone video may capture aggressive driving patterns like tailgating, swerving, or cutting off other vehicles. This type of concrete evidence can be critical to proving road rage caused a crash.

Police Reports

Part of a law enforcement officer’s job is to assess the demeanor and actions of people involved in motor vehicle accidents. A police report may include observations such as anger, aggression, and reckless conduct. This is also strong evidence that may support a personal injury claim in Alabama.

Social Media or Recorded Statements

In the age of social media, it’s not unusual for an aggressive driver to post about a road rage incident or share a video of the events that took place. These posts can be used to show malicious intent or demonstrate aggressive road rage behaviors.

History of Aggressive Driving

A history of a driver’s traffic violations that include reckless driving or violent incidents can help establish a pattern of behavior. This can support a claim that road rage contributed to an accident.

Road Rage and Alabama Law

Alabama law follows the legal concept of contributory negligence, which means that if an injured party is found to be even 1% at fault for an accident, they may not recover any damages. That’s why it’s vital to hire a personal injury lawyer who understands how to prove that road rage caused an accident.

The State of Alabama takes road rage very seriously. Drivers who engage in road rage can face criminal charges. In addition, if an at-fault party is found to have acted in a particularly egregious or intentionally malicious manner, they may be liable for punitive damages in Alabama.

Punitive damages are designed to punish wrongdoers and deter them and others from committing similar acts. Alabama personal injury laws surrounding punitive damages can be complex. Our personal injury lawyers can determine whether they apply in your case and help you pursue the full amount of the damages you may be entitled to receive. If you’ve lost a loved one in a road rage accident, we can evaluate your case and determine whether a wrongful death claim is appropriate.

What To Do After a Road Rage Accident

If you are the victim of an accident caused by a driver with road rage, do not get out of the car. Lock your doors, stay calm, and call the police. If the situation is too dangerous to stay at the scene, call 911 and drive to the nearest police station. If the driver who caused the accident leaves the scene, try to get their license plate number, note the make, model and color of their car, and file a police report.

Even if you feel okay, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Symptoms of back and neck injuries, traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, and other serious conditions don’t always show up immediately. If you end up filing a personal injury claim, medical records provide valuable evidence and documentation of the crash and your injuries.

It’s also a good idea to contact a personal injury attorney in Mobile as soon as you can. Our personal injury lawyers can investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build a compelling case that reflects the seriousness of your injuries and how an auto accident was caused by road rage. We’re dedicated to making things right for victims and their families and holding negligent parties accountable.

Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Mobile, AL

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving road rage, the personal injury attorneys at Moore Law Firm can help you find the justice and compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us, call 251-445-7602, or use the convenient chat feature on our website. Our personal injury lawyers serve clients in Mobile, AL and surrounding communities.