How Road Rage Affects A Personal Injury Case

Road rage and aggressive driving are serious problems that put people on the road in jeopardy every day. At Moore Law Firm, our auto accident attorneys have handled hundreds of motor vehicle injury cases involving road rage. We help you understand your rights under Alabama traffic law and help you recover maximum compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Definition Of Road Rage
There is a clear distinction between road rage and aggressive driving. 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
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 and speeding. 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
• Hitting other vehicles
• Getting out of a vehicle to engage in a physical confrontation
• Inciting passengers to fight another motorist
• Threatening someone with or using a weapon to inflict harm

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.

Road Rage And Personal Injury Claims
The State of Alabama takes road rage very seriously. Drivers who engage in road rage can face criminal charges. The financial, physical and emotional cost of engaging in road rage isn’t worth it. Auto insurance policies exclude intentional acts, so a motorist’s insurance may not cover damages when a person engaging in road rage causes injury or property damage.

That’s why it’s vital to contact an auto accident attorney who can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to ensure you receive compensation for your damages. In addition to compensatory damages like medical expenses and lost income, you may be entitled to punitive damages in a road rage case due to the negligent party’s egregious behavior. An attorney will know how to collect relevant evidence and build a solid case to prove that the negligent party’s acts were intentional.

Contact An Auto Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one in a road rage accident, call Moore Law Firm at 251-445-7602251-445-7602 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.