Road rage is a common occurrence in our society. It can occur as a result of an aggressive driver’s actions. Aggressive drivers ignore traffic signals and signs, which increases their chances of causing a crash. They often block another lane and weave in and out of traffic, which is dangerous for other drivers. These behaviors are common in cities and rural areas.
Road rage accidents are often caused by an angry driver who intentionally wants to injure another driver. This type of accident is usually caused by a negligent motorist or a drunk driver. These drivers can be charged with assault and battery, which will allow the victim to recover punitive damages and compensation for their injuries. In addition to monetary compensation, road rage accidents often cause severe injuries or even death. In addition to the medical expenses that can pile up quickly, victims of these incidents also may miss work due to their pain and suffering.
If you’ve been involved in a road rage accident, you know that the stress involved is high. One in three collisions involves road rage. In retaliation, you may try to run a car off the highway. In some states, you can even be charged with criminal activity if you’re the one who gets enraged.
What is Road Rage?
Road rage is an aggressive driving style that increases your risk of an accident. The severity of the accident depends on many factors. Some acts of road rage are making offensive hand signals or shouting profanities at another motorist, which can often lead to an accident and injuries. When road rage occurs, the aggressive driver often speeds up, overtakes, and obstructs the path.
Texas Road Rage Statistics
In a report published earlier this month, TxDOT analyzed data relating to road rage in the state. A new study shows that aggressive driving is on the rise in Texas, and a recent shooting on a Houston street has sparked a debate about the cause and prevention of this attack. The findings show that the number of fatal shootings in the state has increased by 30 percent since 2013. In the Houston area, the West Loop, Southwest Freeway, and Eastex Freeway were the most heavily congested highways. In the first ten months of 2020, more than 200 shooting incidents occurred in the Houston area, a 30 percent increase from the same period last year.
The Dallas Police Department has started tracking aggravated assaults that involve road rage. As of July, 387 cases were recorded from January to mid-June. A 20-year-old pregnant woman was shot in the chest following a scuffle with a motorist. The shooter was a man, and the woman was a passenger. The driver who shot her had a dispute with the woman, who had been swerving in front of her car. The drunk driver shot her. The mother remains hospitalized in critical condition as of July 12.
The study, which focused on more than 10,000 road rage accidents from the last seven years, found that ten percent of the reported road rage crashes resulted in violent incidents. The most common act of road rage was a driver honking his horn in anger. Forty-one percent of the drivers surveyed reported witnessing rude hand gestures, including honking a horn.
Road Rage Examples
When a person lets their emotions take hold of them and loses their self-control, it may be difficult to predict how they respond. However, there are some common examples of road rage that include:
- Yelling
- Blocking traffic
- Weaving
- Cutting off other vehicles on purpose
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Driving on the sidewalk
- Honking
- Following the person they think has wronged them
- Rude gestures
- Intentionally ramming
- Initiating confrontation outside the vehicles
To combat road rage, it’s best to understand what triggers these drivers to act aggressively.
The Causes of Road Rage
Many common causes of road rage include:
- Impatience: Impatient drivers that are late for a meeting or are in a hurry will most likely snap if another vehicle gets in their way.
- Anonymity: Drivers may be more inclined to behave aggressively since they don’t know the driver.
- Heavy Traffic: Sitting in heavy traffic can cause a driver to act aggressively.
- Distracted Driving: Texting is one of the most common behaviors, and an aggressive driver may get lash out at a driver who isn’t paying attention.
Common Types of Road Rage Accidents
Those involved in a road rage accident deserve compensation for their injuries and suffering. The most common types of road rage accidents involve side-swipes and rear-end collisions. When an aggressive driver uses their vehicle to attack another driver, the victim is left with a permanent disability and often traumatic experiences. The injured victim can claim money for these costs, as well as medical bills.
What to do After a Road Rage Accident
First, call law enforcement. Regardless of who was at fault, try to remain calm and avoid provoking the driver who struck you. Take photos of the scene and gather evidence of the incident. If the other driver was aggressive, describe what they did and said. If you’re a victim of road rage, it’s essential to get medical attention immediately.
If you were involved in a road rage accident, you should do the following:
- Call the police to the scene and file a police report.
- Remain calm and don’t provoke the driver who caused the accident.
- Take photos and videos of the scene and your injuries.
- Get the contact info from any witnesses and the parties involved in the accident.
- Get medical attention.
- Contact a personal injury attorney.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney to Fight For You
If you have been in a road rage accident, you need an experienced attorney to fight for you. The founder of Joe I. Zaid & Associates, Joe Zaid, has won millions of dollars in settlements for his clients. His success in personal injury cases has led to many seven-figure settlements. Our attorneys have the knowledge and skill to fight for your claim and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact our attorneys today for a free no-obligation consultation, or call us at (281) 990-5200 to discuss your claim.
