The short answer is yes. You can sue someone for a road rage accident if you are hurt. Moreover, you also need to prove the other person’s negligence.
In the case that you sustain severe injuries, you have the exclusive right to sue the perpetrator of the accident. This will give you grounds to file a personal injury claim. Unfortunately, getting compensation can be quite challenging; therefore, you may contact a lawyer to help you obtain reimbursement for your damages.
What Is A Road Rage Accident?
Road rage incidents can lead to injuries and may also be one of the reasons for killing a motorist, passenger, or pedestrian, or even threaten to do so. It refers to a car driver’s violent and aggressive behavior when they are angry with another driver.
Road rage can be triggered from countless sources, such as an argument between two drivers or any other incident that evokes strong emotions in those involved; this may even lead to physical violence. Anger and other intense feelings have the potential of triggering a collision due to erratic behavior while on the road.
Who Is Most Likely To Experience Road Rage?
As reported by the American Psychological Association (APA), incidences of road rage have been steadily increasing every year at a rate of 7%. Young males are particularly vulnerable to outbursts on the highway and committing moving traffic offenses. To tackle this problem, psychologists are working hard to spread awareness among people to prevent these dangerous behaviors.
How Do You Deal with Road Rage?
If you find yourself battling road rage, it is essential to adhere to some traffic safety practices in order to prevent disastrous consequences. For example, you can follow the following tips:
- Stay calm and do not engage in any verbal or physical altercations.
- Maintain a safe distance from other drivers.
- Avoid using your horn or flashing lights while driving.
- Pay attention to the traffic signals and abide by the rules.
- If possible, take a different route or adjust your schedule to avoid congested roads.
- Take enough time to arrive at your destination so that you do not end up in a rush.
- Keep emergency contact numbers handy and call 911 if you find yourself in an intense situation.
Moreover, it is important to keep your cool when you are on the road and try not to be provoked by other drivers. The best way to protect yourself is to remain aware and stay safe. You could use self-calming exercises, such as cognitive behavioral therapies, and others.
Road Rage Statistics Insights
Tailgating and honking are among the most common types of road rage, which is an alarming contributor to aggressive driving. In fact, more than 50% of severe car accidents can be attributed to this type of behavior.
The American Psychological Association (APA) estimates that the occurrence of road rage between 1990 and 1996 led to 218 fatalities and 12,610 casualties. Fast-forwarding to 2020, it is staggering that speeding was responsible for almost 11,258 deaths.
Tragically, 2021 saw the highest number of fatalities resulting from road rage-related shootings, with an average of 44 deaths reported each month.
| Gender-based insights | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Smoking | 52% | 44.6% |
| Honking | 35.4% | 28% |
| Switching between lanes | 31.5% | 21.4% |
Cases Of Road Rage By State From 2017 to 2021
| Florida | 304 |
| Texas | 467 |
| California | 179 |
Source: https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/road-rage-statistics/#road-rage-risk-factors
Are There Laws Safeguarding Drivers From Road Rage?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has classified aggressive driving or road rage as forms of behavior that put other people’s lives and property in danger. Moreover, Florida law has specified that performing two or more of the following acts simultaneously or consecutively is considered reckless driving:
- Exceeding the speed limit,
- improperly changing lanes,
- failing to yield the right of way,
- following another vehicle too closely,
- And violating traffic laws.
Road rage is a term used to describe an array of aggressive driving habits, including yelling profanities, flashing angry hand signals, preventing other automobiles from changing lanes, and even intentionally causing harm to another vehicle.
A study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety exposed a startling statistic: 8% of drivers exhibit rage, aggression or anger while driving at least once every year. Florida ranked highest in terms of angry motorists and Fort Lauderdale was among the 20 cities with most aggressive behavior on its roads.
Are Road Rage Accidents Covered by Insurance?
No, in most cases, the insurance company will not cover road rage accidents as they are not responsible for the driver’s unsafe and criminal activities.
Not only may the driver be held financially responsible for any damage caused, but also face possible criminal prosecution. Even though road rage itself is not considered a crime when connected to assault and harassment charges it can become illegal.
What Compensation Can You Recover For Aggressive Driving?
In almost all cases, when a defendant’s road rage causes injury, they are liable for both economic and non-economic damages. These may include the following:
| Economic damages | Non-economic damages |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Emotional stress |
| Lost wages | Loss of enjoyment |
| Property damage | Pain and suffering |
It is important to have a thorough understanding of the damages incurred. In Florida, you must submit your claim within four years from when the collision occurred; missing this deadline will mean forfeiting all chances of filing a road rage lawsuit and getting compensation.
An insurance policy is a great way to reduce the financial burden if you were to be in a road rage situation. You should contact your insurance provider to find out what kind of coverage is available and make sure you are adequately covered.
If you still have questions about road rage crashes, a fort myers car accident lawyer can provide legal advice and assistance. They can explain your rights, advise you on the best course of action, and fight for compensation if you have been wrongfully injured. Schedule a free case evaluation by calling us or filling out our contact form.