The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines road rage as a combination of traffic violations whose intent is to cause harm to other road users. Accidents involving aggressive driving can be catastrophic. Head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, fractures, internal organ damage, and more are a few examples of bodily harm in these accidents. Sometimes, death may occur.
While it is normal to feel frustrated or angry while driving, nobody should have to pay the ultimate price for erratic behaviors stemming from such feelings. Our Alief road rage accident lawyers step in to represent victims of aggressive driving by fighting for their rightful compensation. Call today to speak with a skilled Alief car accident lawyer.
Understanding Why Road Rage is Common
Coming to terms with the major causes of road rage in Texas is a great stride towards keeping yourself safe in case you are involved in a similar crash. While it is normal to feel frustrated or anxious behind the wheel, there is no reason whatsoever why the same should be meted against other road users. Unfortunately, there are so many reasons why more drivers continue to be aggressive. Some of the cases our Alief road rage accident attorneys have handled involve general impulses of anger which are often characterized by:
- Tailgating
- Aggressive honking
- Running red lights
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Physical confrontations
- Erratic driving
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Cutting off other drivers
- Unnecessary flashing of high beams
All these actions and behaviors are a threat to public safety. Because aggressive driving is an offense in Texas, anyone who incurs property damage or suffers bodily harm is entitled to compensation. However, your claim must meet the minimum threshold stipulated under personal injury law. Simply put, you must show that a duty of care existed, but the other driver breached it by driving aggressively, thus causing the accident that caused you harm.
For a free legal consultation with an aggressive driving accident lawyer serving Alief, call (832) 449-8230
4 Steps You Should Take After a Road Rage Accident
If you come face to face with a motorist who seems aggressive, knowing what to do can be a lifesaver. The last thing you want is to provoke them into a physical confrontation or a scenario where they ram your vehicle. Our Alief road rage accident attorneys advise that you take the following critical steps for your safety:
Remain Calm
You may be tempted to go after the aggressive driver, make rude gestures, or yell back at him or her. While this may seem like the easiest thing to do, the truth of the matter is that doing so can escalate the situation further. Even if you are upset, always remain level-headed and try as much as possible to remain calm. If you can, pull over and stay in your car until the aggressive driver passes you. In case of physical confrontation, always drive to the nearest police department or public area.
Call the Police
Right after a road rage incident, call the police immediately and report the aggressive driver. This will not only document your accident as a public record but will also ensure the culprit is brought to book before causing more harm to you and other road users. Be sure to give details about the other driver such as their complexion, vehicle license plates, model, and color. Such information helps narrow down the search given the many vehicles on Texas roads.
Document the Scene & Seek Treatment
If the aggressive driver causes an accident, ensure that you document the scene. If you can, use your phone to capture images of the scene including your injuries, property damage, vehicles involved, traffic lights if any, and any information you deem necessary. Recording vital details of the accident before the scene is cleared or tampered with is essential in supporting your version of the story. If injured, seek immediate medical treatment and document your recovery journey.
Call Your Attorney
After an accident, an insurance adjuster is likely to contact you with an offer. It could be your insurance company or the at-fault driver. You should not be quick to sign any documents or accept their terms without going through an experienced Alief road rage accident attorney. Many insurance adjusters will lower claims by whatever means possible to protect their pockets. So to level the playing field and have your rights championed, you need to speak with a skilled road rage accident lawyer you can trust.
Alief Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Talk to an Alief Attorney About Your Road Rage Accident
Lone Star Injury Attorneys has protected the rights of countless Texans who have fallen victim to aggressive drivers. If you were in a similar auto wreck, our Alief road rage accident lawyers are available to review your case for free. Please contact us or fill out our online contact form to get started.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form