It’s not uncommon to become frustrated or upset while driving. Unfortunately, as you’ll find, many people on the roads make a number of poor decisions, whether it be changing lanes without checking their blind spot or making a risky left turn in front of an oncoming vehicle. However, while most people may experience fleeting frustration, this is not always the case, as some may fall into road rage. Unfortunately, this can often lead to collisions, so understanding your legal options if you are the victim of a road rage accident is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with a Baltimore County auto accident attorney to help you fight for the best possible outcome for your circumstances.
What Is Road Rage?
Road rage occurs when a driver becomes enraged by the actions of others on the road, regardless of whether or not they were intentional. This is different than growing annoyed or frustrated; road rage describes the all-encompassing feeling of anger that can occur. Unfortunately, road rage can often lead to accidents, as a driver may no longer be focused on safely arriving at their destination, and instead may be focused on ensuring the other driver knows how upset they are. Common behaviors that those experiencing road rage may display include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Cursing
- Yelling
- Making obscene gestures
- Excessive honking
- Tailgating
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Brake checking
- Throwing items
- Attempting to run a car off the road
- Intentionally hitting a vehicle
What Should I Do if I’m the Victim of a Road Rage Accident?
If you find yourself injured in a collision due to the actions of a road rager, whether you were the driver they were upset with or you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, it’s critical to protect yourself. Generally, the most important thing you can do in these instances is call the police to report the accident and request immediate medical attention for the injuries you’ve suffered. While you may usually exchange insurance information with the other driver while awaiting the arrival of the police to the accident scene, if the other driver is aggressive, remaining in your vehicle with the doors locked is in your best interest. Once on the scene, the police can help you obtain their information for insurance purposes.
Being the victim of a road rage accident can be an incredibly overwhelming and traumatic experience. That is why it is in your best interest to connect with an experienced personal injury attorney with the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi to explore your legal options. Our team understands how difficult this process can be to navigate, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you in the fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact our team today to discuss your circumstances.