Victim of a Road Rage Accident: What are Your Rights?

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Most any driver has noticed or experienced aggressive driving. It is both unpleasant to witness or be the target of an aggressor. The most dangerous aspect of hostile driving is that it can easily lead to road rage. Given the stress involved with operating a vehicle, it is no wonder that recklessness often escalates into situations that result in accidents, physical altercations and even death.

Statistics

Aggressive driving and road rage has been on the rise, particularly over the last few years as so many people struggle with unemployment, financial issues and hectic lives that contribute to stress. Over approximately 1,500 people annually are either injured or killed due to traffic disputes, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Whether you ask a New York or Indianapolis car accident lawyer, they can attest that this rage has been a major concern for most every driver on the street today.

Aggressive Behind the Wheel

Road rage generally begins with aggressive driving, a term coined in the 1990s to identify certain dangerous driver behaviors. It is markedly more serious and is often connected to a variety of criminal offenses. The various types of conduct leading to this erratic maneuvering may include:

a. Following very closely
b. Speeding
c. Weaving in and out of traffic
d. Running through stop signs and lights

Once aggressiveness escalates into gesturing or yelling at other motorists, minor and major accidents, confrontations, assault or even murder may occur.

Causes

Experts have suggested that there are many reasons for the increased level of stress on the highways. Sociologists have indicated that it is largely due to the breakdown of a sense of community in society and the disintegration of values. Also, the motor vehicle environment creates a sense of anonymity that can foster dissociation. Because of this, people are more likely to behave in offensive ways that they may not normally engage in.

Consequences

The consequences of anger-induced driving are far reaching. As with any accident or personal injury incident, individuals and families may find themselves dealing with a host of unpleasant and costly issues. Property damage to vehicles can be expensive, not to mention the time it takes to arrange for repairs and the inconvenience of not having access to the vehicle. Many times, people must resort to renting vehicles, making it even more costly.

Physical injuries range from minor to major and can even turn deadly. The psychological effects of irate drivers can also cause fears and phobias that can impact lives in very negative ways. For example, the thought of becoming involved in another altercation can cause anxiety and reduce participation in getting behind the wheel for the victims.

Relevant Laws

The laws vary from state to state when it comes to road rage. Drivers who succumb to threatening and reckless behavior may be charged with minor or major traffic violations. Depending upon what occurs, some people could be charged with very serious offenses like reckless driving, assault and battery or vehicular homicide. Also, these incidents can contribute to heavy fines and increased insurance premium costs.

Legal Rights

Anyone who is the victim of road rage who has suffered damages to their property, vehicle or person should seek legal counsel to determine how to recoup their damages. A competent and experienced attorney will be in a position to inform victims of their rights and advise the best way to proceed to recover damages that victims are lawfully entitled to.

Ieda Vincent lives in a large metropolitan area and has seen several incidents of angry driving and is very concerned with safety on the highway. Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. can provide an Indianapolis car accident lawyer that will visit you if you are unable to travel due to another’s carelessness. Through their attention to details and diligence, they will take pictures and interview witnesses at the scene to present a strong case for you.