Road Rage Accidents: Aggressive Driving Can Lead to Serious Injuries
Across the country, car accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries. Car accidents in Palm Coast can result in millions of dollars in losses for victims, including medical expenses and lost wages. Numerous factors can contribute to collisions. Road rage is one common cause of car accidents.
Road rage often compromises a driver’s thinking and causes them to act irrationally. Here, the car accident lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau discuss how aggressive driving can lead to road rage accidents and serious injuries. Our lawyers are prepared to assist victims from the Daytona Beach, FL, and Palm Coast, FL, area in holding liable drivers accountable for the damages caused by their reckless actions.
Understanding the Difference Between Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
The terms “road rage” and “aggressive driving” are often used interchangeably, but the law considers them two separate practices. Aggressive driving is defined as a combination of moving traffic offenses that endanger other persons or property. Common examples of aggressive driving include:
- Speeding
- Erratic or unsafe lane changes
- Running through traffic lights or signals
- Tailgating
- Passing in areas where it is illegal to do so
Road rage is frequently linked to aggressive driving, but involves different behaviors. Road rage can be defined as violent anger caused by the stress or frustration of operating a motor vehicle. Common examples of road rage include:
- Excessive honking
- Yelling, cussing, and making rude gestures
- Chasing and harassing other drivers
- Getting out of a vehicle to confront other drivers
- Trying to run another vehicle off the road
- Purposely striking another vehicle
Why Road Rage and Aggressive Driving Are Often Intertwined
Although they are technically different, road rage and aggressive driving are often intertwined. Drivers experiencing road rage fail to think logically and consider the consequences of their actions. When drivers are experiencing violent anger, they are likely to express that through aggressive driving practices. Similarly, drivers who are the victim of another person’s road rage are likely to drive aggressively or act erratically in response to the anger or in an attempt to get away from the driver.
Dangers of Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Road rage and aggressive driving put drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk for car accidents and personal injuries. Incidents of road rage and aggressive driving can quickly escalate and may result in car accidents that cause catastrophic or fatal injuries. In situations involving road rage or aggressive driving, it is best to stay calm, avoid eye contact, and refrain from engaging with the other driver.
What to Do When Road Rage and Aggressive Driving Cause an Accident
When road rage and aggressive driving cause a car accident, injury victims have a right to pursue financial compensation for crash damages. The car accident lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau work with individuals in the Daytona Beach area to hold liable drivers accountable for their actions and pursue appropriate compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Us
Road rage and aggressive driving are leading causes of car accidents. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a collision involving road rage, the lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau can help you pursue compensation for injury damages. To discuss the details of your case with our legal team, contact our practice online or call (386) 258-7313 and schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience.