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It can be stressful to drive. Under the right circumstances, even the most composed individuals can get frustrated or even enraged. But there is no justification for allowing that annoyance to endanger others. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage if you were hurt in an accident brought on by an angry driver. You can get it with the assistance of the car accident attorneys at Goldblatt + Singer, the St. Louis Injury Law Firm.
Our Missouri road rage accident lawyers understand how to hold negligent drivers responsible for their acts and assist our clients in pursuing just compensation for their injuries. Get in touch with us immediately for additional information on how to defend yourself and your legal rights following a road rage collision.
While it can be challenging to pinpoint the precise number of traffic accidents brought on by road rage, we do know that angry or otherwise aggressive drivers are to blame for a sizable portion of crashes. For example, research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that in one recent year, aggressive driving practices were involved in more than half of all fatal collisions. Moreover, according to researchers, approximately four out of every five drivers acknowledged using aggressive driving techniques at some point in the previous year.
The terms “road rage” and “aggressive driving” are frequently used interchangeably. Although both actions are risky, there are some significant distinctions. Dangerous driving practices like tailgating, speeding, cutting off other motorists, and weaving in and out of traffic are examples of aggressive driving.
Road rage goes further by purposely instilling in other drivers a sense of imminent danger. For example, a driver exhibiting road rage may make obscene gestures, yell, hit or bump another car, push a car off the road, or intimidate another driver by using excessive braking or headlights.
Sadly, over a seven-year time period, more than 200 murders and 12,000 injuries were attributed to road rage, according to the American Automobile Association. Road rage is an issue that should be taken very seriously as it can lead to deadly consequences.
If someone drives erratically toward you, you might not know what to do in the heat of the moment. However, you can potentially diffuse a situation by doing the following things if you see another driver driving aggressively or starting to exhibit signs of road rage:
● Keep your cool – It’s crucial to keep your cool. Continued aggressive behavior could make things worse and make it more difficult for you to pursue financial recompense for your losses.
● Avoid making eye contact – Even if you don’t intend to fight, eye contact could give the other motorist the impression that you want to.
● Avoid responding – Even insignificant actions like shaking your head or expressing frustration might irritate the other motorist and make them more aggressive.
● Get ready for a potential collision – If the other driver persists in exceeding the speed limit, fasten your seatbelt, exercise defensive driving techniques, and prepare for a possible crash.
● Gather information – As soon as you arrive at your destination, make a 911 call and write down whatever details you can recall about the incident. Then, instead of going home if the angry driver is after you, go to a public area or the police station.
After a road rage incident, it’s critical to maintain composure, call the police, and get as much evidence as possible, including photos of the accident site and the license plate number of the other car. Additionally, you ought to get medical help.
The actions listed below can assist in defending your right to ask the driver who injured you for compensation:
Continue receiving medical care – Keeping your scheduled doctor’s appointments will help you heal from your wounds and produce records that may be necessary to prove your losses.
Don’t divulge too much information – Try to wait to meet with insurance adjusters after consulting with an attorney. When making a statement, stick to the facts and omit any subjective remarks. Don’t make any suggestions about how you might be at fault.
Avoid posting about your accident on social media by staying off of it. Insurance adjusters could look online for information about you that they can use against you.
Make contact with a qualified lawyer – Given that most insurance providers do not cover incidents caused by road rage, it can be particularly challenging to obtain the compensation you are entitled to. Instead, the driver may be forced to pay for damages out of pocket. You can better understand your legal choices and pursue the compensation you are entitled to with the aid of an attorney with experience managing road rage incidents.
One of the main factors contributing to accidents on American roads is road rage, partly because it can be challenging to hold aggressive drivers responsible for their conduct. However, the lawyers at Goldblatt + Singer, the St. Louis Injury Law Firm, can assist you in holding the at-fault driver accountable and pursuing the compensation you require for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages if you have been hurt as a result of their road rage.
To fully comprehend how the accident has affected your life, we will take the time to learn the specifics of your case and get to know you personally. By giving each client individual attention, we can forge close bonds with them and effectively represent them in negotiations and legal proceedings. Don’t let the individual who injured you escape punishment for their aggressive or other careless actions. Get in touch with us right away to learn how we can assist you. Call Goldblatt + Singer the St. Louis Injury Law Firm at (314) 231-4100 or contact us online.