When a motorist begins operating their vehicle in an erratic or reckless manner, it may be a case of road rage. Road rage occurs when a driver loses their cool behind the wheel and acts out, often with physical threats or dangerous driving behavior. Drivers exhibiting road rage will have a greater chance of causing a crash that leads to injuries for others on the road.
If you encountered a motorist driving recklessly in anger and this behavior led to injuries for you or your passengers, you have the right to seek damages. Contact the Morris Bart law office today at (228) 357-9621 for a free review of your situation. A Biloxi road rage accident lawyer from our firm is ready to work on your behalf, helping you to seek a settlement that reflects your injuries.
The Signs of Road Rage
When you notice that another driver is behaving dangerously and seems angry, this could be a situation in which the driver is exhibiting road rage. Road rage is a more hazardous form of aggressive driving. The following are some of the signs of road rage:
- Following other drivers too closely
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Cutting off drivers and hitting the brakes
- Passing illegally, including on the shoulder
- Yelling or gesturing at other drivers
- Throwing objects at other cars
- Ignoring traffic signs or signals
A study from the Insurance Information Institute (III) indicated that in a four-year period, aggressive driving was cited as a factor in about 56% of the fatal collisions in the United States.
When you encounter a driver exhibiting road rage, steer clear of them if possible and attempt to get the license plate number only if it is safe to do so. Avoid making eye contact with the aggressive driver or taking any action that could further agitate them. You can call the police after safely pulling off the road to alert officers to this driver’s behavior. Helpful information will include the vehicle description, plate, location, and travel direction.
For a free legal consultation with a Road Rage Accident lawyer serving Biloxi, call (228) 357-9621
Road Rage Accidents with Injuries
A driver exhibiting road rage may be driving too fast or driving too close to other cars. As such, any type of accident involving this driver can be serious, leading to life-altering injuries.
Speeding is especially dangerous for drivers in a collision. The extra force that occurs in a crash involving cars going too fast can be hard on the human body, leading to injuries like broken bones, concussions, or whiplash. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding was a factor in 26% of traffic fatalities that occurred in the United States in 2017.
After you or a loved one suffered injuries due to an angry and aggressive driver, a Biloxi road rage accident lawyer can seek damages for your pain, suffering, medical bills, emotional trauma, and lost wages. The team at the Morris Bart law office takes pride in defending the rights of victims who suffered because of the negligence of others. Call us today at (228) 357-9621, and we will review your case for free.
Types of Road Rage Incidents
Although the majority of injuries that occur in a road rage incident involve a collision with the aggressive driver, there are a variety of incidents that would qualify as road rage and may result in injuries. These include:
- Hitting a pedestrian: Someone in a road rage incident may end up on a sidewalk, potentially striking pedestrians and causing significant injuries.
- Use of a weapon: Occasionally, a driver exhibiting road rage may stop the car, jump out, and physically attack another driver with a weapon, causing injuries.
- Loss of control: An aggressive driver may swerve in and out of traffic during a road rage incident, causing another driver to lose control of the car. This could result in an accident where the person exhibiting road rage drives away without being directly involved in the collision.
If evidence is available, you can seek damages from the negligent driver’s insurance company in these types of situations.
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Why Road Rage Happens
There are many potential reasons why a driver will engage in road rage behavior, such as the following:
- Frustration with traffic jams or rush hour traffic
- Anger at a perceived illegal driving maneuver from another driver
- Intoxication from drugs or alcohol
- Late for work or an appointment
- Retaliation against a driver who honks a horn or makes a gesture
Seeking Compensation in a Road Rage Case
Mississippi House Bill 1257 §15-1-49 states that victims in personal injury cases have up to three years to begin the process of filing a claim. This period of time is designed to give the victim the opportunity to have any injuries fully diagnosed before starting the personal injury claim process.
If you are still seeing doctors a couple of years after the accident, you likely have significant injuries that may leave you unable to enjoy life as much as you did prior to the crash. This also means you may be eligible to receive a large settlement in order to cover your ongoing medical bills, as well as pain and suffering for any disabilities you may be facing.
The other driver’s insurance company may try to offer you less than you deserve, but a personal injury lawyer can stand up for your right to fair compensation.
Let the Team from Morris Bart, LTD Help
You should not accept a settlement from an insurance company without an evaluation of the long-term effects of the injuries and damages you suffered. A Biloxi road rage accident lawyer can review the evidence and help you fight for a settlement that matches your damages.
If you choose us, the team at the Morris Bart law office will study the facts in the case, determine how the other driver’s road rage led to the crash, and hold them responsible for your injuries. We will look for evidence to prove that your injuries could have been avoided if the other driver had behaved in a safe manner. Contact us for a free case review today at (228) 357-9621.
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