Drivers are expected and legally obligated to exercise caution and respect when behind the wheel. Unfortunately, some may choose to behave in an aggressive manner while driving while others may feel angry with other drivers, traffic, or other obstacles. When a driver succumbs to road rage, he or she increases the likelihood that an accident will ensue. If you have been injured in an accident and you feel as though road rage was the cause, consider seeking legal counsel from a Georgia road rage accident lawyer who can help you to pursue a claim and seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
What Is Road Rage?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aggressive driving is a combination of moving traffic violations that endanger property or other persons. There are many different behaviors that are included in the “aggressive driving” category.
Here are some of the most common types of aggressive driving:
- Failure to yield
- Illegally passing
- Passing on the inside
- Tailgating
- Driving through red lights or stop signs
- Weaving in and out of traffic or lanes
- Significantly exceeding the speed limit
- Disregarding traffic signals
Each of these behaviors is inherently dangerous to other drivers and even more so if an individual combines two or more, according to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association. The National Safety Council reports that more than 13,000 accidents in the U.S. each year are caused by speeding, or by drivers traveling too fast for the current road or weather conditions.
Road Rage Consequences
As many as 56 percent of all car wrecks in the U.S. are caused by aggressive behavior behind the wheel, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Aggressive driving or road rage is more likely to cause severe injuries or fatal accidents.
Here’s why road rage is so dangerous:
- Aggressive drivers typically do not have full control of their vehicles
- Aggressive drivers are often unable to move out of the way or swerve to avoid direct or head-on collisions
- Crashes caused by those driving aggressively frequently occur at high speeds and thus at greater force
A driver who is aggressive on the road should be required to fully compensate those who have been injured because of his or her negligence. Victims may be entitled to pursue a claim against the liable party in an effort to seek compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of present or future earnings, and medical expenses such as treatments, hospital visits, and physical therapy sessions.
Additionally, if you lost a loved one in a car accident caused by road rage, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit and recover damages for the death. While no amount of compensation can eliminate the pain of losing a beloved family member, receiving compensation can help to alleviate the financial burden and allow you to focus on what matters most. Contact an experienced Georgia road rage accident attorney today to learn more about your legal rights and how to take the first step to receive the compensation to which you may be entitled.
Have You Been Injured in a Georgia Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a Georgia car accident you should speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our office directly at (800) 234-9556 to schedule your free consultation.