Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers Handle Accident Claims Aggressive and Angry Drivers
Aggressive driving and road rage-related incidents are an emerging predicament on U.S. roadways. Aggressive driving typically occurs when a driver carelessly disregards right-of-ways and basic driving courtesy. Usually, the driver is in a rush and carelessly maneuvers through traffic, passing inappropriately and cutting off other drivers. These actions put other drivers at risk of injury from preventable accidents.
Road rage occurs when a driver deliberately threatens another motorist with their vehicle. As a result, car accidents involving aggressive driving and the deliberate, negligent actions of an enraged driver lead to serious injuries and even traffic fatalities.
Aggressive driving is a traffic offense, but a driver engaging in road rage can be convicted of a criminal offense. This is particularly true in situations in which a driver has suffered vehicular assault at the hands of an aggressive driver.
Aggressive driving and road rage can result in property damage to a vehicle, personal injury, or even a traffic fatality. A victim of a road rage accident, or an accident resulting from another aggressive driving violation, or the victim’s family should consult with an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss the potential for a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
Common Signs of Road Rage
According to law enforcement and traffic safety advocates, there are a variety of aggressive driving behaviors that constitute road rage. These include:
Sudden acceleration or deceleration too close to another driver.
Tailgating another vehicle and continuously flashing the car’s headlights.
Intentionally slamming on the brakes in front of a vehicle.
Frequently and dangerously changing lanes.
Cutting off other drivers.
Persistent use of the vehicle’s horn.
Making rude, lewd, profane, or insulting hand gestures to another motorist.
Yelling at other drivers.
Avoiding a Car Accident with an Aggressive Driver
To ensure your safety and reduce your risk of a car accident, avoid engaging in a confrontation of road rage with an aggravated driver. Recognize that a driver who is exhibiting signs of road rage is unlikely to retreat or restrain from antagonistic behavior. To protect yourself and your passengers, allow them to pass. Sometimes, it may be best to exit the highway to remove yourself from the aggressive driving situation.
Unfortunately, some incidents of road rage unavoidably result in a collision. A victim of a road rage car accident must attempt to obtain information from the aggressive driver so that they can be held accountable by police for the accident. This can often be difficult to do, and many road rage accidents result in hit-and-run car accidents. A skillful Philadelphia accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable and you receive just compensation for injuries and other losses.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Jay L. Edelstein Successfully Represents Victims of Aggressive Driving
The Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Edelstein Law assist victims of car accidents caused by aggressive driving and pursue all available legal remedies under the law. Call our Center City Philadelphia law offices at 215-893-9311 or 856-809-3150 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer, or contact us online.
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