Road rage accidents can occur when a driver's frustration boils over and they engage in hostile actions toward another driver. Due to the nature of road rage as a targeted act of aggression, accidents resulting from road rage can easily result in serious injury or death.

If you have been the victim of road rage, a reputable car accident lawyer can help you win the compensation you deserve. Here is a rundown of what every driver should know about road rage accidents.

What Is Road Rage?

An automobile accident must meet a few specific criteria to be considered a road rage accident. A key element of road rage claims is assault with a deadly weapon by one driver on another driver or passenger. The aggressor's vehicle is the deadly weapon in most cases, although the definition extends to guns, knives, and other weapons as well.

Road rage aggression takes many forms with varying levels of severity. Bumping or ramming the victim's vehicle is a common form of assault, and it may occur intentionally or as a consequence of other unsafe actions.. In extreme cases, the aggressor may attempt to run the victim off the road or exit their vehicle to approach with the intent of violence. The AAA Foundation reports that aggressive driving is a factor in 56 percent of fatal crashes.

What Factors Contribute to Road Rage?

Road rage accidents often occur after seemingly minor incidents on the road when one driver feels that they have been slighted by another. For example, the victim may have cut the aggressor off in traffic. Regardless of the victim's actions, road rage is an excessive and unwarranted response that the offending driver will be held liable for.

Environmental factors like slow traffic and crowded roads can contribute to road rage by building frustration in the aggressive driver. Psychological factors come into play as well, as drivers are more likely to exhibit road rage if they are under high stress in their life or have a natural tendency for aggression. Road rage occurs more often in drivers who struggle with alcohol and substance abuse.

Millions of driver interactions occur on the road every day, so it's almost impossible to predict when an incident will trigger road rage. Before an accident occurs, aggressors often engage in unsafe behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, brake checking, or changing lanes erratically. Drivers can reduce the likelihood of being involved in an accident by avoiding vehicles that are displaying these signs of road rage.

What Evidence Do You Need for a Road Rage Injury Claim?

A road rage claim is a civil suit to gain compensation for financial, physical, and/or emotional damages that resulted from the accident. The victim will be responsible for proving that the defendant engaged in negligent or reckless behavior. Witness statements and police reports are two of the most valuable pieces of documentation to support your case. Your case will have a strong foundation if the defendant was issued a ticket or charged with a criminal offense related to the accident.

Other essential forms of documentation to support your case include medical bills, work communications, and receipts for vehicle repairs. A car accident lawyer can help you secure the documentation and witness testimonies you need to receive maximum compensation.

Road rage accidents are an unfortunate reality that drivers can face at any time behind the wheel, so it's essential to be prepared. If you are the victim of road rage, consult with a car accident lawyer who has a track record of successful road rage claims. An attorney can help you get your life back on track after your unjust accident.

Schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney for more information. 

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