Maryland Road Rage Accidents
Virtually every driver will become frustrated behind the wheel at some point during his or her lifetime. Traffic, poor drivers, being cut off, being trapped behind someone driving too slowly in the fast lane—all of these can be infuriating.
However, when a driver crosses the line from frustration to active anger, the results can be deadly. Far too often, a simple traffic irritation can trigger a road rage accident, resulting in personal injury or even death. If someone has been involved in an accident where the other party was displaying signs of road rage, they should speak with a Maryland car accident lawyer as soon as possible to build a case.
What is Road Rage?
“Road rage” is a common term used to describe aggressive driving triggered by an emotional—and sometimes violent—reaction to a roadway situation. Sometimes, road rage violence can lead to an altercation or assault when an angry driver follows another driver, and these incidents have led to fatal shootings or stabbings. However, far more commonly, road rage is exhibited through aggressive driving:
- Tailgating
- Sudden braking
- Sudden acceleration
- Cutting off other vehicles
- Refusal to let other vehicles merge
- Passing too closely or too suddenly
- Excessive use of horns, signals, or lights
- Shouting, threatening, or making obscene gestures
- Running another vehicle off the road or intentionally causing an accident
The most serious cases of road rage involve an intent to harm another driver or drivers, but most road rage accidents are unintentional crashes caused by reckless and aggressive driving.
How to Handle a Road Rage Incident
It is relatively easy to spot someone exhibiting road rage—they may be screaming out of their window, making rude hand gestures, or driving aggressively. The best way to avoid a road rage accident in Maryland is to simply try to avoid the aggressive driver: get out of the way and avoid eye contact. If the driver is particularly aggressive or threatening, pull over and call police, or have a passenger call police. Do not do anything that could escalate the encounter.
Unfortunately, some road rage accidents are caused when an angry or violent driver refuses to back down, despite other driver’s attempts to avoid or de-escalate the situation. Should such a situation take place, calling a Maryland car accident attorney may be beneficial in helping someone bring a case against the other driver.
If an accident occurs because of road rage or aggressive driving, try to avoid becoming involved in a direct confrontation with the at-fault driver. Remain calm and call police and emergency medical workers, if needed.
If possible, take pictures of the accident scene and record any witness statements. Write down everything you remember about the accident and the aggressive driver’s behaviors prior to the collision. In cases of hit and run, try to get the aggressive driver’s tag number and a clear description of the vehicle.
Maryland Car Accident Lawyer: Road Rage Accidents
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a road rage accident, you may be able to get financial compensation from the driver who’s reckless and aggressive actions caused the accident. Road rage settlements and judgments may include compensation for property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning potential, pain and suffering, and more. Call today to find out how a Maryland car accident attorney may be able to help you.