Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
In Texas, drivers are expected to stay calm and have a safe driving attitude when driving. However, some drivers usually drive dangerously, lose their temper, and vent their anger on other drivers or road users. Unfortunately, the act of aggressive driving and road rage can possibly result in a terrible accident and cause severe injuries and damages to the victims. If you were hurt in an accident due to road rage or aggressive driving, you may be eligible to seek fair financial compensation.
At The Law Office of Steve Brannan, we enjoy providing sympathetic representation, support, and detailed direction to victims of road rage and aggressive driving accidents in their injury claims. Our accomplished Texas personal injury attorney has the resources necessary to protect your legal rights, help hold the responsible party liable, and seek deserved compensation for your injuries and damages. We're proud to serve clients across Odessa, Midland, Andrews, and throughout communities in West Texas.
What Is Road Rage?
Road rage is an angry or aggressive behavior that a motorist exhibits while driving on the road. Such behaviors may include yelling, physical threats, honking, verbal insults, offensive acts, tailgating, or other dangerous driving methods.
Furthermore, road rage is usually targeted at other drivers or road users in an effort to release frustration or intimidate them. In Texas, road rage is a serious offense that may result in criminal charges and penalties.
Causes of Road Rage
Some common causes of road rage include:
Traffic delays
Anonymity
Impatience
Heavy traffic
Being ignorant of the law
Disregard for other road users
Being cut off by a distracted driver
Even the slightest inconvenience can make you feel irritated when behind the wheels and result in road rage. However, it is vital that you remain calm and take control of the situation to avoid acting angrily toward other drivers.
What to Do If You Feel It
If you feel road rage, here are some insightful tips to help prevent it:
Cool down before driving.
Always leave on time to avoid heavy traffic.
Avoid tailgating or unnecessary honking.
Have empathy for other drivers and road users.
By following the aforementioned tips, you can prevent this unsafe driving behavior.
What to Do If You Witness It
If you witness road rage or if you're the target of an angry driver, here's what to do:
Remain calm. Do not block or make rude gestures to provoke the other driver.
Steer clear or keep a safe distance.
Take mental notes of specific details about the driver, such as the driver's appearance, gender, estimated age, facial hair, eyeglasses, and outfit.
Pull into the nearest police station to report the incident.
An experienced attorney can enlighten you about what to do when you're being followed or harassed by a raging driver and help determine the best course of action.
Understanding Aggressive Driving
According to Texas law, aggressive driving involves operating a motor vehicle in a way that puts other persons or property in danger. It is the act of driving in a way that shows "willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property."
What’s more, aggressive driving is a traffic offense. Conversely, road rage is a criminal offense. Nonetheless, both acts can result in devastating ramifications to your quality of life, driving privileges, and future opportunities.
The Dangers of Aggressive Driving
Unfortunately, driving aggressively may expose both yourself, other drivers, and road users to traffic accidents and road mishaps. Here are some of the dangers of aggressive driving:
Traffic accidents
Road injuries or fatalities
Property or vehicle damage
Costly fines, jail time, and other devastating penalties
What to Do If You Witness It
If you witness aggressive driving, here's what you should do:
Protect yourself or get to safety.
Be polite and courteous to the aggressive driver. Don't take the situation personally.
Take mental notes of details about the aggressive driver.
Report the aggressive driver to law enforcement.
If you were hurt in an accident caused by an aggressive driver, you need to reach out to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney immediately. Your lawyer can review all of the facts of your case and inform you about your possible options to recover damages.
When Road Rage and Aggressive Driving Lead to Accidents
When road rage and aggressive driving results in an accident, you may be eligible to file a claim or lawsuit against the negligent party. Texas is an at-fault state. This means that the aggressive driver will be held responsible for injuries, vehicle damages, and other accident-related losses suffered by the accident victims.
Additionally, filing a claim allows you to hold the aggressive driver liable for their actions and seek fair compensation for your injuries or damages. An experienced Texas car accident attorney can help protect your best interests and seek the maximum possible compensation for your injuries.
How the Law Office of Steve Brannan
Can Help
Being at the receiving end of an accident due to road rage and aggressive driving can be a difficult and overwhelming experienced. Such an unfortunate incident may leave you injured, hospitalized, and unable to work. Nonetheless, you don't have to suffer the pain and financial liability all alone. Therefore, when you're hurt in an accident caused by a raging or aggressive driver, you need to act quickly and retain a seasoned personal injury attorney to advocate for your legal rights and help pursue your rightful compensation.
At The Law Office of Steve Brannan, we have the diligence, expertise, and resources to help you hold those liable for your injuries accountable. As your legal team, we can assess and investigate the details of your specific situation and research your options to seek damages.
Contact The Law Office of Steve Brannan today to schedule a simple case assessment with a trusted car accident lawyer. We have the loyal support, experienced guidance, and strong representation you need in your personal injury claims. Our firm proudly represents accident victims across Odessa, Midland, Andrews, Pecos, Big Spring, and throughout communities in West Texas.