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Delaware Car Accident Lawyers Secure Maximum Compensation for Victims of Road Rage Accidents

When an Aggressive Driver Causes a Wreck, We Hold Them Accountable

Surely, every driver has experienced frustration at an inconsiderate driver at one point or another. Most may just mutter a few choice words under breath and move along about their day. But for others, that anger triggers something much more dangerous, turning their frustration into rage.

Research shows that around half of drivers on the receiving end of bad driving behavior retaliate in some way: blowing the horn, rude gestures, and foul words being the most common. What begins as a slight annoyance escalates into a dangerous altercation.

But the good news is road rage accidents are preventable. Learn to recognize the signs of aggressive driving in yourself and others to avoid becoming a road rage statistic.

Identifying the Signs of Road Rage

Road rage can be defined as any angry, dangerous, or violent driving behavior. Drivers who lose control and become aggressive or irrational are a very real danger to themselves and those around them – including innocent bystanders and pedestrians.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration considers the following behaviors aggressive:

  • Cutting off other drivers
  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Ignoring traffic signs or control signals
  • Overtaking a stopped school bus
  • Passing on the shoulder
  • Speeding
  • Sudden stops and starts
  • Tailgating

Road rage is the extreme culmination of one or more of these behaviors. In many states, road rage is considered a criminal offense.

Preventing Road Rage Accidents

Driving in the vicinity of an aggressive driver can be downright frightening. The following are some tips for avoiding a dangerous driver and reducing your chances of being involved and injured in a road rage accident.

Check Your Mood

If you find yourself speeding, tailgating, or getting angry while driving, take a break. Safely pull over and regroup. Sometimes a bit of time to decompress is all you need to feel better and make better driving decisions.

Lead by Example

Driving distracted, tailgating, and failing to signal is inevitably going to frustrate other drivers. By being a courteous driver, you show others the respect you want in return, and you are less likely to incense the wrong person.

Avoid Conflict

If you sense another driver is trying to instigate a dispute, resist the urge to challenge them or retaliate in any way. You may have the power to deescalate the situation. Avoid making eye contact with an aggressive driver. Pull over safely out of traffic if you can.

Report Dangerous Drivers

If you encounter an aggressive driver who is a danger to themselves or others, notify the authorities by calling 9-1-1 whenever you can do so safely. If possible, provide the driver’s location, license plate number, and a description of the vehicle.

If you believe you are in immediate danger of a road rage accident, do not get out of your vehicle. Drive to the nearest police station for assistance.

Hold Aggressive Drivers Responsible for Road Rage Accidents

The data on road rage accidents is concerning. In 2016, the state of Delaware issued 95,000 citations for aggressive driving. Even if you make the effort to be a courteous driver, it is sometimes impossible to avoid interacting with aggressive drivers. Unfortunately, some individuals make others the target of their own anger and frustration.

Road rage accidents leave victims with life-changing injuries and emotional trauma. Whether you have been injured in a physical altercation or car accident caused by an aggressive driver, you have the right to file a claim against the at-fault driver whose behavior led to your crash and injuries.

Personal Injury Claims in Delaware

In Delaware, road rage accident victims can file a personal injury lawsuit for damages related to medical costs, loss of income, and pain and suffering related their injuries. Road rage collisions are complex and require the counsel of a skilled car accident attorney to formulate an effective case strategy and discover all the evidence related to your case needed to demonstrate the other party’s negligence caused your road rage accident.

Road Rage Accident Victims Trust the Experienced Delaware Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC

Beyond the initial physical and emotional trauma caused by a road rage accident, victims often find themselves overwhelmed by the financial fallout after a serious crash. We will tirelessly to protect you from bearing the financial weight of an accident you did not cause. Trust the team of skilled Delaware car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC to do everything possible to recover the compensation you deserve. To learn more about the legal remedies available to you after a car accident, call 302-888-1221 or 215-569-8488 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation in our Wilmington, Delaware office. McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC also has locations throughout the greater Philadelphia region to serve clients in Middletown, Dover, Newark, Delaware and Pennsylvania and New Jersey.