When drivers and passengers enter a vehicle, they understand that there is some degree of risk involved. However, many do not realize just how common auto accidents are. Across the United States, auto accidents happen daily and result in millions of injuries every year. These injuries, along with property damage, account for billions of dollars in financial losses. Sadly, many accidents are completely avoidable and are a direct result of the reckless or negligent actions of another driver.
Road rage is an unfortunate example of reckless driving. Auto accidents and road rage leave many of our San Francisco, CA and Oakland, CA clients facing debilitating injuries and financial losses. The experienced team of auto accident attorneys at Bowles & Verna will fight for our clients to ensure they are justly compensated for any damages occurring from an auto accident involving road rage.
Road Rage
Road rage is a serious problem across the country. Road rage describes angry behavior displayed by drivers on the road. Most often, this anger is a reaction to a driving mistake made by another driver, or a response to some type of action that the driver views as unacceptable. Road rage is dangerous because it can escalate quickly and is known to result in violent, and even deadly interactions. Examples of road rage include the following:
- Verbal insults
- Rude gestures made at others on the road
- Threatening words and actions against another driver
- Erratic driving
Road rage is usually treated as a criminal offense and is distinguished from aggressive driving, which may involve speeding and weaving in and out of lanes of traffic.
Avoiding Road Rage Accidents
When a person chooses to react with anger and drive erratically, they are completely responsible for their actions. However, there are steps that other drivers can take to diffuse aggressive situations and avoid the risk of a road rage auto accident. If confronted with an angry driver, the following steps can be vital to removing yourself from a potentially threatening situation:
- Slow down to distance yourself from the angry driver
- Exit the road or freeway as soon as possible
- If pursued, pull into the parking lot of a busy area
- Stay calm and avoid engaging in any confrontation
- If you make a mistake, acknowledge it with a simple apology
- Call the police if you feel like you are truly at risk
Seek Legal Help
If an auto accident does occur as a result of road rage, it is important for injury victims to seek legal help as soon as possible. Our team of experienced attorneys will gather the evidence that is necessary to prove that road rage contributed to the accident and resulting injuries. We will fight to ensure that our clients are justly compensated for all damages, including financial losses from medical expenses and lost wages, and emotional damages such as pain and suffering.
Contact Us
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, our attorneys can help you get the compensation you are due for your losses. Contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss the details of your case and find out your best course of legal action.