Liability for Auto Accidents Caused by Road Rage

Check the news and it’s likely you will see at least one story about a road rage incident on the roads. Most recently, a motorcycle driver in Florida captured a harrowing video that shows another motorist chasing him down the wrong lane on a crowded highway. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, aggressive driving is now a serious problem, with half of all fatal accidents caused by aggressive behavior behind the wheel.

With numbers like that, you may be wondering whether an aggressive driver can be held accountable for injuries caused when they fly off the handle. Also, how do courts differentiate between criminal conduct – like an assault on the road – and civil matters, such as personal injuries that result from a collision?

In these types of cases, the individual responsible for the crash can be prosecuted in the criminal system, which is a separate matter from any type of civil case. Rest assured, however, that the person who caused the accident can also be held liable for any property damage and personal injury that resulted from the crash.

What to Do After a Road Rage Incident

In any type of car accident, it is normal for the people involved to become emotional. After all, most accidents cause at least some type of vehicle damage. Unfortunately, some individuals can allow their tempers to get away from them. They may jump out of their vehicle and threaten the other person.

Stay Safe

If this happens to you, it is important to stay in your vehicle and contact the police. If you don’t feel safe at the scene, and you are unable to phone the police, another option is to drive to the nearest police station, as long as your injuries permit it. Your health and safety should be your first priority. If you have a mobile phone, use it to call for help as soon as possible.

Document the Scene and Your Injuries

If you feel safe, use your phone to document the scene and your injuries. Gathering this type of evidence as soon as possible after the accident can make a huge difference in your personal injury case. Take photos of your injuries, your vehicle, the other vehicles involved, the weather conditions, and the area around the accident. Keep in mind, however, that you should do nothing to provoke the other driver – especially if he or she is already violent or aggressive. If the other driver has threatened you, leave that sort of documentation to the police.

Get Witness Information

If you believe someone witnessed the accident or another driver’s aggressive behavior, it is important to obtain that witness’s contact information. Eyewitness testimony can be powerful evidence; don’t pass up an opportunity to have a third party corroborate your account of the incident.

Today, there is also a decent chance that some kind of surveillance camera captured the other motorist’s aggressive conduct and maybe even the crash. Many businesses now have 24/7 surveillance in place. Your personal injury lawyer can help you contact area businesses and other entities to determine if any footage of the incident exists.

Connecticut Personal Injury Lawyers

Have you been injured in an auto accident? It’s important to speak to a personal injury attorney right away. Call the experienced Connecticut personal injury lawyers at Nugent & Bryant today at (203) 795-1111 for a free consultation.