Road rage accidents might be the only type of car accidents that are 100 percent preventable. Unfortunately, despite the fact that road rage and aggressive driving are one of the leading causes of car crashes in Pennsylvania and all across the U.S., many motorists just cannot seem to stop losing their temper while operating a vehicle.
Here at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we receive calls and emails from people who were injured in road rage incidents all the time. Some of these incidents even involve the use of weapons.
ROAD RAGE ACCIDENTS IN PENNSYLVANIA
If you have ever driven a vehicle in Pittsburgh or elsewhere in Pennsylvania, you probably know that it is very easy to fall into a fit of rage while driving because some other motorist does something that makes you slow down or swerve, the traffic is slow and you are late to work, or you have just lost your job, got divorced, or [insert any other problem in your life] and pretty much anything can cause you to lose your temper any second.
“Road rage is a common occurrence on Pittsburgh roads, and is a violation of Pennsylvania traffic law,” says our Pittsburgh road rage accident attorney at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman. “By losing your temper when operating a vehicle, you are endangering the lives of pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and other motorists on the road.”
WHAT TO DO AFTER A ROAD RAGE ACCIDENT
If you were in a car accident after the other motorist went into a rage mode, you may be able to sue the raging motorist to recover damages. At the scene of a car accident caused by road rage, the raging driver will either (a) continue exhibiting aggressive behavior, which may put your safety at risk, or (b) deny that he or she lost his or her temper in an attempt to escape liability.
And while it is not advised to confront an aggressive driver after a car crash, it is always a good idea to consult with an experienced road rage accident attorney in Pittsburgh or elsewhere in Pennsylvania to prove that the accident was caused by road rage and that the other motorist should be held liable for your damages and losses.
The best way to ensure your safety and protect yourself from an aggressive driver at the scene is to call the police and wait for their arrival. Only then it is safe to exchange contact and insurance information with the raging driver, talk to witnesses, take photographs, and more
WHAT IS ROAD RAGE?
Unfortunately, many people in Pennsylvania have no idea which behaviors fit the description of “road rage,” which prevents them from recovering maximum compensation after a motor vehicle accident caused by a motorist who experienced road rage while operating his or her vehicle.
Under federal and state law, the following behaviors fit the description of road rage:
- Speeding
- Driving unreasonably slowly
- Following behind another vehicle too closely
- Tailgating
- Flashing high beams for no reason
- Honking for no reason
- Cutting off other vehicles
- Expressing anger through the use of foul language or offensive gestures
- Suddenly braking or suddenly accelerating and
- Throwing objects at other motorists or their vehicles
Seeking compensation after a road rage incident can be tough if you are not represented by a Pittsburgh car accident lawyer with decades of experience. Let our lawyers at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman help you navigate the process of recovering damages from a raging driver. Call our offices at (412) 391-7610 for a free case evaluation.
