Aggressive Drivers and Car Accidents
Road Rage in Pennsylvania
If you’re not new to the internet, then you’ve likely seen your fair share of road rage videos. After browsing through YouTube, it becomes apparent that there’s a lot of aggressive drivers on the road who take out their frustrations on other motorists.
Does road aggression increase the chances you’ll be involved in a crash? What happens if road rage causes an injury? Find out the answers to these questions and more below.
What is Aggressive Driving and Road Rage?
People can become emotionally charged for several reasons, so aggressive driving has several causes. From simply having a bad day to suffering from a mental illness, drivers may become aggressive on the road. Here are some signs that someone’s driving too aggressively:
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Speeding
- Running stop signs and red lights
- Cutting off other drivers and improperly passing
- Failure to use turn signals
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Screaming, honking or yelling at other motorists
Regardless of what causes aggressive behavior, these actions are unsafe on the road.
Aggressive Driving, Road Rage and Car Accidents
Aggressive driving is reckless behavior. If another driver tries to confront the person, then the situation can escalate into what’s called road rage. Road rage is described as an incident where a person attempts to use their vehicle as a weapon to harm others. This behavior greatly increases the chances that the impacted parties will get into a motor vehicle accident or get injured. What should you do if you encounter an aggressive driver on the road? Here are some tips:
- Avoid making eye contact with the driver
- Give the aggressive car plenty of room
- Do not attempt to engage the driver
- If you’re worried about other people’s safety, then reach out to 911
Despite your best efforts, an aggressive driver can still cause you to be involved in a crash. If you were injured or your property was damaged, then you have a right to compensation.
Was Your PA Accident Caused by an Aggressive Driver?
All states consider aggressive driving and road rage negligent behavior. All drivers have a responsibility and duty to care for other motorists and pedestrians on the road. When a driver is negligent, they take on the legal liability of any financial fallout that a crash causes. That means you have legal recourse after an aggressive driver causes you to get into a car accident.
Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an aggressive driver in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Berger & Lagnese, LLC represent clients injured because of aggressive drivers in Pittsburgh, New Castle, Erie, Lawrence, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call 412-471-4300 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 310 Grant Street, Suite 720, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.