Road rage happens when a driver engages in aggressive, hostile, and reckless tactics while operating their automobile. There are several reasons why a person may experience road rage. Some people are more prone to road rage incidents than others, but nevertheless, road rage is incredibly dangerous and irresponsible. The peril that is created on the road when just one driver is engaging in a road rage incident is quite high. There is the potential that many people can be implicated in a resulting crash and sustain severe injuries or even death.

When a person engages in a road rage act and causes a crash, they may cause significant harm to others. Typically in Florida, which follows a no-fault liability system, a person who is injured in a car accident will connect with their own insurance provider to file a claim for compensation. This is because there is no need to prove fault. But, in some instances, the number of damages that were sustained can be so high that it is possible to file a claim for compensation against the driver who caused the accident. 

Figuring out how to obtain compensation after a car accident in Florida can be complicated and complex. When you are trying to manage recovery, the strain that comes with also figuring out how to take legal action for compensation can be yet another heavy burden. Working with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney can make all of the difference and increase your ability to be successful with your claim and help you get the compensation that you need to move forward with your life after your accident. The Jacksonville car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Sheftall & Associates can assist you with getting the compensation you need and deserve.

How Rampant is Road Rage?

Road rage happens more often than you may think. If you have seen a driver doing any of the following then you have seen road rage in action:

• Tailgating.
• Incessantly and belligerently honking the horn.
• Aggressively cutting other cars off.
• Yelling and making indecent gestures towards other drivers.
• Blinking lights pugnaciously and without necessity.
• Speeding at excessive rates of acceleration while weaving in and out of traffic.
• Slowing down and accelerating in front of another car unexpectedly.

These are just some examples of what types of aggressive driving actions can constitute road rage. All of these behaviors are not only obnoxious but are dangerous. This is true not only for the driver engaged in road rage and their passengers but also any other vehicle or pedestrian that is nearby the angry and aggressive driver.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that most accidents are the result of errors the driver makes. Essentially, 90% of all accidents are preventable because they come by way of bad decisions or mistakes made by the driver of a car. 

Road rage is also a driver error. The NHTSA estimates that as high as 35% of accidents that take place across the country are because of hot-tempered drivers that are unable to control their emotions and drive safely.

The state of Florida has some of the highest rates of car accidents reported every year when compared to every other state in the nation. Road rage is not uncommon on Florida’s roads and as a result, many accidents happen because of this. The aftermath of a road rage incident can be disastrous and even deadly. 

Driver Error Vs. Road Rage in Florida

When an accident happens, the authorities that come to the scene may delineate between an accident from driver misjudgment and a driver who was being aggressive and hostile while operating their automobile. It is not uncommon for a driver to make an error with their driving behavior and then have that escalate into uncontrollable anger. This may motivate a person to act irresponsibly and make a decision that can have devastating results.

There is a big difference between driver error and aggressive driving. If you were injured by an aggressive driver, you may be able to file a road rage accident suit against them for compensation. It is advantageous to work with a proficient Jacksonville catastrophic injury attorney that understands how to establish liability. 

It is necessary that your attorney show that the other driver’s road rage caused your accident and your injuries. In specific, it is important to demonstrate one of the following:

• Your injuries were permanent.
• Your physical bodily harm has left you with lasting scarring.
• You were disfigured. 
• You required amputation.
• You lost the ability for full bodily functioning.
• Death resulted from the accident.

If your damages are substantial, you may be entitled to a large settlement. Fighting to ensure that you get the financial compensation that you deserve is something that the Jacksonville personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Sheftall & Associates take very seriously. The legal team at Sheftall Law is dedicated to providing victims of injury accidents with the highest quality legal services and customer support.

Speak to a Jacksonville Car Accident Attorney Today

Road rage can not only involve a car accident, it can also involve weapons. More than one-third of the road rage incidents that are reported each year include a gun.

Many drivers will experience some sort of road rage incident in their life. Many will also engage in the destructive behavior themself as it is estimated that eight in 10 drivers will partake in some type of road rage act while driving in their lifetime.

Nobody benefits from road rage. The driver committing hostile acts and those on the receiving end can all suffer irreparable harm after a road rage incident. Depending on the nature of the road rage incident, the individual who is perpetrating the road rage action may not only be held civilly liable for their behavior but also criminally. 

To learn more about what your rights are after a car accident in Jacksonville and which remedies are available, please call the Law Offices of Sheftall & Associates to speak with a Jacksonville injury attorney during a free consultation at 904-647-2296.