If you are involved in a road rage collision in Texas, taking the appropriate steps is critical. As such, you should immediately call emergency services, remain in your vehicle if the other driver is aggressive, and wait for the police to arrive. Additionally, you should document the scene, including damages, while ensuring you seek prompt medical attention. If you have been the victim of a raging driver in Texas, the following blog explores what you should do to navigate these difficult times and the importance of working with a San Angelo, Texas auto accident lawyer to help you fight for justice.
What Is Road Rage?
While it’s not uncommon to grow frustrated by those driving dangerously or negligently, some people fall into an all-consuming rage as a result of the actions of others on the road.
In Texas, road rage may escalate to unsafe, aggressive, or reckless driving behaviors that significantly increase the risk of serious collisions, injuries, and even fatalities.
Common Road Rage Behaviors in Texas
- Yelling
- Cursing
- Making obscene gestures
- Tailgating
- Excessive honking or flashing of high beams
- Making unsafe lane changes or using the shoulder
- Brake checking
- Attempting to run the vehicle off the road
- Intentionally hitting another vehicle
- Constant lane changes
- Failure to use turn signals
- Driving on shoulders or sidewalks
- Driving the wrong way
Why Is Road Rage So Dangerous?
Road rage can significantly increase the risk of a serious crash, as the driver is no longer focused on driving and adhering to the rules of the road, but their attention has shifted to letting another driver know they are upset or seeking revenge. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, speeding, a common behavior linked to aggressive driving and road rage, is responsible for over 11,000 fatalities in 2023.
How Road Rage Leads to Collisions
- Drivers focus on retaliation rather than safe driving
- Increased speeding reduces reaction times
- Aggressive maneuvers create unpredictable traffic patterns
- Intentional actions, like brake checking, directly cause collisions
These types of aggressive driving behaviors are a leading cause of serious car collisions in Texas, and can result in severe injuries, long-term disabilities, and wrongful death.
What Should I Do Following a Road Rage Collision in Texas?
If you are involved in a collision in San Angelo, Carlsbad, Water Valley, or any other Tom Green County community due to the actions of another driver, it’s imperative to understand the steps to take to protect yourself. Though the aftermath of a collision can be overwhelming, understanding how to proceed and taking the appropriate steps is critical to not only protect your health and well-being, but also your legal rights to file a claim against a negligent and aggressive driver
Immediate Steps to Protect Yourself
- Call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance
- Inform the operator if the other driver is behaving aggressively
- Remain in your vehicle with the doors locked until police arrive if you feel unsafe
- Wait for law enforcement to arrive before interacting with the other driver
- Adhere to all police instructions when at the scene
Evidence You Should Gather
- Photos and videos of the damage to both vehicles, your visible injuries, and the road conditions
- Surveillance or dashboard camera footage, if available
- Names and contact information for witnesses
- A copy of the police report
- Medical records documenting injuries
Should I Sue Following a Road Rage Collision in Texas?
If another driver’s road rage has caused your injuries, you may have the right to seek compensation for the damages you have suffered. It is important to note, however, that often, the other driver’s insurance will offer a low settlement, often too low to cover the full extent of the financial losses you have suffered. As such, working with an experienced Tom Green County attorney is critical to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Types of Compensation You May Recover
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Pain from disability or disfigurement
- PSTD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Reduced earning capacity
Contact a Tom Green County Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you are the victim of a road rage collision in San Angelo, Grape Creek, Water Valley, or anywhere in or around Tom Green County, it is critical to understand the importance of connecting with an experienced attorney. At the Mathis Law Firm, PLLC, we understand how difficult these matters can be to navigate. That is why our team will do everything in our power to help you fight for and recover the compensation you deserve. When you need assistance, do not hesitate to contact our team today.
