Road rage is a serious issue and one that’s on the rise as drivers have more distractions and more stress on Arizona highways. Road rage is illegal in Arizona, and the actions caused by it can certainly lead to injuries and other issues. This post outlines what to look for in road rage and how it can add to a personal injury case.
Common Road Rage Behaviors
- Angry language: You’ll often hear instances of road rage before ever seeing it. An angry driver often curses and yells or even slams on his or her horn to make a point and draw attention.
- Dangerous physical actions: road raging drivers could do anything from banging against their window, making obscene gestures, or throwing things outside their car.
- Reckless driving maneuvers: You’ll likely notice an enraged driver speeding up, slowing down, crowding a lane, tailgating, swerving, or potentially bumping another vehicle.
Beyond endangering their own property and lives, road rage drivers clearly endanger the lives of every other driver around them. By the time their rage has reached a serious level, they’ve probably already decided that the issue at hand is more important than the safety of those around them.
What This Means for an Auto Accident Case
The Arizona Dept. of Public Safety defines road rage as: “An assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or an assault precipitated by an incident that occurred on a roadway.” If you’re injured by someone who is enraged, a court could assign that person primarily or entirely at-fault for your pain and suffering. It goes beyond physical harm, too: emotional and mental trauma can certainly arise in more serious instances.
Additionally, the main driver’s bad behavior could cause additional incidents on the road, which would lead to potential additional fault. There are many situations where this could lead to personal injury and potentially establish a case for you to pursue further.
Road rage is a serious issue – one that can leave lasting emotional, mental, and even physical pain. Rabb & Rabb, PLLC understands this struggle and is here to do the heavy lifting while you focus on your recovery. For top-tier personal injury representation in Arizona, call us today at (520) 888-6740 to schedule a free consultation.
