It shouldn’t surprise you that road rage is a common cause of car accidents. The erratic behaviors of an angry driver can easily cause crashes and serious injuries. If you were hurt because someone else could not stay calm behind the wheel, you may be owed compensation. A New York car accident lawyer from our firm can help you sue for it.
What Behaviors Are Common With Road Rage?
A driver with road rage tends to speed and make bad decisions that can throw off other motorists. Common road rage behaviors include:
- Frequently changing lanes, sometimes illegally
- Driving on the shoulder or sidewalk
- Tailgating other drivers
- Brake checking
All of these dangerous behaviors can contribute to accidents. This is especially true when there are other potential dangers on the road, like ice or debris from construction projects.
What Can I Do If I Get Hit By Someone With Road Rage?
If you do get into an accident with someone due to their road rage, they should be held accountable. You should call the police to the scene and have them fill out a report. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the scene, the damage to the vehicles, and your injuries.
Then you should get care for your injuries as soon as possible. Once you know more about your prognosis, you may want to consider talking to a lawyer.
Should I Sue For Damages?
Your own insurance coverage can help with some of the medical costs, but if you have serious injuries your policy may not be enough. That’s when it’s time to consider suing for damages. The other driver was responsible for your accident due to their road rage. They should be held accountable.
Doing this is harder than you may expect though. You must show that the other driver was negligent and that this negligence led to your crash. A lawyer can help you gather evidence and build the most convincing case possible. Then you can pursue compensation that will help make up for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of enjoyment, and any other pain and suffering you experienced as a result of this road rage incident.
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action?
The state of New York gives you three years to sue for damages after an accident, but we recommend acting quickly. Evidence like surveillance footage can disappear and the memories of witnesses can get fuzzy. Acting quickly makes it easier for your lawyer to build a strong case.
Contact an Attorney Today
If you are ready to pursue a personal injury case, contact Zlotolow & Associates. The first consultation is free, so take the time to meet with our legal team and learn more about your options. We are ready to help you fight for the compensation that you deserve.
