Road Rage and Reckless Driving in Texas

When road rage becomes reckless driving, injured individuals can file a claim for compensation.

Road rage is an extremely dangerous form of driving behavior. When a driver becomes angry and starts driving in a reckless and dangerous manner, that driver essentially uses the vehicle as a weapon. Road ragers may try to overtake other vehicles, brake suddenly to irritate other drivers, or change lanes quickly and unnecessarily to escape a situation, such as a traffic jam. When these dangerous driving behaviors cause an accident and individuals become hurt, injured victims can file a claim against the reckless driver and claim damages.

What is Road Rage?

When drivers experience road rage, they typically become aggressive and abrasive. Their judgment usually becomes clouded as their emotions are heightened; it becomes a dangerous situation very quickly. Road rage often makes it impossible for drivers to pay attention to the road or abide by safety rules. When a driver is overcome with road rage, he or she may exhibit certain behaviors associated with reckless driving including:

  • Tailgating
  • Abrupt braking
  • Swerving or weaving
  • Running red lights
  • Swerving and weaving
  • Making unsafe lane changes
  • Deliberately crashing into a vehicle or pedestrian

Sometimes, road rage may become so extreme that it causes drivers to force another motorist to stop in the middle of the road, or they may follow another driver home. In the worst cases, a driver exhibiting road rage may even commit a criminal act of violence against another person.

What to Do After a Road Rage Accident

Drivers experiencing road rage often cause accidents, and when they do, it is important that you do not get out of your vehicle. You could be walking into a dangerous situation. Remain in your vehicle and call the police to report the accident. Tell the officer what happened and why you think the other driver is exhibiting road rage. Also ask them to send medical help.

After the police arrive they will ask the other driver for a driver’s license and insurance information. Ask the officer for a copy of this information, as well as the accident report. You may have to wait a few days before obtaining a copy of the crash report from the police department. Then collect other information from the scene including photos and eyewitness statements.

Once you leave the accident scene, you should then contact your insurance company. Even though Texas is an at-fault state for accidents, your own insurance policy likely states that you must still tell your insurance company of a crash that was the fault of someone else.

Our Texas Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

Drivers that cause a crash because their road rage causes them to drive recklessly should be held responsible for their actions. At the Law Office of Raul A. Guajardo, PLLC, our Edinburg car accident lawyers know how to hold them accountable. If you have been hurt, call us today at (956) 318-3200 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help with your case.