Motor vehicle accidents can lead to devastating injuries that impact not only the victim but also his or her entire family. A severe accident can lead to property damage, lost wages and medical bills. When the collision results from a road rage incident or is caused by negligence or inattention, the suffering can take on an additional emotional component.
What are the most common forms of road rage?
Depending on the type of road, time of day or day of the week, drivers might face different stresses. Being stuck in traffic after a grueling shift at work, for example, or personal stressors such as the loss of a loved one or a recent divorce, can cause different drivers to react in different ways. Road rage can be expressed in numerous ways, including:
- Tailgating, or following too closely
- Yelling or making obscene gestures
- Throwing objects at the other vehicles
- Swerving or blocking a lane change by the other vehicle
- Speeding
- Brake-checking, or intentionally slowing in front of the other vehicle
- Bumping, nudging or otherwise colliding on purpose with the other vehicle
Certain common factors can lead to road rage incidents, including:
- Traffic delays: Including road construction, heavy traffic, flashing traffic signals.
- Parking structures: Drivers can become enraged if they feel they were wronged while looking for a parking spot in a full garage or lot.
- Anonymity: Drivers might be more encouraged to react aggressively to perceived slights when they feel they can remain anonymous and therefore invulnerable to repercussions.
- Personal stressors: Including running late for a meeting, late for work, late for an appointment, domestic issues, pressure at school or pressure at work.
No matter the root cause, road rage can lead to violence and serious motor vehicle collisions. These collisions can result in broken bones, head trauma, soft tissue damage and spinal cord injuries. If you were in a collision caused by a distracted driver, an impaired driver or a road rage incident, don’t hesitate to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney.
