Road Rage Car Accident

North Carolina residents live increasingly busy lives, and many are under increasing amounts of stress. Unfortunately, aggressive driving continues to be a serious problem in North Carolina roadways. Aggressive driving is commonly referred to as road rage. Angry driving practices can lead to drivers making serious mistakes and colliding with other motor vehicles on the road. Indeed, road rage continues to contribute to car accidents throughout North Carolina.

At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our attorneys understand the extent of the devastating injuries road rage car accidents can cause. That is why our attorneys fight hard on behalf of our clients who have received injuries caused by road rage. Time is of the essence in terms of filing a civil personal injury lawsuit for aggressive driving. Contact our Charlotte car accident attorneys today to schedule your free initial consultation and learn how our attorneys can help you.

What Constitutes Aggressive Driving Behavior

Aggressive driving or road rage happens anytime someone drives aggressively due to anger. When drivers commit exceedingly dangerous acts while driving, drivers can cause serious accidents. A recent AAA study reported that 80% of drivers admit to aggressive driving habits. Common examples of road rage or reckless driving include:

• Passing vehicles using lanes intended for opposing traffic
• Passing cars using highway shoulders
• Driving at excessive speeds
• Engaging in unsafe lane changes
• Tailgating other drivers
• Failure to obey traffic signals, such as failure to yield or failure to stop

Committing these dangerous actions can cause car accidents. Victims injured in aggressive driving accidents will need to prove that the driver’s road rage or aggressive driving caused the car accident. Nonetheless, car insurance companies often downplay allegations of aggressive driving. It is imperative that injured parties work with skilled attorneys to present clear and convincing evidence that the at-fault driver engaged in reckless driving practices.

At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our attorneys know how to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of our clients’ car accidents. Our skilled car accident attorneys interview witnesses and work with experts to prove that the at-fault driver caused our client’s personal injuries. With decades of combined experience, our personal injury attorneys have the skills and experience needed to effectively advocate on our client’s behalf for their best interests.

Examples of Behaviors Exhibited by Drivers During Road Rage Episodes

Proving road rage in North Carolina car accidents can be challenging. Despite this challenge aggressive drivers often engage in specific behaviors. Drivers who display the following behaviors likely engaged in road rage or aggressive driving:

• Excessive use of the motor vehicle horn
• Speeding toward a yellow light that is soon to turn red
• Passing a car, then cutting in front of the car and slowing down
• Driving through an intersection while in a right-hand turn lane
• Changing a lane using excessive speed without using a signal
• Displaying an obscene gesture to another driver
• Flashing headlights in an attempt to force another motorist to move
• Driving in the passing lane or left lane in an effort to prevent other cars from passing
• Driving toward oncoming traffic with high beam lights turned on
• Driving behind other cars with the high beams turned on
• Rolling down a window and screaming at another driver

Legal Options for Those Injured in Road Rage Car Accidents

Road rage is an issue facing North Carolina drivers on a daily basis. In many instances, drivers who engage in road rage are not only driving negligently but recklessly and intentionally dangerously. Many times, drivers who engage in road rage use excessive speeds and attempt to cut other drivers off, making the likelihood of a serious car accident occurring increase.

Those injured in a road rage car accident have a legal right to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s car insurance company. Under North Carolina law, at-fault drivers must cover the expenses of any injuries they cause. North Carolina drivers are legally required to carry minimum amounts of car insurance. If the at-fault driver does not carry car insurance, the injured party can file an uninsured or underinsured driver claim through his or her own insurance company.

We Can Help

If the insurance policy denies the claim or refuses to offer a fair settlement amount, the injured party may need to file a lawsuit in civil court. Injured parties can sue for compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering, and lost past and future earnings. To learn how the skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC can help you receive compensation, contact our law firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.

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