Who Is Liable in a New York Road Rage Accident?

At Apicella and Schlesinger law firm, we have experienced car accident attorneys who are ready to help you get justice. Contact us today!

As a driver, you are required to drive safely and adhere to traffic rules. But this does not mean every driver will heed road safety guidelines. And you may find yourself dealing with an aggressive driver.

Road rage can lead to fatal accidents that can leave you with serious injuries. According to a report released by the American Automobile Association, road rage has been responsible for more than 218 deaths and 12,610 injuries over a seven-year time period.

Signs of Road Rage

To better understand road rage, let’s look at common ways you can recognize it. A driver will exhibit road rage when they keep on:

• Flashing their headlights aggressively
• Cursing and making offensive hand movements
• Honking continuously
• Tailgating you
• Speeding through traffic
• Making dangerous lane changes
• Ramming another vehicle on purpose

How Do You Stay Safe?

Most aggressive drivers are usually intoxicated, upset, or stressed. When you encounter an aggressive driver on the road, do not confront them. This may lead to a fight or worse. Instead, do the following:

• Slow Down and Let the Aggressive Driver Pass – However agitated you are due to the uncouth behavior of another driver, don’t antagonize them. For example, if they’re driving carelessly while honking, do not reciprocate. Instead, take a deep breath, slow down and give them the right of the way.
• Don’t Get Out of Your Car – Road rage can be extremely dangerous if you pull over and get out of your vehicle. You could be run over or attacked. Therefore, it’s advisable to stay in your car.
• Don’t Open Your Vehicle’s Door – The aggressive driver may get out of the car and approach you, haul insults at you or even try to open your door. If this happens, don’t try to be brave and open your door to respond to them. Instead, you should ignore them and avoid making eye contact. If they start hitting your car, be sure to honk to attract public attention.
• Call the Police – If the other driver aggressively follows you and seems to make every turn you make, call the police.

Who Is Liable in a New York Road Rage Accident?

If an aggressive driver causes an accident that leaves you injured, they may be held accountable for their negligence.

You’ll need to provide evidence that their road rage caused the accident. To do so, gather photos from the accident scene, police reports, and witness statements. Most importantly, it would help if you have a New York personal injury attorney by your side to help you get the most out of your case.

We Are Here to Help!

At Apicella and Schlesinger law firm, we have experienced car accident attorneys who are ready to help you get justice. Contact us today! We will put all our efforts into your case to ensure the aggressive driver pays for all the damages they caused.