Road rage is something we all see happen on the roads. Maybe someone cuts you off, and you see the other driver get angry, yelling, honking, or doing something dangerous. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that road rage can ruin lives, break families, and cause problems that last for years.
If you ever get hurt because of someone else’s road rage, you might need to hire a road rage accident lawyer to help sort through the legal mess and make sure your rights are protected.
Road Rage Can Be Deadly
Road rage actually kills people. Around 300 people die every year in the U.S. because someone loses their temper while driving. That’s hundreds of families shattered over something as minor as a lane change or a rude gesture.
Violence during road rage incidents is getting worse. More and more, guns are being pulled out in fights on the road. About 1,200 road rage cases a year involve guns, and more than 200 ends with someone being shot or killed. Imagine being stuck in traffic and having to worry someone might pull a gun just because you didn’t drive the way they wanted.
Even when no one dies, injuries from road rage crashes can be horrible. People suffer brain injuries, broken bones, or spinal damage that can leave them disabled for life.
The trauma can also change someone’s whole life. People may develop fears or panic attacks just from hearing car horns or driving again after a crash.
Physical Consequences of Road Rage for the Victim
If the other driver chases you, tailgates aggressively, forces you off the road, or suddenly brakes in front of you (called brake-checking), it can cause crashes or accidents. These crashes can cause dents to your car; they can also cause serious injuries.
You might suffer from broken bones, cuts, bruises, or even worse. Brain injuries or spinal damage are common in serious crashes and can affect you for the rest of your life. Some victims may become disabled or have long-lasting health problems that stop them from doing everyday things.
Even if you don’t get physically hurt, the experience can leave deep emotional scars. You might develop anxiety or panic attacks, especially when driving or even hearing car horns. The fear and stress can affect your sleep, your mood, and how you live your life every day.
The Financial Costs of Road Rage
First, you’ve got the damage to cars, which can cost thousands of dollars to fix. Then there are medical bills if anyone gets hurt. Victims also frequently face costs related to vehicle repairs or replacement, legal fees, and increased insurance premiums, which can be difficult to manage on top of medical expenses. In some cases, victims are forced to take unpaid leave or lose job opportunities because they can’t perform their duties during recovery.
Your insurance company isn’t going to be happy either. If they find out you were part of a road rage incident, they will almost certainly raise your premiums, not minding that you were the victim yourself.
In some cases, they might even refuse to pay for the damages, especially if they think you caused the crash on purpose. That could leave you paying for everything yourself.
Legal Consequences of Road Rage for the Victim
When you’re targeted by someone’s road rage, the law is supposed to protect you, but that process can be complicated and draining.
If the angry driver hurt you or damaged your property, you have the right to press charges or take legal action against them. The driver could be charged with crimes like assault, reckless driving, or worse. But proving this can take time, and you’ll likely need to deal with police reports, court dates, and lawyers.
Legal battles aren’t easy. You may have to tell your story over and over, give statements, and attend hearings. This can take a big emotional and physical toll, especially when you’re already recovering from injuries or trauma.
Conclusion
You can’t control how other people drive. Someone will always cut you off or drive aggressively at times. What you can control is how you react. If you let anger take over, you’re making things worse for yourself.
If someone is driving badly or being aggressive toward you, don’t chase them or yell. Don’t try to get revenge or make them pay back. It’s not worth it. The safest thing to do is to slow down, keep your distance, and let them go. Your safety is more important than winning a fight on the road.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.