What to Know About Road Rage Accidents in Florida

Road rage accidents are not a recent occurrence on South Florida highways. Because they usually occur at high rates of speed, accidents caused by road rage can be catastrophic. As a measure to deter and punish drivers from behaving this way behind the wheel, Florida law includes a road rage statute, often referred to as aggressive careless driving, that defines the act and the penalty that goes along with it.

McCullough & Leboff P.A. are the trusted car accident attorneys in South Florida. With 48 years of experience, we’ve helped countless road rage accident victims recover the compensation that they need after being injured in an accident. To help stay safe on Florida’s roads and avoid an accident caused by aggressive driving, read on for the following tips and information.

What Is Road Rage in Florida?

Florida state law defines road rage, also known as aggressive careless driving, as the act of engaging in two or more of the following aggressive driving actions:

• Excessive speeding

• Improper changing lanes

• Improperly passing other vehicles

• Tailgating other vehicles

• Failing to yield to the right-of-way

• Disobeying traffic control devices

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines road rage as an assault. More specifically, “an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger of one motor vehicle on… another motor vehicle”. While road rage is the result of escalated aggressive driving acts, both acts hold serious consequences that include incarceration, fines, a criminal record, and loss of driving privileges.

What Are the Causes of Road Rage Accidents?

Everyone feels stress and anxiety in their lives from time to time. When you add the weight of being late to an appointment because of road conditions or other drivers, some people let their emotions get the best of them. Studies show the highest number of road rage incidents are caused by:

• Traffic backups and congestion

• Stressing about arriving late to a scheduled appointment

• Another driver’s actions, whether deliberate or not

• Perilous road conditions, like torrential rain

The increased stress and anxiety causes a driver to act out excessively toward other drivers on the road. You can identify an aggressive driver easily by paying attention to the motorists around you. Look for the tailgating cars in front of them, weaving in and out of traffic, or honking their horns. When a driver displaying those aggressive behaviors meets another aggressive driver on the road, a catastrophic road rage accident can occur.

Road Rage Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries

Because road rage accidents generally happen on highways at high speeds, the injuries that follow are often severe. Some of the most common injuries that accident victims suffer include:

• Cuts, bruises, & scrapes – These injuries are painful but often heal in the shortest amount of time.

• Torn or strained muscles – Injuries involving a torn or strained muscle often take months to heal. Some extensive muscle injuries can require surgery and months of physical therapy.

• Fractures & compound fractures – A road rage accident can cause broken bones that may or may not break the skin. Some bone fractures require surgery, while others require months of downtime and care.

• Head & brain injuries – Injuries to the head can be minor and heal on their own, or they can be significant and require emergency surgery to address. Concussions caused in a car accident can lead to years of painful recovery

• Back, neck & shoulder pain – Similar to head and brain injuries, pains in the back, neck, and shoulder can be minimum or life-altering with lasting long-term consequences.

Compensation You Might Be Owed After a Road Rage Accident

If you were injured in a road rage car accident in Florida because of another driver’s aggressive behaviors, then you should be compensated for your losses. Damages that you might be owed from your car accident injuries include general and economic damages. General damages are awarded to help victims recover non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. Economic damages are awarded to help victims recover financial losses that are a direct result of the accident.

Having a trusted personal injury attorney to counsel and help you through this experience will ensure you get the most favorable outcome. Personal injury laws are complicated in Florida. Ensuring you have expert help on your side will increase your chances of receiving a substantial and favorable settlement for your losses.

Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Davie, Florida

If you’ve been hurt in a road rage accident, the personal injury attorneys at McCullough & Leboff, P.A. are here to help. Road rage is an intentional and violent act that can lead to catastrophic injuries and losses. The car accident attorneys at McCullough & Leboff P.A. work tirelessly to help restore financial wellness to victims in South Florida so they can focus on their physical wellness.

McCullough & Leboff P.A. provide highly personalized attention to each client’s injury claim to ensure that a maximum settlement can be reached. To speak with one of our attorneys today for your free case review, call our office or contact us online today.