Road rage can occur due to multiple reasons. Sometimes, drivers become frustrated by a traffic jam and take out their anger on the people nearest to them. Construction or a collision ahead could lead to erratic and dangerous conduct from someone with inadequate patience.
Other times, road rage occurs specifically because one motorist takes issue with what someone else does in traffic. Someone experiencing road rage may behave in unpredictable and dangerous ways. They may tailgate another driver, cut them off only to slam on their brakes or even follow them with the intention of starting an altercation at another location.
What forms of justice are available to those negatively affected by road rage?
Insurance claims and lawsuits
When a road rage driver causes a crash through unsafe behavior, they may have to cover the cost of that crash by providing insurance to the people affected. Unfortunately, the baseline insurance requirements in California are low, so crashes that result in injury and severe property damage may require a personal injury lawsuit for the affected party to fully cover their expenses.
Road rage is both illegal and unsafe, which means that those involved in the crash triggered by a road rage incident. The courts can hold someone accountable for the full financial impact of a road rage incident if insurance can’t provide adequate support.
Prosecution and license penalties
Occasionally, someone harmed by road rage could inform the police of the details of the situation and prompt and investigation. Police officers may decide to arrest a driver who engaged in road rage or may at least past the issue along to the prosecutor for review and consideration. Those who engage in road rage and other dangerous behaviors can be at risk of a license suspension. They courts can also fine them. Those penalties may help teach them to change their behavior in traffic.
Although seeking personal compensation is often a priority for those affected by others in traffic, penalties for the party at fault can be equally important. Documenting the events leading up to a car crash and communicating effectively with law enforcement can go a long way toward helping someone hold a road rage driver accountable.
Proper records can help ensure that law enforcement and insurance professionals reach appropriate conclusions when responding to the fallout of a recent car crash. Those who give in to their emotions on the road may be legally and financially culpable for the consequences of their actions, although proving this causation for harm may require legal guidance and support.