Help for Victims of Motorcycle Road Rage Accidents
Aggressive driving and road rage have become a pervasive problem on America’s roads. Motorcycle riders are all too often the victims of other drivers’ lack of self-control. Road rage goes far beyond simple negligence. It is premeditated, calculated, and malicious. If you are a motorcyclist who was injured in an act of road rage, you may have the legal right to receive compensation for your injuries.
In some cases, the aggressor will face criminal penalties for their actions. If they’re facing criminal charges, that doesn’t preclude you from bringing a civil suit. You can, and you should at least consider it. A seasoned attorney with experience fighting and winning motorcycle road rage cases can help you assess the situation. They can help you identify who should be held responsible for your injury.
Road Rage Defined
The American Automobile Association defines road rage as a form of aggressive driving. It occurs when an operator of a motor vehicle makes deliberate threats or aggressive actions against another. Traffic accidents are a common result of these behaviors. Such irresponsible actions can have even more impact when the target is a motorcycle operator.
Aggressive driving can result in serious criminal and civil penalties. Depending on the result, vehicular assault, manslaughter, and other charges can apply. As the victim, you have rights under the law that you should not waive or allow an insurance company or opposing counsel to undermine.
Common Signs of Road Rage
Law enforcement personnel and traffic safety advocacy groups identify common behaviors that are often cited in road rage incidents. Those behaviors include:
- Accelerating or decelerating to irritate or provoke another driver
- Tailgating
- Aggressively flashing headlights or using high-beams to impair another operator’s vision
- Intentionally slamming the brakes to deter tailgating
- Frequent, aggressive lane changes
- Cutting off vehicles without a reasonable cushion of space
- Persistent and sustained use of a vehicle’s horn
- Making rude, vulgar, or insulting hand gestures toward another driver
- Yelling at or otherwise threatening other drivers
- Closing gaps or opening car doors to trap motorcyclists riding between lanes
If you, as a motorcycle operator, were the target of any of the above with a resulting accident or injury, you may have a case. Speak to a trusted personal injury attorney to learn more about your rights.
Dealing with Aggressive Drivers
Aggressive drivers don’t usually stand down without law enforcement intervention. Very often your best course of action is to create distance between yourself and the aggressor. Do not engage negatively or respond in kind to rude behavior. Instead, try to appear apologetic, even if you are not at fault. You could defuse the situation by simply not arguing.
You should also always operate safely and within the confines of the law. If you aren’t weaving in and out of traffic, riding between lanes, or demonstrating aggressive behaviors of your own, it is easier for an attorney or judge to side with you in your case. You might still become a target for any number of reasons, but your overall operating behavior could be the thing that tips the scales of justice in your favor.
Your Rights as an Injured Person
If you have been involved in a traffic accident involving road rage, call and speak to an experienced personal injury attorney right away such as the Personal Injury Lawyer trust. It is also important that you seek and accept medical treatment as part of the process of litigating your case. The more you can do to show your desire to minimize the impact of the incident, the better your chances of collecting will be. A personal injury lawyer can review your case at no charge and provide an opinion as to whether or not you have a good chance to receive a settlement or win a lawsuit to recover your damages.