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What Can You Do If You’ve Been a Victim of Road Rage or Aggressive Driving?

As Denver drivers, we’ve all encountered that one aggressive driver during rush hour who tests our patience and safety. But what happens when these heated encounters escalate to outright road rage? What do you do if you find yourself a victim of such encounters? Fear not, there are actionable steps you can take that could diffuse tension, prevent escalation, and safeguard yourself.

As a trusted Denver car accident lawyer we know exactly how distressing this can be. So fear not, here are some actionable steps you can take that could diffuse tension, prevent escalation, and safeguard yourself.

Defining road rage

Before we delve into the specifics, let’s define road rage and aggressive driving. Road rage refers to confrontational behavior such as threats, violent gestures, or even physical harm instigated by a driver. It’s an extreme form of aggressive driving where emotions have spiraled out of control. Aggressive driving, on the other hand, refers to dangerous driving behaviors like excessive speeding, improper lane changing, and tailgating which potentially puts others in harm’s way.

Identifying Potential Victims of Road Rage or Aggressive Driving

Road rage and aggressive driving can happen to anyone at any time, but there are some signs that indicate you may be dealing with an aggressive driver:

• Erratic lane changes: The driver is moving in and out of lanes without signaling.
• Tailgating: The driver is following too closely to your vehicle, not maintaining a safe distance.
• Honking and flashing lights: The driver is consistently honking their horn or flashing their lights at you.
• Verbal or physical threats: The driver may shout or gesture threateningly at you or other drivers.

Keeping Yourself Safe

Being confronted with road rage can be scary, but there are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Stay calm: Try not to engage with the aggressive driver and keep your emotions in check.
2. Keep your distance: If possible, allow the aggressive driver to pass and decrease your speed to maintain a safe distance.
3. Report the incident: If you feel you’re at risk, call the local authorities and report the driver.
4. Get to a safe place: If you’re being followed or threatened, drive to a populated area or police station.

Understanding Your Legal Rights and Remedies

If you’ve been a victim of road rage, you have rights. In the eyes of the law, road rage is a crime and victims have the right to seek compensation for any damages or injuries incurred. Here’s what you can do:

• Documentation: Write down as many details as you can remember about the incident, such as the make and model of the car, the license plate number, and the time and location of the event. Take pictures of any damages to the car or environment. The more evidence, the stronger your case.
• Report: Always report the incident to the police. The report can serve as valuable evidence if you decide to pursue legal action.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional. You could have injuries that are not immediately apparent. Make sure to keep record of all injuries and costs caused by the incident. If your injury is visible, take pictures regularly to keep a record of its progression.
• Contact a lawyer: If you decide to seek compensation, consult with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer who understands the laws in your area.

At Lampert & Walsh, we understand how stressful it can be to navigate through this ordeal. Our team is committed to providing you with the support and guidance you need to ensure your rights are upheld. If you have been involved in a road rage incident, our Denver car accident lawyer’s are here to help!