How to Protect Yourself After a Pasadena Road Rage Accident
Someone else’s frustration, anger, or bad day triggered them to drive aggressively and cause your car accident injuries.
Our Pasadena car accident lawyers understand how overwhelming it can feel when you're injured due to someone else's negligence. Our team is here to guide you through car accident settlement negotiations and to take your case to court if that’s what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Road Rage: How Aggressive Driving Leads to Car Accidents
Road rage refers to extremely aggressive driving behaviors that endanger the lives of others sharing the road. Common signs of road rage include:
- Excessive speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating
- Inappropriate gestures
- Verbal abuse
In Pasadena, Texas, and the greater Houston area, road rage is a serious problem, leading to numerous crashes and injuries each year.
Aggressive Driving Is Against the Law in Texas
Texas has several laws in place to discourage aggressive driving behaviors that commonly contribute to road rage accidents. Under the Texas Transportation Code:
- Reckless driving (§ 545.401) involves operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. It is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $200, 30 days in jail, or both jail time and a fine
- Racing (§ 545.420) is prohibited on Texas roads and is punishable by jail time and fines that vary depending on the circumstances.
- Maximum speeds (§ 545.351) are limited. Drivers are required to maintain reasonable and prudent speeds.
- Following too closely or tailgating (§ 545.062) is prohibited. The law requires drivers to maintain sufficient space between their vehicles and those in front of them to enable safe stopping without collisions.
In addition to these penalties, aggressive drivers who cause car accidents may be held civilly liable for the injuries and property damage they cause.
Establishing Liability in Road Rage Car Accident Cases
In a road rage case, your Pasadena car accident lawyer will need to prove that the aggressive driver is at fault for causing the crash. Essential evidence may include:
- Police accident reports documenting the aggressive driver's actions and any citations issued
- Traffic camera footage capturing aggressive driving behaviors
- Eyewitness testimony from others who observed the road rage incident
- Cellphone records indicating the aggressive driver was texting or making calls right before the crash
- Social media posts by the aggressive driver discussing their emotional state or driving habits
This evidence will help your lawyer build a strong case showing how the aggressive driver's negligent actions led directly to the accident and your injuries. Even if you may have been partially at fault, Texas law still allows you to recover damages as long as your percentage of responsibility is 50% or less.
Tips for Preventing and Responding to Road Rage Incidents
To reduce your risk of being involved in a road rage accident in Pasadena:
- Avoid engaging with aggressive drivers. Don't make eye contact, gesture, or do anything to escalate the situation further.
- Give angry drivers plenty of space. Change lanes or pull over if needed to get out of their way.
- Practice defensive driving techniques. Allow adequate following distance, use your turn signals, obey the speed limit, and yield the right-of-way when appropriate.
- Call 911 to report extremely dangerous aggressive drivers. Provide the vehicle description, license plate number, location, and direction of travel.
If you are involved in an accident caused by another driver's road rage, move to a safe location, call the police, take photos, and get contact information from any witnesses. Seek prompt medical attention for your injuries and consult our injury lawyers at SJ Injury Attorneys to explore your legal options.
We will fight for your fair recovery of damages, including but not limited to medical expenses, lost income, out-of-pocket costs, pain, and suffering.