Jackson, MS Road Rage Accidents

Road rage takes many forms, such as dangerous driving to release frustration or intimidate another driver, incessantly honking the horn, cutting off other drivers, flashing bright headlights, physical threats, inappropriate gestures, speeding, and verbal insults. You can be driving on U.S. Highway 51 or some other highway in Jackson, Mississippi, and see other drivers experiencing road rage, especially if traffic is congested. If road rage results in a highway accident when traffic is congested, the situation could be dire since the victims of road rage can easily and quickly become the ones retaliating with the same kind of aggression. Ultimately, it could be a recipe for disaster.

When faced with another driver who is experiencing road rage, the best thing to do is to remain calm. Feeding into that behavior could possibly provide the other driver with grounds to suggest you are comparatively at fault, especially if the defendant has witnesses from the accident to testify that you were displaying similar behavior. In order to recover damages from the other driver, you will need to prove the defendant’s negligence caused your injuries since the State of Mississippi places the burden of proof on the plaintiff. An experienced attorney in Jackson could assist you with procuring evidence and defend you against allegations that could diminish your recovery under the doctrine of pure comparative negligence.

Whether you are driving along Mississippi Highway 25 or through a school zone with a reduced speed limit when you become involved in a collision caused by the road rage of another driver, road rage accidents can leave you with significant injuries that may be life-altering or debilitating. Depending on your injuries and losses, you may be entitled to compensatory damages – specifically economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages can be awarded for monetary losses, which may include medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic damages may be awarded to compensate for intangible losses, such as loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and disfigurement. If the defendant’s road rage leads to reckless driving, punitive damages may be available. A lawyer who regularly handles auto accident cases in Jackson can tell you which damages may apply to your situation.