Road Rage Accidents
Mr. Trotz was recognized from 2019-2024 as a Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star. Mr. Trotz is also a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Memphis Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association where he serves on the Executive Committee. READ OUR EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
Mr. Trotz was recognized from 2019-2023 as a Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star. Mr. Trotz is also a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Memphis Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association where he serves on the Executive Committee. READ OUR EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
Motor Vehicle Crash Lawyers Serving Memphis
We’ve seen it all too often – drivers slamming the steering wheel, yelling at the top of their lungs, and making inappropriate hand gestures towards other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. These are all signs of road rage, a growing problem that leads to unnecessary car wrecks in Memphis. A road rage accident is caused by one driver getting angry and making rude gestures, insulting, or otherwise threatening somebody else. The Memphis car accident attorneys at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz have represented injured victims and their families for over 30 years, and we have seen how these incidents unfold and ultimately affect lives.
Common Signs of Road Rage
Road rage is defined as “a motorist’s uncontrolled anger that is usually provoked by another motorist’s irritating act and is expressed in aggressive or violent behavior.” Another driver may be experiencing road rage if he or she takes any of the following actions:
- Cutting you off
- Aggressively weaving in and out of traffic
- Tailgating behind your vehicle to get you to drive faster
- Excessively honking the horn
- Making inappropriate hand gestures
- Flashing bright headlights
- Speeding to get to an intersection to avoid a red light
Protecting Your Rights After Being Involved in a Road Rage Accident
When you notice another driver develop road rage, you should always try to remain calm. While one driver exhibiting road rage is dangerous, the situation only escalates when multiple drivers get angry at each other. Driver anger leads to impulsive actions that often cause two or more cars to collide. The impact could be severe enough to cause those involved to suffer injuries.
In a car accident involving road rage, you should immediately notify the police. The responding officer(s) can assess the situation and conduct an investigation from the scene. In addition to citing the other driver for causing the accident, the officer may issue a separate citation for reckless driving. In Memphis, a defendant may have to appear in court if charged with reckless driving.
If both drivers engage in road rage, comparative negligence may come into play. Tennessee law follows modified comparative negligence, which states a victim’s total damages can be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to him or her. However, if both drivers are deemed equally responsible for the wreck, the plaintiff may not be able to recover any damages at all, even if the injuries are severe or permanent. The defendant’s insurance company may try to take your statement following the accident and get you to make an admission damaging to your claim. This is one reason to secure legal representation soon after the crash. An experienced car wreck lawyer in Memphis can guide you through the legal process, explain what you may be entitled to, and take steps to protect your rights.
Discuss Your Case with a Car Accident Lawyer in the Memphis Area
Road rage accidents in Memphis and throughout Tennessee may have tragic consequences, including a wrongful death. After a crash, you should retain the Memphis attorneys at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz. We represent auto accident victims throughout Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Arkansas, including in Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Caruthersville, Hayti, Oxford, Starkville, Grenada, Columbus, Tupelo, Meridian, Jackson, Little Rock, and Jonesboro. Contact us by calling 800-LAW-4004 or by completing our online form for a free consultation. We can also represent people who need an aggressive driving accident lawyer or assistance with another motor vehicle collision claim.
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