Houston Road Rage Accident Lawyers

We’ve all felt frustrated or irritated behind the wheel. Perhaps you were cut off by someone on the highway, or you were trying to merge lanes to get off an exit and no one would let you in. However, there’s a big difference between annoyance and intentional aggression, also referred to as road rage. Drivers who experience road rage to the point where they are unable to control their behavior and cause harm to someone as a result should be held responsible. 

The reckless driving accident lawyers at Sutliff & Stout are here to discuss your case to determine if you’re eligible for monetary compensation. Conclusively proving that road rage or other aggressive driving behaviors led to your accident and injuries is often the most challenging part of the legal process. Our team will play a critical role in establishing the full extent of your injuries and damages. As Houston’s most trusted personal injury and accident law firm, our clients know their cases are represented with both skill and integrity. 

Dangerous Road Rage Scenarios Causing Injuries or Death in Houston 

A 2019 report by the AAA Foundation revealed that over 80 percent of drivers reacted with anger, rage, or aggression while driving at least once in the span of 30 days. Road rage has progressively become a constant worry for drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. Any reckless or dangerous driving behavior conducted deliberately or with complete disregard for potential consequences can be linked to road rage. Examples of unsafe road rage scenarios in Houston include:

• Tailgating 
• Speeding through heavy traffic
• Cutting off another driver
• Weaving in and out of lanes
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Blocking others from merging or changing lanes
• Screaming or yelling at another driver
• Changing lanes without using a signal
• Forcing another driver off the road
• Throwing objects or substances 
• Ramming or sideswiping another vehicle purposely 
• Honking aggressively
• Making rude or provocative hand gestures 
• Flashing headlights or slamming on the breaks to retaliate

Increasingly, firearms have been displayed as a scare tactic in hundreds of Houston road rage incidents. Road rage paired with the prevalence of roadway shootings can turn deadly for those caught in the middle. If you believe road rage played a part in your accident, obtain effective legal counsel from the lawyers at Sutliff & Stout, who have the knowledge and expertise to help you with your case. 

Root Cause of Road Rage Behaviors

Anger often occurs naturally as an emotional or physical response to threats. While driving, it’s important to drive defensively—but when drivers have trouble controlling their anger, they may react inappropriately. Many internal and external forces can trigger road rage and cause someone to lose their temper, including:

• Traffic
• Rushing to get somewhere
• Impatience
• Distracted driving
• Anonymity 
• Lack of empathy 

Although none of these triggers justify road rage, they provide a comprehensive list of stressors to look out for as a driver. By engaging in road rage, drivers endanger themselves and others on the road. They should face legal liability for their behavior that brought you harm. 

How to Deal with Road Rage Situations in Houston

Experiencing raging drivers or being involved in a road rage situation can be terrifying. Knowing what to do when another driver behaves in a threatening manner is critical to your safety. Some steps you can take to minimize the risk of an accident include:

• Staying calm
• Distancing yourself
• Ignoring the driver
• Resisting the urge to respond
• Not taking it personally
• Calling the police (if necessary) 

It’s best to get as far away as possible from drivers with road rage. Drivers who exhibit these behaviors may recklessly maneuver the streets, causing them to strike a passenger vehicle and seriously injure or kill its occupants. Those who are wrongfully injured or killed have the right to claim lost wages, pain and suffering, medical bills, and other damages incurred. 

Houston Road Rage Accident Lawyers Successfully Represent the Injured 

Accidents that arise due to road rage, aggressive driving, or willful attempts to intimidate passenger drivers all constitute negligence. When you’re severely injured due to the negligent misconduct of another, you need an experienced road rage accident lawyer with one goal—securing the maximum amount of compensation you need to protect you and your family’s future. Recognized for our strategic negotiation and litigation skills and friendly service, the attorneys at Sutliff & Stout have proven to themselves as ethical and dedicated leaders in the Texas area. 

Sutliff & Stout has obtained millions of dollars in monetary awards for injured accident victims across Houston. Our Board-Certified legal team provides high-quality representation and around-the-clock service to those in Houston and surrounding areas. Call (713) 987-7111 or complete our contact form to request a free, no-obligation consultation today.