Florida is known for its diverse communities and is often considered a friendly state. Unfortunately, even the peaceful streets of Florida can erupt in moments of road rage. This aggressive driving behavior can pose a serious threat to public safety, leading to accidents, serious injuries, and even fatalities. If you have been seriously injured in a Florida car accident caused by an aggressive or enraged driver, you may be entitled to recover compensation through a personal injury claim. However, to recover compensation, you need to prove the other driver’s aggressive or enraged behavior.
What Is Road Rage?
It is understandable to get a bit angry while driving. In fact, every driver has gotten a bit frustrated while behind the wheel at some point. However, road rage goes beyond a simple frustration. Road rage is aggressive or violent behavior resulting from a motorist’s uncontrolled anger. It usually occurs when a driver has experienced or been inconvenienced by another incident while driving. The following are some behaviors associated with road rage;
- Angrily honking at another road user
- Making physical threats
- Yelling verbal insults
- Cutting off other vehicles
- Excessive speeding
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Ignoring traffic control devices
- Intentionally swerving towards another vehicle
In Florida, when these actions cause an accident that results in property damage, injuries, or death, the at-fault driver can be held liable.
Proving the Other Driver Was Aggressive or Enraged
If you suffered severe injuries in a Florida car accident that was caused by a driver who was enraged, you can file a personal injury claim and seek compensation. To succeed in your claim, you must prove fault on the other driver’s part. To do this, you must gather clear evidence of their misconduct, including the following;
- Eyewitness Testimony
Eyewitness testimony is one of the most powerful ways to prove that the driver who caused your accident was aggressive or enraged. If other people, such as other drivers, pedestrians, or passengers, witnessed your accident, their accounts of what they saw can help corroborate your story. For example, they might have seen the other driver following you too closely, lane cutting, or weaving in traffic.
- The Police Report
The police report is a crucial piece of evidence. Police officers are trained to recognize signs of aggressive or enraged driving. The police report may include an officer’s observations at the scene, such as whether the other driver seemed angry, was acting erratically, or was yelling. It might also include traffic citations issued for speeding, reckless driving, tailgating, or other violations.
- Surveillance Footage
Video evidence can be incredibly persuasive in your case. Surveillance videos from nearby homes, traffic cameras, or businesses can show the other driver tailgating, speeding, or acting erratically.
- Photos from the Scene
Photos might not show the other driver’s aggressiveness or rage, but they can support your version of events. Pictures of road conditions, vehicle damage, skid marks, and vehicle positions can be used to reconstruct the accident and determine if aggressive driving tactics like excessive speed were involved.
Allow Us To Help You
Our Orlando car accident attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can gather evidence and build a strong case to pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Naples, Melbourne, Fort Myers, and Fort Lauderdale areas.
