Road rage is an unacceptable driver behavior that puts everyone on the road at risk. If you encounter a road rage driver in New Mexico who causes a car accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation from that driver. Understanding your rights and how to protect them after a road rage incident can enable you to maximize your financial recovery.
Our experienced motor vehicle accident lawyers in Albuquerque can help you gather evidence, prove liability, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Is Road Rage?
Road rage or aggressive driving refers to a motor vehicle driver losing control of his or her temper or failing to regulate negative emotions that arise while driving, such as frustration, irritation or impatience. This can result in dangerous behaviors behind the wheel. A road rage driver may be guilty of various forms of aggressive or reckless driving, including:
- Shouting at or berating other drivers
- Intentionally following too closely (tailgating)
- Brake checking
- Excessive horn honking
- Weaving in and out of multiple lanes
- Blocking other drivers from passing
- Cutting off other drivers
- Running red lights or failing to yield
- Speeding or racing
- Blinding other drivers with bright headlights
- Intentionally ramming or hitting another vehicle
- Physical assaults or altercations
If you encounter a road rage driver in New Mexico, keep your distance. Move over to allow the driver to pass you or exit the highway to get away from the driver, if necessary. If you get involved in a collision because of the road rage driver, stay in your car with the windows up and the doors locked. Call the police for immediate assistance.
Compensation You Can Seek After a Road Rage Accident in New Mexico
Road rage drivers are more likely to cause vehicle accidents due to careless and reckless driving. These drivers often act in the heat of the moment without considering the consequences. If this willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others results in a serious crash, victims in New Mexico have the right to seek financial compensation from the driver’s insurance company.
Since New Mexico is a fault state, the driver or party at fault for a crash must pay for a victim’s related medical expenses, property damage and lost wages. You may also be eligible for compensation for your pain and suffering, including emotional distress or post-traumatic stress disorder, after a road rage accident.
How to Prove a Road Rage Accident Claim
You must prove fault as someone who wishes to seek coverage from another party for a road rage crash in New Mexico. You can choose to hire a car accident attorney to help you with this task, if desired.
An attorney can investigate the accident to search for evidence against the road rage driver, such as statements from witnesses who saw the driver being aggressive, video footage of the crash and a police accident report with citations for reckless driving. A law firm will also have connections to car accident reconstructionists and experts who can testify and strengthen your claim.
With the evidence collected against a road rage driver, your attorney can aggressively negotiate a maximum settlement from an insurance provider on your behalf. Although settlements are most common, an attorney is also capable of bringing your road rage accident case to court in New Mexico if this is necessary to achieve a fair outcome. Your lawyer can litigate your case at trial and represent you in court against a road rage driver in pursuit of justice.To learn more about how a car accident lawyer in Albuquerque can help you after a road rage crash, contact The Fine Law Firm for a free consultation.