Indiana Injury And Family Lawyer BlogDriver Killed in Indiana Road Rage Incident
Drivers do not always behave rationally on the road. A driver may suddenly change lanes without using a turn signal or drive at unpredictable speeds. Even if you become agitated, it is crucial to avoid provoking the driver, which may lead to a road rage incident. Too often, road rage incidents can have devastating consequences.
According to a recent news article, an Indianapolis, Indiana road rage incident claimed the life of one person. Emergency dispatchers received calls reporting a disagreement between two drivers that led to gunfire. When they arrived at the scene, they found a driver who was ejected from their car before it ran off the roadway and crashed into a nearby pond. Sadly, the driver died at the scene. Police are continuing to investigate the crash.
What Steps Can You Take to Avoid a Road Rage Accident?
If you encounter an aggressive driver on the road, you can take several precautions to avoid escalating the situation. First, do not interact with the driver. Initially, you may feel the urge to “get even” with a driver who cuts you off or otherwise provokes you. However, responding with aggression may lead the driver to escalate their behavior and cause a crash. To stay safe, avoid making eye contact or hand gestures at the driver and remain in your vehicle at all times. Second, if you notice an aggressive driver, attempt to pull over as soon as possible to let the driver pass you. Once you are safely pulled over, contact emergency personnel to report the driver. Doing so could save your life and the lives of everyone else on the road. If you cannot pull over safely, try to change lanes to distance yourself from the driver. While not all accidents are avoidable, these safety tips can help prevent a road rage incident from escalating.
Can You Recover Damages for Injuries After an Indiana Road Rage Accident?
If you have suffered injuries following a road rage accident, you may be able to recover damages against the responsible driver. Indiana law allows you to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the event that led to your injuries. If you succeed on a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover compensatory damages from the driver. Compensatory damages can cover economic and non-economic damages resulting from the accident. Economic damages include compensation for medical and hospital expenses you incurred as a result of the accident. They can also include lost future earnings if your injury prevents you from performing your job. On the other hand, non-economic damages will compensate you for harm that is more difficult to quantify, such as mental anguish and emotional and psychological harm. An experienced Indiana personal injury attorney can help you understand the different forms of compensation you can recover after a road rage incident.
Have You Been Injured in an Indiana Road Rage Incident?
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an Indiana road rage accident, contact Indiana personal injury attorney Burton A. Padove to discuss your case. Attorney Padove has decades of experience representing clients in personal injury lawsuits throughout the state of Indiana. He has competently handled cases involving vehicle accidents, defective products, dangerous property, work-related accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and wrongful death. To learn how Mr. Padove can assist with your case, schedule a free initial consultation by calling 219-836-2200.