Getting into a road rage accident in Portland, Oregon, can often feel incredibly overwhelming. And because these types of accidents are aggressive by nature, this can make them more challenging to deal with due to the emotional impact.
So, if you are a victim of a road rage accident in Portland, Oregon, you need to hire a Portland car accident lawyer to represent you and protect your rights. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of auto accident attorneys has extensive experience representing victims of car accidents across Oregon.
Keep reading to find out when road rage accidents occur and how you can file an aggressive driver injury lawsuit.
Examples of Road Rage Scenarios
Unfortunately, the reality is that road rage is incredibly common, and it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Especially in large and busy cities like Portland, aggressive driving has always been a problem. And this type of behavior can come with serious repercussions if it results in an auto accident.
Here are some common examples of how road rage can occur:
- Tailgating: One of the most common examples of road rage is when a driver tailgates the driver in front of them. Drivers may do this if they believe the other driver is driving too slowly or if they believe they cut them off. This type of behavior significantly increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Speeding: When people are driving aggressively, they will usually speed. Speeding increases the risk of accidents in a variety of ways, whether that be sideswipe accidents, rollovers, or head-on collisions.
- Failure to yield: Aggressive driving behavior can also result in drivers failing to yield to oncoming traffic or when changing lanes. The driver may not wait their turn due to impatience, or they may want to cut off the other driver.
No matter the form aggressive driving takes, it increases the risk of accidents dramatically. And in the majority of cases, the accident could have been avoided had the driver acted responsibly. That is why you should always seek legal representation after a road rage accident in Oregon so that your rights are protected and you get the compensation you deserve.
Proving Negligence in Road Rage Claims
If you are an intentional car crash victim in Portland, OR, you have every right to file a lawsuit. And this is an option you should take full advantage of, especially if you have sustained any damages as a result of the accident.
In some cases, road rage accidents are quite straightforward if negligence is obvious. An example of this includes rear-end collisions as a result of tailgating, which usually clearly indicates who was at fault. However, not every case is going to be so simple.
To ensure liability falls on the right person and you get the compensation you deserve, you need to provide evidence of negligence. Here are some examples of the different types of evidence you can use for road rage accidents:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
- Photos of injuries and the collision scene
- Surveillance footage
- Dashcam footage
- Eyewitness statements
It’s strongly recommended that you hire an attorney to help you prove negligence, as they have more experience with auto accident claims and can locate harder-to-find evidence.
Civil Lawsuits Vs Criminal Charges
A component of road rage accidents that make them unique from other auto accidents are the types of charges. These types of accidents can come with either civil lawsuits or criminal charges.
Generally, if you are the victim of a car accident, you would file a civil lawsuit. A civil lawsuit holds the other driver responsible as the negligent party, allowing you to get compensation for damages.
On the other hand, drivers who initiate road rage can also face criminal charges that include things like jail time, police arrests, fines, and the loss of their driver’s license.
What repercussions the at-fault driver faces depends on the situation and what you can prove. Keep in mind that depending on the situation, you may want to file a civil lawsuit even if the other driver also receives criminal charges.
Tips For Avoiding Road Rage Accidents in Portland
Because road rage accidents in Portland are so common, it’s helpful to know what you should and shouldn’t do. In these types of situations, it is easy to respond emotionally, but this is usually the wrong response.
Here are some examples of what you should and shouldn’t do if another driver on the road is behaving aggressively:
- Do: Get out of the way if at all possible, especially if the other driver is getting too close to you or driving erratically. In some cases, this may mean pulling off the road or allowing them to pass you.
- Don’t: Actively engage with the other driver, whether that be speaking to them, making gestures, or getting out of your vehicle. Doing so usually only escalates the situation, making it much more dangerous.
- Do: Call 911 to report the other driver, especially if their behavior is escalating or they are threatening you.
- Don’t: If you are trying to get away from the other driver and they are following you, don’t drive to your home or place of work. Instead, drive to the nearest police station.
Hire an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
When filing a brake-checking crash claim in Portland, you need to be prepared to provide the information needed to prove negligence. Doing this can come with challenges, which is why it is always recommended to seek legal representation first.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our experienced auto accident lawyers are committed to defending the downtrodden and helping our clients get the settlement they deserve. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
FAQs
Can I sue a driver for road rage in Portland?
Yes, you usually have the right to sue if the road rage contributed to an auto accident.
What counts as aggressive driving under Oregon law?
Operating a motor vehicle in a way that endangers or increases the likelihood of endangering other persons or property.