If your vehicle was hit by an angry driver who behaved recklessly or negligently, then you may be able to seek compensation for your losses. In Fort Lauderdale, your ability to do so may depend on the severity of your injuries and proving that the other driver caused the accident.
AFort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can investigate the accident and gather evidence to strengthen your claim. Below, we’ll explain your legal options.
Recovering Compensation for Road Rage Car Accidents
Car accidents caused by road rage are frightening experiences and can lead to extensive losses, such as medical bills, emotional trauma, and property damage. In Florida, if your injuries meet certain thresholds and you can prove the other driver was reckless or negligent, then you may be able to pursue fair compensation from them.
Under Florida law, drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage is designed to cover necessary medical expenses and help offset lost wages during your recovery period. You will make any initial personal injury claims through your insurance company.
In reality, though, it often isn’t enough for severe injuries. At that point, you may meet Florida’sserious injury threshold, which means you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. You can recover losses like medical expenses for your physical injuries, emotional distress, property damage, diminished earning capacity, and more.
UnderFlorida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have only two years to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
When road rage is involved, you may also have grounds to pursue punitive damages. Florida courts may award these damages in situations where the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Behavior such as tailgating, yelling threats, or using the vehicle as a weapon may support this claim.
These cases often require early investigation to preserve evidence of the other driver’s aggressive behavior. Surveillance footage from nearby stores, traffic cameras, or witness video can be crucial. If the angry driver’s identity is unknown or they fled the scene, your attorney may seek coverage through your uninsured motorist policy.
Drivers working for commercial companies, such as rideshare or delivery services, may also expose their employer to liability if road rage occurs while they are on the job. In these cases, your lawyer may review employment records, trip logs, and company policies to establish a broader claim.
How Do You Prove an Angry Driver Caused Your Accident?
To be successful in your case, you will need to prove that the driver caused your accident and your injuries. With legal representation from aFort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer, they can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. Helpful evidence can include:
- Eyewitness statements, as other drivers or passengers may have witnessed speeding, veering, or other dangerous behavior
- Surveillance footage, such as from traffic cameras, dashcams, or nearby businesses’ security cameras
- Driver logs or black box data, if the angry driver was working for a commercial company as a driver
- Expert testimony, such as from an accident reconstructionist
- Police reports
Photographs of the crash scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and visible injuries can also play a critical role. When road rage is suspected, officers may include behavioral notes in their report, such as verbal aggression or signs of impairment.
If you received emergency care, your medical records can help show the timing, nature, and severity of your injuries. Consistent documentation strengthens your credibility and limits the insurance company’s ability to downplay your suffering.
In some cases, forensic analysis of vehicle damage patterns can prove that the collision resulted from intentional conduct. This type of evidence is beneficial when the driver disputes liability or claims the crash was unavoidable.
Why Road Rage Accidents Require Immediate Legal Attention
Unlike typical traffic accidents, road rage collisions may involve criminal behavior. This can complicate civil claims, especially if the at-fault driver is facing criminal prosecution at the same time. Having an attorney early in the process allows coordination between your civil case and any related criminal proceedings.
Civil courts have a lower burden of proof than criminal courts, which means you may still prevail in your lawsuit even if the driver avoids conviction. Your attorney can obtain police reports, 911 call transcripts, and victim statements used in the criminal case to support your injury claim.
Additionally, early legal intervention ensures critical evidence, such as video footage or social media posts, is preserved. Bystanders often record road rage incidents that go viral online, but these digital records can disappear quickly.
What Should You Do If an Angry Driver Hits Your Car?
If you were injured after an angry driver hit your car, the first thing you should do is call 911. Do not confront the driver on your own; instead, ensure you are in a safe location. Provide the 911 operator with as much information as possible about the other driver and the situation.
You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible. Protecting your health is your priority.
When speaking with the police, don’t accept blame for your actions. For example, don’t apologize if you believe you angered the other driver in some way.
Then, contact a personal injury attorney. A lawyer can ensure that your legal rights are preserved during conversations with the police and insurance adjusters. They will also negotiate on your behalf, seeking a fair settlement for the losses you’ve suffered.
Choose a Legal Team That Delivers Proven Results
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we understand the emotional toll a road rage crash can have. Our attorneys have handled aggressive driving and intentional collision cases across South Florida. We know how to hold reckless drivers accountable and pursue full compensation for our clients.
Our past case results include:
- $3.85 million truck rollover accident settlement in Fort Lauderdale
- $5.25 million wrongful death truck crash recovery
- $925,000 negligent security shooting settlement in Miami
We investigate every detail, including whether your vehicle was towed improperly or if police at the scene mishandled the report. When critical facts are missing, we find ways to reconstruct what happened using expert testimony and forensic data.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we secure compensation for you. With over 20 years of experience and a record of multi-million dollar verdicts, we are prepared to fight for justice on your behalf.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured due to the actions of an angry driver, you have legal options. Contact a Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney fromthe Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato. Your initial consultation is free. Call (954) 633-8270 today.