The men and women who drive commercial trucks to and from various destinations throughout the United States have a tremendous responsibility. They pilot vehicles that can be 20 to 30 times the weight of the passenger cars and trucks with which they share the road, making them capable of causing significant damage and severe injuries when they are involved in accidents.
This is why truck drivers are required to undergo specialized training and obtain a commercial drivers’ license before they get behind the wheel on our nation’s interstates and highways. In spite of this training and licensure, they are susceptible to road rage just like anyone else on the road. In fact, due to the fact that they often spend long hours behind the wheel, they actually may be more susceptible to road rage than the average driver.
Trucker Drivers With Road Rage Puts Everyone at Risk
Road rage is violent or angry behavior that is the result of driver frustration with other drivers or road conditions generally. Specific examples of behaviors that are often the result of road rage include the following:
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Speeding
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Following too closely
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Rude or obscene gestures
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Running red lights
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Blocking traffic
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Cutting in front of another driver and then slowing down
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Hitting another vehicle
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Forcing a driver off the road
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Throwing objects
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Sideswiping
When truck drivers experience road rage and engage in these or other aggressive behaviors, it can significantly increase the risk of an accident. Fortunately, in many cases, people who are injured by truckers with road rage can recover compensation for their accident-related losses, including their medical expenses, lost income, lost quality of life, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.
What to Do if You See Truck Driver With Road Rage
If you are driving and find yourself around a truck driver who is driving aggressively, you should take steps to protect yourself. Put as much space between you and the truck as possible. If the driver is making gestures or looking at you, do not make eye contact or engage the driver in any way. Finally, call the police and report the driver.
Protecting Your Rights After a Road Rage Accident
In the unfortunate event that a raging truck driver injures you, there are certain steps that you should take to protect your legal rights:
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Call the police
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Make note of any company markings on the truck
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Obtain a copy of the police report
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Try and get contact information from anyone who may have seen the accident take place
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Call a lawyer as soon as you can
Contact Leighton Katz & Drapeau Today to Schedule a Free Consultation With a Connecticut Truck Accident Attorney
If you suffered an injury in an accident caused by a commercial truck driver, you should speak to an attorney as soon as you can. At Leighton Katz & Drapeau, we are dedicated to helping accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve and make sure that each case we handle is resolved as favorably as possible. To schedule a free case evaluation with one of our attorneys, call our office today at (860) 875-7000 or contact us online.
