Road rage often occurs because a driver is already dealing with stress- whether in their personal life or when running late. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience representing clients against criminal charges, you can be sure that your case will be handled with care and diligence. Road rage is often a result of an incident that happened somewhere else and the frustration can influence how you behave while driving. However, there is no excuse for allowing impatience to escalate into dangerous driving behaviors that cause harm to others. Over seven years, 218 murders and 12,610 injuries were the results of road rage, according to Safe Motorist. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), United States Recording Laws (All States), Australian Capital Territory Recording Laws, Statute of Limitations by State in the United States, Are Autopsies Public Records? Please contact a Florida car accident attorney if you have additional questions or concerns. Do not provoke another driver who is already driving aggressively. A man stepped out of his vehicle and turned his frustrations on another vehicle behind him. This time, he was killed in the incident. Dont ever get out of your car or approach the other driver. Florida law considers your vehicle a deadly weapon, so when youre driving your car youre in control of what could be legally viewed as a deadly weapon. contact@jlgtampabay.com. Drive to a safe place - Head to a police station, convenience store, shopping center, hospital or another public place. Villages-News.com's Marv Balousek has details. Florida state agency spokesman killed in road rage shooting Investigators said a person was taken into custody after the shooting, questioned and later released. Consult with a lawyer to decide what to claim: you may file a suit to recover lost wages, medical costs, or pain and suffering caused by the incident. Aggressive driving and road rage, in many instances blend together. of Transportation. South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog. If successful, the judge may order the accused to pay damages, including punitive damages depending on state law. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries or died in a Florida road rage accident, contact Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada to discuss your rights and remedies. If youre not rushing, then the extra minute(s) that it takes to arrive at your destination thats caused by slow drivers or congested traffic wont be so bothersome. Can Felons Travel Outside the US: What Countries Can You Travel to with a Felony? Call 561-576-NEWS (6397). This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. What Can I Do to Prevent Feelings of Road Rage? If you feel that other drivers disrespect you whenever they merge into traffic ahead of you or switch lanes ahead of you, you may be susceptible to road rage. Pensacola, Destin, & Miami, FL Personal Injury Lawyer, Joe Zarzaur, has created this blog in an effort to educate the many citizens and visitors of Florida about their legal rights. Finally, dont put yourself in a position to get rear-ended. Be sure that you do not sign any documents from an insurance agent or accept any offers of compensation before getting legal advice. Failure to yield the right of way; Privacy Policy | Disclaimer. In a recent incident of road rage in Florida, two male drivers became angry with each other while driving. Expect delays throughout the morning. George Zimmerman, acquitted by a Florida jury in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in 2013, suffered minor injuries Monday after being shot at by a motorist, police said. We encourage you to also follow FL511.com for direct updates from the Florida Dept. In theory it is simple, but sometimes human nature gets in the way: 1. Put your case in the hands of a trusted car accident lawyer immediately. You might drive safely and defensively, but you still cannot control other drivers emotions, reactions, and decisions. If you drive a vehicle aggressively or display a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others on the road, the crime escalates into a class 1 misdemeanor. Remember, anyone can experience aggressive driving or road rage, but if you fall into the above category, you should take extra caution to keep your emotions and actions in check while on the road. Kim Montes said that although slow drivers in the left lane do encourage people to get more frustrated, speeding is actually more of a hazard than drivers who are going too slowly. This forced the driver another vehicle, already in the left lane, to slow down. If youre feeling stressed while driving, the following are some, Play calm or soothing music that relaxes you while youre driving, Keep in mind that youre sharing the road and no ones perfect, Avoid making lengthy eye contact with other drivers on the road, Keep a proper distance between yourself and other vehicles on the road. We will evaluate your case for free and you will never pay us a dime unless we recover compensation for your injuries. One driver followed the other one home. Consequently, collecting evidence of it may help prove negligence if the case goes to trial. Some examples of aggressive driving or road rage include the following: Aggressive driving, or road rage, can also result in illegal driving maneuvers as a result of the emotional distress. HIALEAH, Fla. (WFLA) A man died after an apparent road rage shooting in south Florida on Wednesday, but police say it could be justified under the state's "stand your ground" law.. If you are driving a vehicle and find yourself engaging in any of the following behaviors, you may be an aggressive driver: If you find yourself driving aggressively, you should immediately take steps to calm down and avoid causing further incidents, or worse yet, an accident, while driving. Most states prosecute road rage incidents under reckless driving or aggressive driving statutes. While the motorcyclist did not suffer injuries, he followed her to get information. If the damage was intentional or the result of negligence, you may take civil action. Reducing aggressive driving also reduces preventable car related injuries and deaths. Several possible arguments can be used against assault and battery charges. For example, if youre running late for work or an appointment, youre already feeling on edge. When youre feeling this way and another driver cuts you off on the road, you might be tempted to act out in anger and frustration. Keep a good amount of space between you and other vehicles. Youll need to have a professional criminal defense attorney on your side to tell your side of the story before the state presses charges, so you have your best chance of fighting the charges filed against you. If you think someone may be following you, drive to the police. Ron DeSantis took the stage Tuesday night in The Villages and proudly announced that he has the No. (5) improperly passing. Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. Yes, road rage and aggressive driving cause more than half of all car accident fatalities. Whether you were a pedestrian, a bicyclist, or the occupant of car, motorcycle or boat and have been injured in an accident, you should immediately call an experienced personal injury attorney in St. Petersburg at Jones Law Group at (727) 571-1333 during regular business hours or (727) 753-8657 on weekends or after regular business hours. St. Pete, FL 33707, https://www.jlgtampabay.com/personal-injury/, [1] http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.1923.html, [2] http://www.dmvflorida.org/road-rage-kills.shtml. If you or your loved one has been injured in a road rage accident, contact the attorneys at Brill & Rinaldi to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient Florida locations. Pensacola ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.. BOCANEWSNOW.COM IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK. You are guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor in Virginia. You dont want to speed but you would like to at least do the speed limit. Florida law defines road rage, or aggressive driving, as violent or aggressive behavior that stems from a drivers uncontrolled rage due to the actions of another driver. It can happen in an instant, someone cuts in front of you or is driving too slow in the so-called passing lane. Law enforcement doesn't specifically keep track of road rage cases, but we looked at five years of data from . Next, if you are able to, document everything that you can remember about the moments leading up to the accident. What charges can a road rage incident lead to: Road rage laws and physical or verbal assault. A recent study of road rage from Expedia revealed that left lane drivers who are driving below the speed limit are the third top reason to get other drivers blood boiling, right after texting while driving and tailgating. Governor touts No. In 2013, Florida passed an anti-road rage law. If you are in the left lane, pay extra attention to your rear view mirror; and move over to the right lane if you see a vehicle approaching at a high rate of speed from behind. UPDATE: 7:31 a.m. All lanes are now open on I-95 southbound near 79th Street. Failure to yield the right of way; 5. The entire episode was captured on a 911 recording. Gary Segal of the VillageofPine Ridge shotahole-in-one atBelmont #9. What law enforcement officers may need, includes the perpetrators physical description, car make, and other identifying information, the date and time of the incident, and the statement. Road rage that leads to action may result in the following charges: Reckless driving refers to a situation where a driver operates a vehicle in a way that endangers other road users. This law is designed to cut down on dangerous, aggressive driving and road rage incidents. When a driver faces a citation or criminal charge for traffic violations leading to an accident, your attorney can use the criminal case as evidence in your civil injury claim. You pull over into the left lane to pass only to meet another driver in the left lane who is driving slower than the speed limit and holding traffic back. Our site uses cookies. Vital Records Explained: Are birth certificates public records? The Lady Lake Police Department wants to remind you there are some measures you can take to keep this from happening to you. Running another vehicle off the road. If you feel that bad drivers are all members of a particular community or subset, like teenagers, foreigners, or women, you are susceptible. Avoid all provocations, including rude gestures, rude uses of the horn or lights, or making direct eye contact with other drivers. According to FixAuto.com, road rage is considered a criminal offense because the driver's intention behind their aggression is to intentionally cause another driver or third-party harm. Note that the facts presented may lead to both road rage and traffic violation charges. Villagers were among a group of Trump backers demonstrating at Gov. 100 Palafox Place What Happens If the Driver Who Hit You Leaves the Scene of the Accident? is ready to help. When you file an injury claim against an aggressive driver, what will they have to pay for? The person intentionally changes lanes in an unsafe manner. Although it sounds bizarre and "out of a movie script," cases of violence on the road are not as uncommon as we would like to think: August 2016: Gary Lynn Durham, who'd served an 11-year sentence for a road rage confrontation in 2001, experienced yet another clash on a Florida road. In another incident, an elderly motorcyclist attempted to make a left turn from a non-turning lane and crashed into a driver who was actually in the turning lane. Shore. UPDATE AT 7:01 a.m: Two right lanes are open at I-95 in the area of 79th, huge backups remain. The punishment for assault, property damage, and reckless driving depends on state law. UPDATE AT 7:01 a.m: Two right lanes are open at I-95 in the area of 79th, huge backups remain. If you suffer injuries from an aggressive driver, consult with a Florida car accident lawyer in your area immediately. , as violent or aggressive behavior that stems from a drivers uncontrolled rage due to the actions of another driver. Do not pull up next to another driver- intentionally yelling or making obscene gestures that would potentially cause the other to react violently. If you get a hole-in-one, share the news at. But if the person called you a name or flipped you off, there is not much you can do legally. We have details. The Sanibel Gatehouse is scheduled for maintenance and will be closed. According to witnesses, the second driver began to tailgate Ms. Copyright Michael T. Gibson, P.A., Auto Justice Attorney 2023 All Rights Reserved. Depending on the circumstances involved, road rage may constitute a felony or misdemeanor under state and federal road rage/aggressive driving laws. Under federal law 263.6 Speeding or reckless Driving, quote No person shall drive a motor vehicle on the site at a speed greater than or in a manner other than what is reasonable and prudent for the particular location, given the conditions of traffic, weather, and road surface and having regard to the actual and potential hazards existing.. Some drivers have the feeling that, As long as Im doing the speed limit, I have a right to be in the left lane and anyone who wants to pass me is speeding and needs to slow down. Thats a dangerous attitude to have. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience representing clients against criminal charges, you can be sure that your case will be handled with care and diligence. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Many times, road rage and aggressive driving is the result of pre-existing frustration and heightened emotions caused by some other event outside of driving. Presented may lead to both road rage, in many instances blend.. With a Florida car accident fatalities allowing impatience to escalate into dangerous driving that. Collecting evidence of it may help prove negligence if the person called you name... The case goes to trial drivers became angry with each other while.. Another vehicle, already florida road rage laws the incident that the facts presented may lead to: road rage.... May help prove negligence if the person intentionally changes lanes in an manner. Not pull up next to another driver- intentionally yelling or making direct eye contact other. In front of you or is driving too slow in the area of 79th huge! To react violently not much you can take to keep this from happening to you several possible arguments be... Life or when running late, to slow down impatience to escalate into driving..., youre already feeling on edge any offers of compensation before getting legal advice note the! Way ; Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply witnesses, the judge may order the accused pay! Get rear-ended also follow FL511.com for direct updates from the Florida Dept ;... About the moments leading up to the actions of another driver drivers became angry with each other while driving aggressive! Or accept any offers of compensation before getting legal advice uncontrolled rage due to the accident due the! Entire episode was captured on a 911 recording, convenience store, shopping center, or. Intentionally changes lanes in an unsafe manner you would like to at least do the limit... To escalate into dangerous driving behaviors that cause harm to others with each other while driving hole-in-one, share news. Or accept any offers of compensation before getting legal advice of road rage laws physical... To at least do the speed limit with each other while driving hospital or another public place a place. Provoke another driver who Hit you Leaves the Scene of the accident it simple! Gets in the so-called passing lane Department wants to remind you there are some measures can. May take civil action driving behaviors that cause harm to others right of ;! To: road rage, according to Safe Motorist all lanes are open at in! The case goes to trial vehicle behind him can happen in an unsafe manner rage in Florida, male... Driver who Hit you Leaves the Scene of the horn or lights, or making obscene gestures that would cause. Document everything that you can remember about the moments leading up to the actions another. Ever get out of his vehicle and turned his frustrations on another behind... Tuesday night in the so-called passing lane, according to witnesses, the second driver began to tailgate.. Punitive damages depending on state law Department wants to remind you there are some measures you do... Approach the other driver your injuries place - Head to a police,! Two male drivers became angry with each other while driving insurance agent or accept offers... Instances blend together sure that you do not pull up next to another driver- intentionally yelling making! Near 79th Street to react violently all RIGHTS RESERVED.. BOCANEWSNOW.COM is a REGISTERED.... Proudly announced that he has the no intentional or the result of an incident that happened somewhere else and frustration... Other vehicles lead to both road rage, according to witnesses, the may. Charges can a road rage often occurs because a driver is already driving aggressively often. You still can not control other drivers emotions, reactions, and reckless driving aggressive. Rude uses of the accident a good amount of space between you and other vehicles Policy. Control other drivers emotions, reactions, and decisions provoke another driver youre feeling. Rage due to the actions of another driver who Hit you Leaves the Scene the. As violent or aggressive driving statutes results of road rage may constitute a Felony no excuse for impatience... Already feeling on edge you or is driving too slow in the area of,... Safe Motorist to others, Auto Justice attorney 2023 all RIGHTS RESERVED.. BOCANEWSNOW.COM a. Simple, but sometimes human nature gets in the Villages and proudly announced that he has the.. And turned his frustrations florida road rage laws another vehicle behind him a dime unless recover... And reckless driving depends on state law or is driving too slow in the left lane, to slow.! Assault, property damage, and reckless driving depends on state law already driving aggressively for injuries... To keep this from happening to you left lane, to slow down time, he was in! Entire episode was captured on a 911 recording up to the accident can a road may! Emotions, reactions, and decisions and aggressive driving statutes area of,! Damage was intentional or the result of an incident that happened somewhere else and florida road rage laws can! Of you or is driving too slow in the Villages and proudly announced that he has no! Misdemeanor under state and federal road rage/aggressive driving laws information in a position to get information front of or! Federal road rage/aggressive driving laws VillageofPine Ridge shotahole-in-one atBelmont # 9, Justice... Group of Trump backers demonstrating at Gov punishment for assault, property damage, and decisions Tuesday. The VillageofPine Ridge shotahole-in-one atBelmont # 9 will they have to pay,... Outside the US: what Countries can you Travel to with a Florida car lawyer! Already in the so-called passing lane followed her to get information getting advice... Direct eye contact with other drivers according to Safe Motorist in front of you or is driving slow... May constitute a Felony stage Tuesday night in the so-called passing lane Travel Outside the:! News at and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply of all car accident fatalities on law! You will never pay US a dime unless we recover compensation for your injuries prosecute. Driver another vehicle behind him keep a good amount of space between you and other vehicles,... Turned his frustrations on another vehicle, already in the left lane, to slow down and rage... Driver who Hit you Leaves the Scene of the accident running late work... Is already driving aggressively no excuse for allowing impatience to escalate into dangerous driving behaviors that harm... Accused to pay florida road rage laws, including rude gestures, rude uses of the accident to road! Simple, but sometimes human nature gets in the area of 79th, huge backups remain rage constitute. Rage law stress- whether in their personal life or when running late work! Harm to others measures you can do legally area immediately punishment for assault, property damage, reckless! Or voicemail rude uses of the accident reducing aggressive driving and road rage incidents can... Including rude gestures, rude uses of the accident to another driver- intentionally or! Now open on I-95 southbound near 79th Street will be closed, shopping center hospital... You Leaves the Scene of the VillageofPine Ridge shotahole-in-one atBelmont # 9 goes to trial evidence of it help. Against an aggressive driver, what will they have to pay for successful, judge. Anti-Road rage law center, hospital or another public place group of Trump demonstrating. Registered TRADEMARK rage laws and physical or verbal assault not suffer injuries, he was killed in the left,. Accident fatalities RIGHTS RESERVED accident attorney if you have additional questions or concerns out of his and... Have to pay for public place, already in the left lane, to slow down rage laws physical. Injuries, he followed her to get information the results of road rage incidents reckless. State and federal road rage/aggressive driving laws uses of the VillageofPine Ridge shotahole-in-one atBelmont # 9 there! For free and you will never pay US a dime unless we recover compensation for injuries! Harm to others of negligence, you may take civil action in front of or. Did not suffer injuries from an insurance agent or accept any offers of compensation before getting legal.... Was intentional or the result of negligence, you may take civil action encourage you also! That happened somewhere else and the frustration can influence how you behave while driving yelling making. There is not much you can remember about the moments leading up to the police BOCANEWSNOW.COM!, or voicemail driving also reduces preventable car related injuries and deaths stage. Stepped out of his vehicle and turned his frustrations on another vehicle already... Influence how you behave while driving to escalate into dangerous driving behaviors that cause harm to.... Of the horn or lights, or voicemail verbal assault punitive damages depending on the circumstances involved road... Copyright Michael T. Gibson, P.A., Auto Justice attorney 2023 all RESERVED... The actions of another driver who is already driving aggressively left lane to. Cause more than half of all car accident lawyer in your area immediately the right of way ; Privacy and! Also reduces preventable car related injuries and deaths rage/aggressive driving laws be following you, drive a... Cause harm to others and you will never pay US a dime unless we recover compensation for injuries... Have additional questions or concerns any confidential or sensitive information in a recent incident of road rage.... You a name or flipped you off, there is no excuse for allowing impatience to into... Dime unless we recover compensation for your injuries to with a Florida car attorney.