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Toronto, ON

The best ways to protect yourself from an aggressive driver

Toronto car accident lawyer

Aggressive drivers often lose their patience easily on the road. You may see them barreling down major roads, weaving through traffic or blowing through red lights. Encountering drivers like this may be frustrating — even startling — but there are ways to reduce the likelihood of a crash with them.

Some drivers may lose their cool on the road when they face inconveniences. They may be running late for work and run into heavy traffic congestion or drivers who travel at a lower speed. Some aggressive drivers may behave the way they do because they are having a bad day. Or maybe they're experiencing a stressful situation.

What if aggressive driving leads to road rage?

Aggressive drivers don't usually want to get confrontational with anyone. They usually just want to get to their destinations as fast as possible. Sometimes, their behavior can lead to road rage.

If you encounter an aggressive driver who becomes angry at you, it's important that you do your best to de-escalate the situation. Here's how:

  • Protect yourself at intersections. If you happen to stop at a signalized intersection with an aggressive driver, avoid making eye contact. That can cause things to escalate. If the other drivers gets out of his or her car to confront you, be sure to roll up your windows, lock the doors and call the police. Also be sure to leave enough room between your car and the car in front of you, so you can pull out of the lane, if necessary.
  • Don't take the other driver's anger personally. Even if another driver takes his or her anger out on you, it's not personal, especially if the driver doesn't know you. To avoid making an inconvenient situation much worse, simply brush it off and don't engage the other driver.
  • Report drivers when they endanger others. It's best to keep your distance when sharing the road with an aggressive driver. You can also pull over and let an aggressive driver pass you if you're being tailgated. If an aggressive driver appears to behave in a way that is putting others at an imminent risk, it's best to report the driver to the police. Include a description of the car and the license plate number.

What should I do if I was injured in an aggressive driving crash?

If you were injured by an aggressive driver, it's important that you speak to an experienced Toronto car accident lawyer who can investigate your crash and help you recover all accrued losses.

Crashes caused by aggressive driving can result in complex legal claims. That's because insurance companies may argue that your crash was caused intentionally rather than by negligence, especially if road rage was involved. Typically, insurance only covers crashes caused by driver negligence.

That's why you need a lawyer who can review the details surrounding your crash and explore your legal options. You need someone who knows how to deal with insurance companies and present crucial evidence to support your case. If you were hurt in a crash, contact Smitiuch Injury Law and schedule your free legal consultation.

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