Road Rage Motorcycle Accidents

Florida is a popular location for motorcycle enthusiasts, who have as much right to enjoy the roadways as people in any other vehicle. However, sometimes a motorcycle’s presence can aggravate other drivers, and it can even give rise to road rage incidents. When a driver causes an accident by acting aggressively on the road, motorcyclists are more susceptible to catastrophic injuries. Miami motorcycle accident lawyer Robert Dixon and his staff at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon assist motorcyclists who have been injured as a result of road rage motorcycle accidents.

Drivers who cannot control their actions and create dangerous conditions on the roadways should be held accountable for the harm that they cause. Our firm is dedicated to making sure that clients receive the compensation to which they are entitled following a serious motor vehicle collision. Our attorneys represent people throughout South Florida, including in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. If you have questions regarding your legal rights and options following a motorcycle crash, contact our office to set up a free consultation to find out more.

In Florida, road rage falls under the definition of “aggressive driving,” which occurs when a driver participates in at least two of the following actions: speeding excessively, improper lane changes or passing, tailgating, failing to yield, and failing to obey traffic signs. Road rage is considered an elevated version of aggressive driving practices, and it can be charged as a criminal offense. The most extreme road rage incidents are directly targeted at an individual, usually due to a perceived offense on his or her part. Some examples of actions indicating a person acting with road rage include:

• Braking or accelerating suddenly;
• Holding down the horn;
• Tailgating a motorcyclist, or cutting them off;
• Using threats, obscenities, or hand gestures;
• Yielding a weapon or another object as a threat; or
• Causing an accident intentionally.

A driver with road rage is a danger to everyone on the road. When that driver’s actions lead to injuries, or a victim’s death, it is important to hold them accountable for their recklessness.

Road rage motorcycle accidents are often caused by a driver’s intentional actions, rather than mere negligence. However, for victims to recover damages in a personal injury or wrongful death case, it is unnecessary to prove an actual intent to harm. Negligence requires only a showing that a defendant’s actions breached a duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would have acted under the same, or similar, circumstances. Therefore, a driver who is repeatedly cutting off a motorcyclist, speeding close to them, or otherwise engaging in aggressive maneuvers would breach the duty of reasonable care.

A victim must also show that he or she was injured by this breach, resulting in damages. Once liability is shown, plaintiffs may receive compensation for any property loss and medical expenses, as well as lost income and diminished earning capacity. Families who have lost loved ones in a fatal accident can also recover costs associated with a victim’s burial or funeral arrangements. The statute of limitations for Florida personal injury claims is four years, while families only have two years within which to file a wrongful death lawsuit. It is important to consult an attorney who can help you assess your legal options and preserve your rights as soon as possible following a collision.

Motorcycle accidents can lead to devastating injuries, such as paralysis and traumatic brain injuries. When these injuries are caused by another driver’s road rage, that driver should be held legally responsible. Miami attorney Robert Dixon offers compassionate and seasoned legal representation to victims in Miami, West Palm Beach, and other South Florida cities who have been injured by an aggressive driver. Contact the Law Offices of Robert Dixon via phone at 877.499.4878 or online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation about your potential claims.