Traffic around Denver can be frustrating and seems to get worse every year. The stress around COVID-19 has also made many drivers more tense. Together, this can lead to drivers taking out their frustration on other drivers for driving too slow, blocking traffic, or otherwise doing something that sets them off. When anger leads to road rage, it can increase the risk of an accident. 

Road Rage Incidents in Denver 

According to the Automobile Association of America (AAA), nearly 80% of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression, or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the previous year. Over half of all fatal crashes involved at least one driver who performed a potentially aggressive action. Road rage can include throwing objects at another vehicle, sideswiping, ramming, or forcing a driver off the road. Road rage can also involve shooting at another vehicle or physically assaulting another driver.

August Motorcycle Crash

In August, an accident investigated as a road rage incident left a motorcyclist hospitalized for 10 days. Along I-25 near Castle Pines, a black pickup truck rammed into the back of a motorcycle rider, causing him to lose control and crash. The rider, 54-year-old Quentin Quidley, suffered broken ribs, a fractured skull, fractured face, and broken ankle. 

Quidley, and his brother, also on a motorcycle, said they changed into the left-hand lane which caused the pickup truck driver to brake. The riders sped up to increase the distance between themselves and the truck and Quidley believes that provoked the driver to swerve into the motorcycle. Dashcam footage from another vehicle shows the truck swerving into the motorcycle. 

June Road Rage Crash Outside Englewood Police Station

In June, a woman was arrested after a suspected road rage incident after crashing in front of the Englewood Police Department. The road rage driver rammed into another vehicle, pushing the vehicle through a landscaped area. When the other driver got out, he says the woman drove at him but hit a light pole. 

Fatal May Road Rage Crash

In May, a driver involved in a road rage racing accident was killed. Witnesses reported two vehicles, a truck and Jeep Grand Cherokee, were speeding and driving aggressively on Highway 85 in Brighton. The truck later crashed, killing the 36-year old driver. 

Recovering Damages After a Road Rage Injury Accident

Recovering damages after a road rage injury accident may depend on the cause of the accident. If the other driver was driving aggressively or recklessly, the injury victim may file a personal injury claim against the other driver for causing the injury. 

The injury victim may also have a claim for intentional torts, for assault or battery by the road raging driver. Assault is also a crime but it is also a basis for a civil lawsuit for damages. The driver does not have to be convicted or even charged with assault for the injury victim to get damages but it can make the injury victim's case stronger. 

Damages in a road rage accident can include property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you were injured in an accident caused by an aggressive driver or road rage, talk to your Denver auto accident attorney for help.

Road Rage Injury in Denver  

The attorneys at accidentdenver.com have successfully represented drivers and passengers in Denver, Boulder, Aurora, and throughout Colorado who were victims of assault or intentionally caused accidents. Even if the police do not take your claim seriously, our experienced attorneys will fight to get the maximum compensation available for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.