Did Someone’s Road Rage Cause Your Accident?

 Posted on January 22, 2026 in Car Accidents

Many of us have experienced strong feelings of frustration or anger at another driver. Most people don’t let these feelings get the best of them, but some do. Road rage is a problem on Texas roads that can turn a normal drive into a life-threatening situation in a moment.

If you have been hurt in a crash caused by an angry driver in 2026, an Irving personal injury attorney can help you understand your options.

Is Road Rage the Same as Aggressive Driving?

Not always. The Insurance Information Institute says that aggressive driving is "any unsafe driving behavior performed deliberately and with ill intention or disregard for safety." This  includes any of the following:

• Tailgating

• Flashing headlights in your eyes

• Honking the horn at you unnecessarily  

• Shouting or making obscene gestures

While these behaviors are rude and potentially dangerous, they do not always turn into road rage.

According to Texas law, road rage happens when a driver takes more violent action. You are a victim of road rage if another driver: 

• Runs your car off the road

• Rams your vehicle on purpose

• Gets out to confront you or damage your car

• Tries to get you out of your vehicle to fight

• Threatens you with a weapon

These actions are illegal in Texas and can result in criminal charges as well as civil damages.

Why Does Road Rage Make People Do Crazy Things? 

Stress plays a major role in road rage incidents. A driver who is dealing with personal problems may react much worse to minor inconveniences when driving than they normally would. Sometimes the trigger is something very small. Leaving your high beams on accidentally, changing lanes without signaling, or unintentionally cutting someone off can prompt a dangerous response.

You may not even know what you did to upset the other driver. Many road rage victims are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. A car or truck can become a deadly weapon in the hands of someone who has lost control of their temper.

What Should I Do If I Encounter an Aggressive or Road Raging Driver?

If you find yourself dealing with an aggressive driver, do not engage with them. Making eye contact or responding to gestures will usually make the situation worse.

Keep your doors locked and windows up. If the other driver tries to get you to pull over, do not do it. Drive to a safe, public place like a police station or busy parking lot. If you have a passenger, have them call 911 to report the aggressive driver.

Never try to outrun an aggressive driver or engage in dangerous driving yourself to get away. If possible, change your route or let the aggressive driver pass. Write down the license plate number and vehicle description if you can do so safely.

What Are My Rights After a Road Rage Accident?

If you have suffered injuries in a road rage incident, you have the right to try to get compensation for your losses. Road rage cases are often more complicated than simple car accidents because they involve intentional actions instead of just negligence.

Texas law allows victims to pursue compensation through the civil courts even when criminal charges are filed. You may be entitled to recover money for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.401, a driver commits "reckless driving" if they drive with "willful disregard for the safety of others." This statute is important in road rage cases because it explains that the other driver knew their actions were dangerous.

Strong evidence is critical to proving your case. This includes police reports, witness statements, photographs of damage and injuries, medical records, and video evidence from dashcams or security cameras if available.

Call a Carrollton Personal Injury Lawyer Today

The Irving car accident attorneys at Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. understand how road rage cases work and can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Our staff speaks Spanish fluently, so we are able to offer excellent legal service to the Spanish-speaking community.

Mr. Andrews is board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in the area of personal injury trials. Each case is handled on a contingency basis, which means you pay no fees or costs unless you win. Contact Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. at 214-221-5800 today to schedule your free consultation. Hablamos español.