Hire a Road Rage Incident Lawyer for Legal Support

Aggressive driving is a group of unsafe behaviors that endangers other drivers and can escalate into violence. Depending on the circumstances, the incident could be classified as assault and battery or civil negligence.

If you were injured by an aggressive driver, you may file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your damages. You can recover restitution for medical bills, loss of income and pain and suffering.

Understanding Road Rage Incidents

Many road rage incidents occur as a result of unchecked emotions that can escalate into aggressive and harmful behavior. Frustration and anger are a natural part of driving, but if these feelings lead to dangerous behind-the-wheel actions, it can quickly turn into a traumatic situation that puts others at risk.

Road rage may include anything from a simple shout or honk to an extreme and dangerous maneuver like running another vehicle off the road. These actions put the driver and their passengers at serious risk of injury or death, and can cause significant property damage as well.

When confronted with an angry driver on the road, you should always stay calm and remove yourself from the situation if possible. If you cannot, document the incident by getting the driver’s license plate number and a general visual impression of their appearance to use later as evidence. Do not attempt to engage with the individual or threaten legal action, as this could escalate the situation and put you and your family at greater risk.

Expertise in Traffic Laws and Regulations

Road rage incidents often involve drivers who become angry and hostile behind the wheel. They may engage in dangerous actions that put other people at risk of injury or death.

The best way to avoid being a victim of an aggressive driver is to remain calm and remember that it’s not your fault. Try to avoid eye contact and do not return any of their gestures or insults. If you are able to, drive away and put as much distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If you’re able to, get their license plate number and car information for the responding police officers.

You should also stay away from mentioning any legal consequences to the driver, as this could escalate the situation and endanger your safety. Instead, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the offender to recover compensation for physical and emotional harm you experienced as a result of their reckless actions.

Investigating the Incident

Aggressive driving is common, but when it gets out of hand and puts people in danger, it becomes road rage. In addition to putting drivers and passengers at risk of serious injuries, this dangerous behavior can lead to criminal charges.

A car accident attorney can provide the assistance you need to hold a violent driver accountable for their wrongful actions. Victims may pursue compensation for their medical expenses, property damage, and emotional distress.

Road rage behaviors may include intentionally running cars off the road, which can lead to multi-car pileups and catastrophic injuries. Threatening or displaying weapons is another alarming escalation that can put lives at risk. Other aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, weaving through traffic, and chasing vehicles can also endanger other drivers. In some cases, these aggressive behaviors result in aggravated assault and/or murder charges. They may also result in criminal mischief charges addressing the destruction of property.

Negotiating with Opposing Parties

Many road rage incidents escalate from minor disputes to perilous situations that put everyone at risk. For example, swerving at another driver can quickly become aggravated battery with a deadly weapon—a felony.

Even when a driver isn’t aggressive enough to cause a crash, he or she might follow you in a vehicle, attempt to block your way into a lane, or make obscene hand gestures. In some cases, an angry driver cuts you off, hits your car, then drives away.

Fortunately, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. New York’s minimum $50,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other economic damages. In some cases, you may also be able to recover noneconomic damages that compensate you for pain and suffering. These damages include emotional distress, anguish, inconvenience, and loss of quality of life.

Legal Representation in Court

While everyone gets frustrated with traffic, that should never be an excuse for driving aggressively or threatening other drivers on the road. Whether a driver is flipping other drivers off, running red lights or speeding through intersections to save a few seconds, or even physically confronting them on the side of the road, these dangerous behaviors can have deadly consequences for all those involved.

If a road rage driver causes a crash that results in major injuries, they should be held responsible for compensating victims for their losses. An experienced New York road rage accident lawyer can help victims recover damages for past and future medical costs, lost income due to time off work, mental distress, physical pain, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.

Victims can also pursue punitive damages for the other driver’s outrageous and malicious behavior. Any evidence that can be gathered to prove the driver’s actions, including video footage, police reports, witness statements, and citations can help strengthen the case for a monetary award.

Building a Defense or Pursuing Compensation

Driving is stressful for everyone, especially if you’re stuck in traffic or running late. Some drivers don’t manage their stress well, leading them to act aggressively behind the wheel and put others at risk of injury or death.

Some road rage behaviors are so extreme that they could result in criminal charges. If the driver chases someone off the road or intentionally rams another vehicle, they could face assault charges or even vehicular manslaughter.

Other road rage behaviors can also lead to civil liability, including personal injury claims. These claims seek compensation for injuries and financial losses suffered by the victim. A qualified lawyer can review the case and determine the best legal route forward. The lawyer may recommend taking both civil and criminal action against the aggressor.