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Most drivers have been on the receiving end of a few choice words or gestures from aggressive drivers. However, when aggressive driving turns into road rage, lives may be in danger. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that every year in the United States, there are as many as 1800 road rage accidents across the country. Some of the most tragic accidents make the news, while others happen every day in communities nationwide, leaving victims scared, shaken, and even physically injured.
What is Road Rage?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines road rage as an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passengers of one motor vehicle toward another, causing an incident on the roadway. Despite that definition, road rage does not always involve a physical attack. It can start with threats or gestures and escalate into a fistfight or assault with a knife, gun, or another weapon.
Legal Options After a Road Rage Accident
Wrecks caused by road rage can be devastating in many ways. Beyond the physical injuries, there are also the financial costs and emotional trauma when an irate driver assaults a victim and causes bodily harm or property damage. Victims involved in road rage car accidents may have grounds to bring a personal injury claim against their assailant. Victims of road rage accidents may be entitled to receive compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
Because road rage involves intentional, malicious acts, victims may also be eligible to receive punitive damages as well. In addition to a personal injury claim, the perpetrator of a road rage attack can potentially face criminal charges for assault and battery.
What to Do After a Road Rage Accident
If you are injured in wreck caused by road rage or a physical assault by another driver or passenger, your first priority is to seek medical care. After your doctor releases you from care, gather all documentation related to your accident, including medical bills, police reports, and records of lost income if you were unable to work for any amount of time. These records substantiate the nature and extent of your injuries to help determine compensation for your losses. A skilled personal injury lawyer reviews your case to discern if road rage contributed to your accident and will determine the best approach to seek fair compensation for your injuries.
Virginia Beach Car Crash Lawyers Represent Victims of Road Rage Accidents
Crossing paths with a furious driver can be incredibly frightening. No one deserves to bear the brunt of another person’s anger, especially while driving. The Virginia Beach car crash lawyers have extensive experience handling complex personal injury claims. At East Coast Trial Lawyers, we deal with law enforcement, accident witnesses, and insurance agents on your behalf, so you can focus on your recovery. Call us at 757-352-2237 or contact us online for a free consultation today. Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, we represent clients throughout Chesapeake, Eastern Shores, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk.
