Can I Sue Someone For Road Rage?
If you have been the victim of road rage, you know what a terrifying experience it can be. Road rage is an increasingly common problem, and the effects are also escalating. Road rage often involves utilizing a number of aggressive driving tactics, such as forcing someone off of the road, intentionally trying to intimidate or harass them, switching lanes without using proper signals or leaving enough room, speeding, and reckless driving. These behaviors are not only illegal, they are also negligent. Road rage can result in criminal and civil penalties for the perpetrator, but that may bring little comfort to the victim, particularly when they have suffered serious physical injuries. If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries as a result of a road rage accident, there are legal options available to help you recover financially and get your life back on track. The best option is likely to bring a claim with the help of a Cobb County personal injury lawyer.
Suing for Road Rage
Even though road rage is terrifying, uncalled for, and likely involves illegal conduct, it does not, in and of itself, give you a basis to sue. However, if the road rage causes a car crash and you suffer harm as a result, you then have grounds to bring a personal injury lawsuit. In order to have standing to bring a personal injury lawsuit you must be able to show that you suffered physical and financial injury as a result of the other driver’s negligence. We will delve deeper into each of these necessary elements below.
Establishing Negligence for a Road Rage Accident
Negligence occurs when a driver breaches their duty of reasonable care to other drivers on the road. This occurs when a driver breaks traffic laws intended to keep other drivers safe, such as by speeding or driving under the influence. It also occurs when drivers do anything that could reasonably be seen as being a deviation for the expected standard of care. For instance, driving while drowsy or distracted can result in a finding of negligence. Road rage and aggressive driving tactics are compelling evidence of negligence.
Establishing Damages in a Road Rage Accident
In order to have suffered “damages” in a road rage accident, you must have suffered both physical and financial harm. This can take the form of medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses you incurred or money you lost as a result of the injury. You will also be able to pursue compensation for pain and suffering, and punitive damages may also be appropriate if the other driver’s conduct was particularly malicious or egregious.
Schedule a Consultation with Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers
If you have suffered injuries due to the negligent actions of an aggressive driver, our lawyers are ready to help. Serving Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs, Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers will fight to get you the compensation that you are entitled to. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
