Road rage is an increasingly common problem on our nation’s roadways, and Pennsylvania is no exception. In fact, recent studies have shown that road rage is a factor in as many as 1 in 3 accidents, and these numbers continue to increase, along with those for speeding and driving under the influence. It is clear that behind the wheel of your car is becoming one of the most dangerous places to be. However, that should not be the case. Every driver on the road has a duty of reasonable care to all other drivers. When they violate this duty of care, such as by speeding, driving recklessly, or engaging in rageful or aggressive driving behaviors, they are being negligent, and become financially liable for any and all harm that occurs as a result. If you have been harmed as a result of another driver’s road rage or aggressive driving, it’s important to take a stand and get the legal support that you need to recover from this accident and get your life back on track. The best way to hold the responsible driver accountable is usually by bringing a personal injury lawsuit.
Bringing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for Road Rage
As the name implies, a personal injury lawsuit is meant to make a person financially whole after they have suffered a physical injury due to someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior. Because this is a financial remedy, there must also have been financial harm. This can take the form of medical bills, surgery costs, transportation to and from medical appointments, and lost wages due to your injury. You must also be able to show that the other driver was negligent. As noted above, negligence occurs whenever another driver breaches their duty of reasonable care. This is common in road rage situations, because rageful and aggressive drivers often act illegally, such as by speeding, changing lanes without signals, and driving recklessly. All of these behaviors can result in an automatic presumption of negligence. When negligence is presumed, you must only show that you were injured by the other driver in order to recover, which can be demonstrated with medical records and bills. A personal injury lawsuit will allow you to recover for all economic damages, as well as to pursue compensation for pain and suffering. Additionally, you may be able to receive punitive damages if the other driver’s conduct was especially reckless, malicious, or egregious, which is not uncommon in cases of rageful and aggressive driving.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at the O’Donnell Law Firm
If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of someone else’s aggressive or reckless driving, our experienced personal injury lawyers want to hear from you. Schedule a free initial consultation with the personal injury attorneys at the O’Donnell Law Offices serving clients in Kingston, Wilkes Barre, Hazleton and Pittston at 570-821-5717 or online today. There is no fee or costs until we win your case.