An accident with an aggressive driver can be an overwhelming and oftentimes scary experience. These drivers are unpredictable and dangerous.
When a motorist neglects traffic laws because of their road rage, they create a completely hazardous environment for all other drivers on the road.
After an auto accident, Bert McDowell Injury Law can be a valuable resource when seeking to recover compensation for any damages. Our team has been serving the Bridgeport community for years, and we are standing by to represent you through your road rage accident claim process.
Our firm can manage your claim’s progress, helping accurately value the damages you have suffered and use strategies that raise your chances of full recovery. Your first consultation is free and will leave you with no obligation to continue with our services.
We promise never to charge any upfront fees for representation through an auto insurance claim.
We can serve your case on a contingency, meaning that we will only be paid through the final settlement award from your claim. Our goal is to protect our clients’ best interests, starting with trustworthy representation.
To schedule your initial consultation, call (203) 590-9169 or contact us online today.
Why Should You Call a Road Rage Accident Attorney?
Every driver needs to be self-aware of their emotions when driving a vehicle. In a tired, stressed, or otherwise upset state of mind, any driver may lose their temper.
A momentary lapse in judgment could completely ruin a driver’s record with the DMV and their insurer, leading to a suspended license or even jail time.
Reckless driving and acting with the intent to harm another motorist or pedestrian are serious crimes. A road rage accident attorney can represent you through your recovery from this traumatic experience.
This type of case is unique because, while you may need to file a claim with the liable party’s insurer to recover a settlement for damages, a lawyer can also help you understand if your case should involve another step, such as filing a lawsuit or pressing formal charges.
What Can a Bridgeport Road Rage Accident Lawyer Do for My Case?
It will be infuriating to see the bills pile up after a road rage accident. Even when the negligent party assumes liability, there may still be a fight for a settlement that includes the full extent of damages.
This is where the help of an experienced Bridgeport road rage accident lawyer comes in.
The services of an auto accident attorney will vary from case to case, but generally speaking, a lawyer can manage the process of filing and settling an insurance claim. Your attorney will personally advocate for you through each step of litigation, using their experience, knowledge, and professional resources as tools to guide your claim toward a successful resolution.
When you are moving through the steps of litigation, an attorney can serve your case by offering:
Case management from start to finish: A claimant may not be familiar with the ins and outs of filing an auto accident claim and may easily overlook small but important details. An attorney can manage varying tasks, from keeping a close eye on the investigative process of your accident to tracking all related expenses for care and other accident-related losses.
A comprehensive valuation of your damages: Seeing the debts from your accident begin to add up in the following months can be overwhelming, to say the least, but it is crucial to stay on top of the amount incurred. Your attorney can keep track of what you’ve spent regarding the accident, along with the outstanding expenses that you’ve become responsible for. A Bridgeport personal injury lawyer can also help you anticipate any future costs, including follow-up medical care and any long-term loss of wages.
A review of details regarding road rage incidents: In a traditional auto accident claim, no injuries or other damages are inflicted intentionally. A road rage accident claim is unique because the negligent party may have committed one or more criminal traffic offenses to cause the accident. An attorney can thoroughly examine the fine details of the accident’s events and determine if you were the victim of a reckless driving crime.
Representation through negotiations: Insurers often rely on inexperience at the negotiation table in order to leverage their position and offer as little as possible for claims. Your attorney will negotiate the final settlement on your behalf, and you can walk away knowing you maximized your chance of a successful claim.
Preparation for a formal lawsuit: In some cases, the representation for both parties won’t be able to come to an agreed-upon settlement amount. When this is the case, your lawyer may prepare you for the proceedings of a formal lawsuit. In the event the negligent party’s insurer won’t compensate you for the entirety of your damages, your lawyer will help you understand your options, including when to file a lawsuit or prepare for a jury trial.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Road Rage Accident Settlement?
Every accident will look different and result in a unique combination of damages that affect the victim. In Connecticut, an accident victim has the opportunity to fight for the recovery of all expenses incurred from the crash, and an attorney can ensure that you don’t face undervaluation tactics from the negligent party’s insurer.
After facing a road rage accident in Bridgeport, a crash victim can recover compensation for damages including:
Medical bills and the cost of continued treatment
Lost wages, including future wages lost due to limited workability
Property damages, such as vehicle replacement
Emotional trauma and mental anguish
Injuries From a Road Rage Accident Can Be Severe
An accident caused by road rage can cause serious injuries — some that may even be intentionally inflicted. An aggressive driver could perform dangerous maneuvers like ramming another vehicle or driving them off the road.
In serious cases of road rage accidents, the victims may be left with long-lasting or permanent injuries. The damage from a road rage accident will vary, but some of the most common injuries that are treated by medical professionals include:
The number of road rage shooting deaths has doubled from 2018 to 2022, increasing from 70 to 141. Over 400 people were injured by gunshot wounds on the road in that same year.
This means that in the U.S., in 2022, a person was shot and injured or killed in a road rage accident every 16 hours. But what is causing this rise in roadway violence?
Road rage comes from a variety of factors, including environmental and psychological triggers. Research has found that environments such as crowded roads can fuel aggression, along with psychological elements like displaced anger and high stress.
The use of drugs and alcohol can also contribute to a person’s rage behind the wheel. It is important for every driver to evaluate their mental state before getting on the road, especially in overwhelming environments like the daily traffic hours, to check their emotions and make rational, safe decisions on the road.
Repercussions for Reckless Drivers That Cause Road Rage Accidents
Road rage itself is generally a misdemeanor offense and will result in a fine or required class. In Connecticut, the state sets a program for repeat traffic violation offenders called the Driver Retraining Program, which can be required of a reckless driver who causes a road rage accident.
A driver may also have their license suspended or face an increase in their car insurance rates.
While road rage is often considered a “minor” criminal offense or moving violation, it is the harm caused to the other drivers on the road that can lead to more serious punishments, such as jail time. In the event another driver or pedestrian is injured or even killed in the accident, the reckless motorist will likely face criminal charges.
If You’ve Been Injured by an Aggressive Driver, Then Call a Road Rage Accident Law Firm for Help
We all get frustrated on the road sometimes, but that is no excuse for reckless or purposefully dangerous behavior. A driver with road rage can be a risk to other motorists on the road because, in a fit of rage, they likely won’t care about the safety of others or follow traffic laws.
If you have been injured in an accident with a reckless driver, a Bridgeport road rage accident attorney can help you walk through the upcoming legal process, taking over tasks and providing guidance or advice where applicable. An attorney will have your back through litigation, too.
In the event your claim becomes more challenging than originally intended to settle, an attorney will help you explore your options.
Legal representation can save you time and energy as an injured auto accident claimant, and Bert McDowell Injury Law has representatives standing by. To schedule your free, no-obligation consultation, call (203) 590-9169 or contact us online today.
(203) 690-1030
(203) 690-1030
An accident with an aggressive driver can be an overwhelming and oftentimes scary experience. These drivers are unpredictable and dangerous.