Everyone gets angry when they feel another driver has slighted them. We have all gotten angry and let out some occasional profanity while driving. However, some drivers take their anger too far and become threats to the safety and lives of other people on the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “aggressive driving” is “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property.” This may include following too closely, exceeding the speed limit, weaving in traffic, and running traffic lights and signs.
Road rage is what happens at the far end of the spectrum of aggressive driving. Where aggressive driving is bad driving that violates traffic laws, road rage is a different classification of behavior that can enter into the realm of criminal conduct. Acts of road rage may include using the vehicle to threaten other drivers, drawing a weapon, hitting or ramming other cars, moving into another car’s lane, confrontation, physical assault, and murder.
Road Rage Damages
What happens if a driver engaging in road rage injures you? You need to speak with an attorney to pursue a personal injury claim. Nevada’s personal injury laws allow victims to seek damages against others who have caused them serious injury by negligent or wrongful acts. Causing a serious injury due to aggressive driving or road rage falls into any interpretation of a “negligent or wrongful act”.
Also, “punitive damages” are available in particularly egregious situations where the responsible party has acted intentionally or with conscious disregard for the wellbeing of others. An attorney can help you evaluate whether to pursue punitive damages against the driver who caused you serious injury. If successfully proven, these damages can be significant and can truly hold the raging driver accountable.
Contact Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P.
Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman, L.L.P. is a small-sized personal injury law firm serving the greater Reno area that provides big firm results to individuals. Our attorneys are smart, driven professionals who have successfully obtained millions of dollars in damages for our clients. You deserve an attorney who will pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. Call Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. today at (775) 227-2280 to schedule a free case consultation or contact our office through our website.