Compensation for road rage victims depends on getting the right evidence.
Summary
- Road rage is a type of aggressive driving behavior that seeks to intimidate or even injure another driver on the road.
- Victims of road rage often suffer physical, emotional, or financial harm during the incident and may be entitled to significant compensation.
- Winning the compensation you deserve may depend on proving that the other driver behaved aggressively or violently.
- An experienced road rage lawyer can help you recover fair compensation.
Minnesota is known for its diverse and friendly communities. Unfortunately, even these peaceful streets can erupt in moments of road rage that leave victims shaken. This aggressive or violent driving behavior can quickly turn a mundane commute into a hazardous ordeal.
If you’ve been the target of an aggressive driver and suffered injuries, you deserve to be compensated. Proving you were the victim of road rage can help strengthen your claim, but that’s often easier said than done.
At Sand Law LLC, our expert car accident attorneys know how to make the evidence stick. We want to help you pursue your road rage claim and recover fair compensation. You can schedule a free consultation by calling (651)-362-4173 or contacting us online.
What is Road Rage?
Everyone gets a little angry behind the wheel sometimes, but road rage goes a lot further than simple frustration. Road rage is aggressive or violent behavior that stems from a driver’s uncontrolled anger towards another road user.
Some examples of road rage include:
- Tailgating you closely, making you feel unsafe.
- Cutting you off dangerously in traffic.
- Yelling obscenities or making threatening gestures.
- Intentionally swerving towards your vehicle.
- In extreme cases, getting out of their car and initiating a physical confrontation.
It’s important to distinguish aggressive driving from road rage. Ignoring the speed limit or failing to yield are both aggressive driving behaviors that can be rude and illegal, but lack the uncontrolled anger and intent to harm or intimidate that defines a true road rage incident.
Legal Implications of Road Rage
The severity of a road rage incident determines the potential criminal charges the aggressive driver may face. In Minnesota, road rage can fall into two categories.
- Reckless Driving: This misdemeanor offense carries fines and potential driver’s license suspension.
- Aggravated Assault: If the road rage involves threats of violence or the use of a weapon, this is a felony offense with more serious penalties.
If a road rage incident leads to a car accident and you or your passengers are injured or suffer other damages, the aggressive driver can also be held liable for damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Strong evidence of their behavior significantly strengthens your claim.
How to Prove Road Rage Caused Your Minnesota Car Accident
In a road rage lawsuit, the burden of proof lies with you, the injured party. To win your case, you’ll need comprehensive evidence that demonstrates the aggressive driver’s behavior and its connection to your damages.
Photo or Video Evidence
Capturing the aggressive driver’s behavior on camera may be tricky, but video or photographic evidence adds a lot to your case. Having a dashcam installed in your vehicle can help keep you protected.
Photos of the aggressive driver’s license plate, the surrounding area, and any damage to your car can also help document the incident. Your road rage accident attorney can potentially access footage of the incident from nearby security cameras.
Eyewitness Testimony
Bystanders or other drivers who witnessed the incident can provide statements to support your case. Their independent accounts can back up your version of events and confirm the aggressive driver’s fault.
If anyone witnessed the incident, ask for their contact information and a written statement about what they saw.
Police Reports
If you’re the victim of a road rage incident, call the police right away. Although you can file a claim without a police report, a detailed account turns your story and the officer’s observations into official documentation, strengthening your claim.
Medical Records
Seek medical attention right away after a road rage incident. You may have injuries you’re not aware of, and prompt treatment can be crucial for recovery.
Additionally, your medical records will serve as concrete proof of the extent of your injuries. Your records can create a clear link between your medical expenses and the confrontation.
Electronic Data
Save any electronic records related to the incident, including reports to your insurance company or data from GPS navigation. This information can pinpoint the exact time and location of the encounter, adding another layer of evidence to your case.
Consistency
Inconsistencies in your story can raise doubts about the validity of your claim and weaken your case, especially when insurance companies want to avoid paying out. Throughout the process, ensure your account of events remains consistent.
This includes statements like the police report, lawyer consultations, and any potential court appearances.
Tips For Dealing With the Aftermath of a Road Rage Incident
Road rage incidents can be messy and complicated, including the claims process. Here are some additional tips for protecting yourself and building a strong personal injury claim:
- Your safety comes first: Never engage with an aggressive driver. If you feel threatened, pull over to a safe location and call 911.
- Tell your insurance provider: Informing your insurance company protects your rights. Your insurer may cover vehicle repairs to expedite the process, even if you don’t end up filing a car accident lawsuit.
- Get a lawyer: A skilled personal injury lawyer with experience in road rage claims can guide you through the legal process, help gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. They can also advise you on specific Minnesota laws related to road rage and personal injury claims.
Securing Compensation for Your Car Accident Damages
In a road rage case, victims may suffer physical, emotional, and financial harm at the hands of the aggressive driver. They can recover compensation for a variety of damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
Common damages in a road rage claim may include:
- Medical expenses: This includes past, present, and future medical bills associated with treating your injuries from the road rage incident. It can cover doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, and any long-term care needs.
- Lost wages: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you can recover compensation for lost wages. This may also include lost future earning potential if you suffer a permanent disability.
- Pain and suffering: This covers the physical and emotional pain you endured as a result of the road rage incident. Pain and suffering damages can be difficult to quantify, but an experienced car accident lawyer can help determine a fair value.
- Property damage: This covers the costs to repair or replace your vehicle if it was damaged in the collision.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Any additional costs incurred due to the incident, such as transportation to medical appointments or childcare needs, may also be covered.
The specific amount your car accident claim is worth will depend on the severity of your injuries, their impact on your life, and the strength of your case. Consulting with a car accident lawyer is the best way to understand your damages and your legal options.
Choose Sand Law for Your Road Rage Lawyers
Road rage incidents can be traumatic, but with the right evidence and legal support, you can hold the aggressive driver accountable and seek the compensation you deserve. As Minnesota personal injury attorneys, we have encountered a number of car accident claims involving road rage, and we understand the impact that can have on a case and a car accident survivor.
At Sand Law, our capable team is committed to guiding you through every step of this process. We are familiar with the nuances of Minnesota personal injury law and are ready to advocate for your rights. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve. Learn more by contacting us online or calling (651) 362-4173 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a road rage incident?
Pull over to a safe location and call 911. If possible, get the aggressive driver’s license plate number and description. Seek medical attention, inform your insurance company, and get in touch with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Do I need a personal injury lawyer to file a road rage claim?
While not mandatory, a personal injury lawyer can help navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
How long do I have to file a road rage claim in Minnesota?
The Minnesota statute of limitations for personal injury claims sets a time limit for plaintiffs to file a claim after they have been injured by the actions of a negligent party. Minnesota Law allows car accident survivors six years from the date of the accident to file a claim, in most cases.
However, the circumstances of your individual case may warrant an exception. So, you should speak with a Minnesota road rage lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you meet all deadlines.