Aggressive driving and road rage incidents are becoming increasingly common across New Jersey. When emotions run high behind the wheel, an ordinary drive can quickly become dangerous. The consequences can be devastating, often bringing serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next. If you or a loved one has been harmed in this type of crash, knowing your rights and where to turn for help can make all the difference.
At The Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr, we have represented accident victims across Middlesex County, Somerset County, Union County, and throughout New Jersey for more than 40 years. Our firm is dedicated to guiding injured clients with compassion and skill, ensuring you never feel alone during the legal process.
Understanding Aggressive Driving in New Jersey
Aggressive driving is far more than just speeding. It involves a range of dangerous behaviors that put others at risk, such as:
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Weaving through traffic or making improper lane changes
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Excessive speeding
- Cutting off other vehicles
When aggression escalates into road rage, drivers may intentionally try to intimidate or harm others on the road. This can involve yelling, making threats, or even using a vehicle as a weapon.
Why Road Rage Accidents Are So Dangerous
Unlike ordinary traffic accidents, road rage crashes often involve deliberate actions rather than mistakes. That intent makes them unpredictable and, in many cases, more severe. Victims may suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Broken bones and spinal cord injuries,
- Emotional trauma from the violent nature of the encounter,
- Long-term financial losses due to medical bills and missed work.
Because these accidents might involve reckless or intentional conduct, victims could be entitled to significant compensation. Courts and insurance companies view extreme recklessness differently from simple negligence. In some cases, victims may pursue punitive damages, which are designed to punish dangerous conduct and deter similar behavior in the future. In New Jersey, punitive damages are reserved for conduct proven by clear and convincing evidence of actual malice or wanton and willful disregard, and they are capped by statute.
Liability in Road Rage and Aggressive Driving Cases
Determining who is legally responsible in a road rage or aggressive driving accident can be complex. In many cases, the aggressive driver is clearly at fault. However, other factors may come into play:
- Multiple drivers may share liability if they engaged in reckless behavior.
- Commercial drivers or rideshare drivers who act aggressively can make their employers liable.
- Municipal liability may arise if poor road conditions contributed to the crash.
If a public entity is involved, New Jersey generally requires a Notice of Claim within 90 days under the Tort Claims Act, so prompt action matters. An experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer can investigate police reports, witness statements, and available video footage to establish fault and strengthen your case.
The Role of Insurance in Aggressive Driving Claims
Insurance companies may treat aggressive driving cases differently from ordinary car accidents. In New Jersey’s no-fault system, your own PIP coverage generally pays initial medical bills regardless of fault, and your ability to seek pain and suffering may depend on the Limitation on Lawsuit option in your policy. Some insurers argue that intentional acts fall outside of policy coverage, which can lead to denied or delayed claims. Others may try to shift blame onto the victim to reduce payouts.
Having a lawyer on your side helps ensure insurance companies do not take advantage of you during an already difficult time. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf and, when necessary, take your case to court to pursue fair compensation.
What to Do After an Aggressive Driving Accident
Being involved in an aggressive driving crash can leave you shaken and overwhelmed. Taking the right steps immediately afterward can help protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Call 911 immediately to report the accident and ensure law enforcement documents the incident.
- Do not engage with the aggressive driver, as this may escalate the situation.
- Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor; adrenaline can mask serious trauma.
- Gather evidence such as license plate numbers, witness contact information, and photographs.
- Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin the claims process.
Compensation Available for Victims
Victims of aggressive driving accidents may be eligible for compensation covering:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
In cases of extreme recklessness or intentional harm, punitive damages may also be available to hold drivers accountable.
How The Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Can Help
For more than four decades, The Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr has fought for people injured in accidents across New Jersey. Our firm is known for:
- Compassionate representation that puts your needs first.
- Individualized attention, which means you will not be treated like just another case file.
- Extensive trial experience with a proven record of results in personal injury matters.
- No recovery, no fee policy, so you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
From Highland Park to East Brunswick, from Newark to communities throughout Middlesex, Somerset, Union, Essex, and Burlington Counties, our firm is committed to guiding you every step of the way.
Taking the Next Step Toward Recovery
Being injured in a road rage or aggressive driving accident is overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. With trusted legal guidance, you can pursue the financial recovery you need to rebuild your life and hold reckless drivers accountable.
Contact The Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr today to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Middlesex County, Somerset County, Union County, Essex County, Burlington County, and across New Jersey. Call us today or fill out our contact form to learn how we can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
Disclaimer: The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
