Traveling over the roads is something most people do every day without incident. However, the daily commute can become excessively stressful and even life-threatening if you are the object of someone’s road rage.
Such aggression might lead the angry driver to maneuver erratically or even hit you intentionally. Learn about the ways you can pursue recourse after a road rage driver hits you.
Criminal penalties for aggressive driving
Neither Kentucky nor Ohio have specific statutes for “road rage” on the books, but they do have penalties and punishments for aggressive and reckless driving. Such offenses can result in fines and jail time for the road rage driver.
Still, these criminal offenses only punish the wrongdoer and do not provide any restitution to you if you suffer injuries or property damage. You must pursue those damages in civil court, but you can use the details of a conviction to support your case.
Damages for financial losses after getting hit by a road rage driver
You can seek compensation from any at-fault party who hits you and causes you to incur expenses, including a road rage driver. To do so, you need to file a claim, usually against the driver’s insurance company. The following items are common economic damages you can recover:
• Current and future medical treatment and equipment
• Property repair and replacement
• Lost income and benefits from the time you missed from work
• Lost earning capacity due to disability or injuries
You must provide documentation of each of these expenses and be able to demonstrate that they resulted directly from the collision to recover compensation for these economic damages.
Noneconomic damages for a road rage incident
You can also get compensation for your pain, suffering, mental anguish and emotional trauma from the incident. Automobile collisions on their own can lead to intense psychological distress. The frightening circumstances of a road rage collision could amplify those feelings and merit an even larger settlement or award.
If a road rage driver hits you, you have the right to recover compensation for your losses. Taking prompt action after the incident can help you gather the necessary evidence and maximize your compensation.
