Road Rage Accident Attorney Cleveland

Road rage accidents should never, ever happen. However, for too many drivers in the Cleveland area, aggressive driving escalates to a road rage incident in which someone gets seriously hurt. As the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety explains, “millions of drivers engage . . . in angry and aggressive behaviors” behind the wheel. Some of those behaviors lead to motor vehicle crashes.”

If you or someone you love were hurt or died as a result of a collision caused by a road rage driver, it is extremely important to seek the help of an attorney. As a highly experienced Cleveland accident attorney, I help clients with their car accident claims. I will walk you step by step through the legal process. Call me today, and we can discuss filing a road rage accident lawsuit.

Defining Road Rage in Cleveland, Ohio

 What is road rage? AAA says road rage results from “extreme cases of aggressive driving” escalating on the road. AAA defines aggressive driving as:

• Driving too fast for the conditions;

• Driving beyond the posted speed limit;

• Following too closely behind another car;

• Cutting off other drivers;

• Running red lights or stop signs;

• Weaving in traffic;

• Changing lanes without using your turn signal;

• Punishing other drivers by flashing headlights or honking the horn; and

• Trying to block a car that wants to pass.

Any of these actions can cause a severe or deadly collision. Road rage behaviors are even worse. According to the AAA, road rage may include, but is not limited to, the following behaviors:

• Making obscene gestures toward another driver;

• Cursing at another driver;

• Throwing objects at another vehicle;

• Ramming into another vehicle;

• Sideswiping a car on purpose; or

• Forcing another driver off the road.

Ridiculousness of Road Rage

Road rage is a completely unnecessary, ridiculous behavior that can result in serious accidents and injuries. The term “road rage” refers to extremely aggressive behavior exhibited by an angry driver when faced with frustrating or stressful situations while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an organization dedicated to promoting road safety, strongly discourages becoming an aggressive driver.

Aggressive drivers who succumb to road rage often engage in aggressive driving incidents. This includes tailgating, excessive speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and even using offensive gestures or language towards other drivers. These actions not only put their own safety at risk, but also jeopardizes the safety of other drivers.

When road rage escalates into a serious accident, the consequences can be devastating. Serious injuries and even fatalities can result from the reckless actions of an angry driver. If you’ve been a victim of road rage, and were injured as a result of an accident, you need to call me right away. We will discuss the facts of your accident and what legal action to take against the aggressive driver that caused your injuries.

It’s important to recognize that road rage is a disproportionate and irrational response to the frustrations of driving. Engaging in such behavior not only endangers lives but also accomplishes nothing positive. Instead of succumbing to road rage, I encourage you to remain calm, practice patience, and prioritize safety on the road. Remember that arriving at your destination a few minutes later is a small inconvenience compared to the potential consequences of aggressive driving and road rage.

I’ve been a road rage accident lawyer for more than 40 years, and I still cannot wrap my head around why people act with such reckless behavior, and total disregard for safety. If you’ve been a victim of road rage, you need to call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Injuries Caused by Road Rage

Whiplash

Whiplash is a painful and potentially long-lasting personal injury that occurs when the neck is forcefully and abruptly jerked back and forth, often due to aggressive driving car accidents. It can lead to symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes even cognitive issues. Victims of road rage accidents who suffer from whiplash may pursue a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, pain and suffering as well as other damages.

Broken Bones

In aggressive driving accidents, the force of impact can result in broken bones, which can vary in severity from fractures to more complex compound fractures. Recovery from these injuries often requires surgery, extensive medical care, and rehabilitation. You will need to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and the pain and inconvenience caused by your injuries.

Concussion

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can occur when a person’s head is violently shaken or struck during a road rage incident. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and mood changes. Concussions can range from minor to severe.

Bruises and Contusions

Although typically not as severe as other injuries, bruises and contusions can result from the physical impact within a vehicle during a road rage accident. Sometimes, these injuries cause discomfort and inconvenience. Other times, the pain can be so severe that you may miss time at work. Compensation for your lost wages and pain is justified.

Cuts and Abrasions

Sharp objects or shattered glass within a vehicle can cause cuts and abrasions. While these injuries may be minor compared to others, they still require medical attention and may lead to permanent scarring.

Internal Injuries

Aggressive driving accidents can cause significant internal injuries, such as damage to organs or internal bleeding These injuries may not be immediately apparent. These injuries may require extensive medical care, including surgery, pain management, infection control and ongoing treatment. Call me today to discuss your accident claim so that we can recover financial compensation for medical expenses and lost income.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Serious road rage accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or total paralysis. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and significant lifestyle changes, including modifications to your home to help with your mobility.

Emotional Trauma

Victims of road rage incidents can have long-lasting emotional issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The emotional trauma resulting from a road rage accident should never be taken lightly and legal action is warranted.

Dental Injuries

The sudden impact of the face against the steering wheel or dashboard from an aggressive driving accident can cause major facial and dental injuries. Teeth can be chipped, broken or even completed knocked out. Extensive dental work may be necessary to repair or replace your teeth. Facial injuries may require plastic surgery.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons and can result in chronic pain and discomfort. As a victim, you should recover damages for ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, and the impact these injuries have on your quality of life.

No injury should be overlooked, and some can change your life forever. All because someone lacked patience and were out of control. You deserve compensation, and they need to be held accountable. Call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Treatment for Injuries

Recovering from injuries caused by another driver’s negligent road rage can be a challenging and painful journey. The recovery can be hard on you, hard on your family, and hard on your financial situation. Below are treatments that may be necessary after an accident.

Emergency Medical Care at the Accident Scene

When subjected to another driver’s road rage or physical violence, immediate medical attention at the accident scene is crucial. First responders will assess injuries, administer life-saving measures, and stabilize the accident victim for transportation to the hospital.

Hospitalization

Serious injuries from road rage accidents often require hospitalization. During this time, you may undergo diagnostic tests, receive pain management, have wounds treated and surgeries performed. The degree of treatment is dependent on the severity of your injuries.

Surgical Intervention

In cases where fractures, internal injuries, or severe trauma occur, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgeons will repair broken bones, torn ligaments, stop internal bleeding, and address other critical injuries to ensure the patient recovers from the accident.

Physical Therapy

After your injuries are assessed and treated, physical therapy is often the next step to full recovery. Physical therapy is prescribed to help patients regain strength, mobility, and functionality. Therapists work closely with injured patients to facilitate recovery, reduce pain, and improve physical well-being.

Occupational Therapy

For individuals whose injuries affect daily tasks and routines, occupational therapy is essential. This therapy helps patients re-learn necessary skills, adapt to changes, and regain their independence.

Psychological Counseling

Road rage accidents can leave emotional scars that require professional help. Psychological counseling can often help with trauma, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Pain Management

Chronic pain can persist long after the accident, impacting quality of life. Pain management may include medication, physical therapy modalities, and interventional procedures aimed to alleviate discomfort and improve your overall well-being.

Orthopedic Care

Orthopedic specialists may provide ongoing care for fractures, joint injuries, or musculoskeletal problems. This care can involve follow-up appointments, cast adjustments, or orthopedic devices to aid in recovery.

Dental Procedures

Dental injuries resulting from road rage accidents may necessitate dental work, such as fillings, root canals, crowns, or dental implants. Dental work is necessary to restore your oral health and appearance.

Wound Care

Proper wound care is crucial for preventing infections and promoting the healing of cuts, abrasions, or lacerations sustained during the incident. This will include cleaning the wound, dressing changes, and vigilant monitoring of potential complications.

When a driver’s behavior becomes irrational, or violent, and you’ve suffered injuries as a result of an accident, you need to file a car accident case. It is critical that you are able to get the help you need to recover, and to hold the raging driver accountable. In my more than 40 years of experience handling road rage cases in Cleveland, I have held these drivers accountable for their actions. Your injuries warrant compensation, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Damage(s) Recovery

1. Medical Expenses: You should be compensated for all of the medical bills incurred from injuries sustained in the road rage accident. These funds can be used to cover doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical treatment necessary for your recovery.

2. Lost Wages: When injuries prevent you from working, you suffer a financial loss. Compensation for lost wages is essential to help maintain financial stability while recovering from injuries caused by another driver’s road rage.

3. Property Damage: You may seek reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle. This compensation ensures that you can restore your vehicle, and have the means to drive to work or to other daily activities.

4. Pain and Suffering: Road rage accidents often cause physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish. Compensation for your pain and suffering, acknowledges the non-economic toll the incident has taken on your life.

5. Emotional Distress: Beyond physical injuries, road rage accidents can lead to significant emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Damages for emotional distress is intended to assist you in seeking necessary mental health therapy.

6. Loss of Consortium: When road rage accidents result in severe injuries, the victim’s spouse or family members may experience a loss of companionship, affection, and support. Compensation for the loss of consortium acknowledges the adverse impact the injury has had on the spouse, significant other and family members.

7. Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: You may require ongoing rehabilitation, physical therapy, or counseling to recover fully. Compensation for these expenses ensures access to necessary services and aids in the overall recovery process.

8. Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Accident victims are likely to incur out-of-pocket expenses related to their injuries, such as transportation costs to medical appointments, prescription medications, medical equipment, or home modifications for accessibility. Compensation for these expenses helps to alleviate the financial burden.

As your road rage lawyer, I will fight with the negligent driver’s insurance company to get the compensation you need. I’ve helped Cleveland accident victims for more than 40 years, and have the knowledge and experience to Make Them Pay!®

Timeline for Filing a Road Rage Claim in Ohio

 Under Ohio law, you will have two years from the date of the road rage accident to file a lawsuit. You should know this window will go by quickly, and if you do not file a lawsuit in a timely manner, you will be barred from filing a civil claim. If the two-year window on the statute of limitations closes, you will have a time-barred claim and will no longer be able to seek financial compensation.

Contact Me for More Information About Filing an Accident Claim

Were you injured in a car accident in or around Cleveland that was caused by a driver with road rage? You deserve to seek financial compensation for your injuries. There is no excuse for another driver to become so enraged that he or she causes an accident where people get hurt.

As a Cleveland accident lawyer, I have years of experience representing injury victims in many types of motor vehicle crash claims. I want to make it clear to you, that I will do everything I can to help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for aggressive behavior behind the wheel. I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office today for a free consultation and to learn more about how I can help you.