It is possible to press charges for road rage in Arizona, but this requires understanding the complexities of personal injury law. The bottom line is that you deserve compensation when another driver wrongfully hurts you or damages your property. Understanding what Arizona law says about reckless driving will help you understand how you can press charges for road rage and get the compensation you deserve.
When Can You Press Charges for Road Rage?
While Arizona law does not specifically mention road rage, you can press charges when the other party was driving recklessly. Arizona legal statute 28-693 specifically outlaws reckless driving, stating that “a person who drives a vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.”
If you decide to file a claim against someone for road rage, the burden is on you and your legal team to prove that they were guilty of reckless driving and that this behavior caused your damages. Photographic evidence, dashcam footage and witness testimony are all examples of evidence that can help you successfully press charges for road rage.
When you press charges for road rage, be prepared to provide evidence of your damages and their extent. This may entail submitting medical records, repair receipts and other documentation during settlement negotiations or courtroom proceedings.
Is Road Rage Different From Aggressive Driving?
Road rage and aggressive driving are similar, and both are examples of reckless driving that are grounds for a lawsuit if they result in you suffering damage or injury. However, there is a subtle difference between these two wrongful actions. Understanding this difference can affect how much compensation you might receive in a settlement.
Aggressive driving is typically a habitual behavior that a driver might exhibit. Speeding and tailgating, for example, are aggressive actions but the driver might not be targeting a specific individual. Road rage tends to stem from an escalated frustration directed at a specific other driver. Someone who is guilty of road rage might even attempt to purposefully harm another person.
Is a Road Rage Claim a Civil Lawsuit?
If you decide to press charges for road rage, your legal action will take the form of a civil lawsuit. It is possible that the guilty driver might also face police charges with the potential for criminal consequences. This might be the case if the raging driver specifically intended to harm you.
However, you will ultimately pursue a civil claim because you are seeking financial compensation for the damages caused by the reckless driver. Our car accident attorneys at Sargon Law Group can help you explore your options for filing civil charges and work with you to achieve the best possible outcome.
Sargon Law Group Can Help You Press Charges for Road Rage
At Sargon Law Group, we are personal injury attorneys who are passionate about helping Arizona drivers get the compensation they deserve after an accident, including those caused by road rage. We proudly serve injured individuals in Glendale, Avondale and all across Maricopa County. Contact us today for a free consultation.