Is road rage a criminal offense in Pennsylvania?

Becoming the victim of road rage can be a scary moment. You might wonder if road rage is a crime. In fact, in Pennsylvania, road rage is both a criminal offense and a civil offense. When you’re the victim of road rage, you have options and rights. You can hold the person responsible through legal action. Your Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Louis B Himmelstein & Associates explain how road rage is both a criminal and civil offense:

Yes, road rage is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania. Road rage may be charged as reckless driving, a summary offense punishable by a fine and potential license suspension. Road rage can also be a criminal offense in Pennsylvania as an aggravated assault by vehicle charge. Aggravated assault by vehicle is a third-degree felony unless enhancements apply. Road rage is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania with the exact charges depending on whether an accident occurred and whether anyone as injured.

Can I sue someone for road rage?

Yes, you can sue someone for road rage. You can sue when you’re hurt by conduct that is at least negligent. Of course, road rage is more than negligence – it is intentional misconduct. You can sue for road rage, and your damages can include everything that you could claim under a negligence claim. Even punitive damages and attorney fees may be available in a road rage lawsuit.

PA aggressive driving laws

PA aggressive driving laws fall under Pennsylvania law 75 § 3736 for reckless driving and Pennsylvania law 75 § 3732.1 for aggravated vehicular assault. Reckless driving is punishable by up to $200 as a summary offense. Reckless driving may result in a license suspension. Aggravated vehicular assault is a third-degree felony. In order for road rage to qualify as aggravated vehicular assault, the victim must suffer a serious injury. PA aggressive driving laws are charged separately based on the actions of the driver and the harm that occurs to the victim.

Lawsuits for road rage in Pennsylvania

Bringing a lawsuit for road rage doesn’t depend on whether the state decides to pursue criminal charges against the offender. Anyone can bring a civil lawsuit for road rage regardless of whether the state files criminal charges. The standards for proving a criminal case are different than the standards for proving a civil case. Even what you have to prove is different in a criminal road rage lawsuit than in a civil road rage case. An experienced personal injury attorney in Philadelphia can help you understand whether you have a civil claim for road rage and what you might stand to recover for your damages.

Contact our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys

If you’ve been the victim of road rage, contact our personal injury attorney in Philadelphia at Louis B. Himmelstein & Associates. Our legal team is prepared to explain the law and your options. Together, we can fight for you to receive justice. Call us today for your free consultation.