Can You Get Sued for Road Rage? Legal Consequences You Should Know

Road rage isn’t just about yelling or aggressive gestures—it can lead to serious legal consequences. So, can you really get sued for road rage?

1. Road Rage Incidents on the Rise

Road rage incidents are becoming increasingly common in the U.S. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 80% of drivers expressed significant anger or aggression while driving at least once in the past year. This rise in road rage has led to more violent encounters, lawsuits, and criminal charges.

2. Case of Kenneth Herring: A Civil Lawsuit for Road Rage

In 2020, Kenneth Herring from Georgia was involved in a road rage incident that escalated into a fatal encounter. Herring aggressively followed another driver, Hannah Payne, after a minor accident. The situation turned deadly when Payne confronted Herring and fatally shot him. Although Payne faced criminal charges, Herring’s family also filed a civil lawsuit against her for wrongful death, seeking financial damages for their loss.

3. Assault Charges: The Case of Jessica Williams

In 2019, Jessica Williams from Texas was convicted of aggravated assault after a road rage incident where she intentionally rammed another car off the road. The victim, suffering from multiple injuries, filed a lawsuit against Williams for the resulting medical expenses. Williams was sentenced to 10 years in prison, showing how road rage can quickly escalate to serious legal repercussions.

4. Vehicular Assault: The Case of David Desper

David Desper from Pennsylvania was convicted of first-degree murder in 2018 after a road rage incident that led to the shooting of 18-year-old Bianca Roberson. Desper, frustrated by a traffic merge, pulled out a gun and shot Roberson in the head, causing her to crash. The incident led to a high-profile trial, where Desper was sentenced to 20 to 40 years in prison. This case exemplifies how road rage can escalate from aggressive driving to deadly violence.

5. Wrongful Death Lawsuits: The Case of Joe McKnight

In 2016, former NFL player Joe McKnight was shot and killed during a road rage incident in Louisiana. The shooter, Ronald Gasser, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 30 years in prison. McKnight’s family also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Gasser, seeking damages for the loss of their loved one. This case highlights how road rage can result in both criminal charges and civil litigation.

6. Insurance Consequences: Premiums Can Skyrocket

Road rage incidents can have a lasting impact on your insurance premiums. If you’re involved in a road rage-related accident, your insurance company may view you as a high-risk driver. According to the Insurance Information Institute, drivers with aggressive driving incidents see their premiums increase by an average of 50%, and in some cases, insurers may refuse to renew policies altogether.

7. Reckless Driving Charges: The Case of Christopher Jamison

In 2021, Christopher Jamison of Illinois was charged with reckless driving after a road rage incident that led to a multi-car crash. Jamison had been aggressively tailgating and swerving through traffic before losing control and causing the accident. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor in most states, but in Jamison’s case, the charges were elevated to a felony due to the severity of the crash and injuries involved.

8. Road Rage and DUI: The Case of Jeffrey MacDonald

Jeffrey MacDonald, from Florida, was involved in a road rage incident in 2020 while under the influence of alcohol. MacDonald aggressively followed another driver before rear-ending their car at a high speed. The collision led to a DUI charge and a civil lawsuit from the victim, who sustained serious injuries. This case illustrates how road rage combined with intoxication can lead to both criminal charges and significant financial consequences.

9. Stand Your Ground Laws: The Case of Robert Doyle

In 2015, Robert Doyle from Florida invoked the state’s Stand Your Ground law after shooting another driver, Candelerio Gonzalez, during a road rage altercation. Doyle claimed self-defense, but the court rejected his defense, and he was convicted of second-degree murder. This case shows that Stand Your Ground laws don’t guarantee immunity in road rage incidents, especially when aggression is a factor.

10. Emotional Distress Lawsuits: The Case of Lori Matzner

In 2018, Lori Matzner from New York was sued for causing emotional distress during a road rage incident where she aggressively followed and verbally threatened another driver. The plaintiff, suffering from anxiety and trauma, won a settlement for emotional distress. This case highlights that road rage doesn’t just result in physical injury—emotional and psychological damage can also lead to lawsuits.

11. Restraining Orders: The Case of Peter Ramsey

In 2019, Peter Ramsey from Illinois faced a restraining order after repeatedly harassing another driver during a road rage incident. The victim filed for a protective order after Ramsey followed them home multiple times and made threatening gestures. Violating a restraining order can result in additional criminal charges, showing how road rage can have long-term legal consequences.

12. Hit-and-Run Charges: The Case of Sean Michael

Sean Michael from Nevada was involved in a road rage incident in 2019 that escalated into a hit-and-run. Michael sideswiped another vehicle in anger and fled the scene. He was later arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run, leading to a prison sentence. Hit-and-run charges carry severe penalties, especially when combined with road rage.

13. Road Rage and Weapons: The Case of Kenneth Hammond

In 2021, Kenneth Hammond from Arizona was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after brandishing a gun during a road rage incident. The confrontation escalated when Hammond pointed a firearm at another driver, resulting in criminal charges and a civil lawsuit. This case underscores the dangers of introducing weapons into road rage situations.

14. Defamation and Public Shaming

In a world where incidents are often recorded and shared on social media, road rage can also lead to defamation and public shaming. In a 2018 case in California, a driver sued another motorist for defamation after a road rage incident was recorded and posted online, labeling them as a “dangerous driver.” The lawsuit ended in a settlement, showing that road rage can extend beyond the legal system into the court of public opinion.

15. Financial Ruin: The Case of Charles Yates

In 2017, Charles Yates from Texas faced financial ruin after a road rage incident led to multiple lawsuits. Yates had aggressively tailgated and rammed another vehicle, causing injuries to the occupants. The victims sued Yates for medical expenses, lost wages, and punitive damages, which resulted in a substantial settlement that left Yates bankrupt. This case highlights the financial risks of road rage, where a single incident can lead to life-altering consequences.

When Rage Leads to Ruin

Road rage can quickly spiral out of control, leading to lawsuits, criminal charges, and financial ruin. While the temptation to act out on the road is strong, the legal and financial consequences are far too great. Stay calm, drive safely, and avoid turning a bad day into a lifetime of regret.

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