What Are My Legal Options After Road Rage Crashes in Brooklyn?
According to one survey, almost 65% of drivers in New York say they’ve been verbally abused or threatened on the road. Although it’s never pleasant to face insults from aggressive drivers, road rage incidents can also lead to physical altercations. These incidents are more common than many realize, and a driver in Brooklyn was recently assaulted with a metal pipe. What are your options after this type of incident? Can you take legal action with help from a New York City personal injury lawyer?
Brooklyn Road Rage Crash Leads to Assault
In October of 2024 PIX 11 reported that a motorist had been assaulted by an assailant with a metal pipe in Brooklyn. The 64-year-old victim suffered lacerations to the head and arms after receiving multiple blows from the deadly weapon. The NYPD heavily implied that the assailant had “stopped abruptly,” causing the victim to rear-end him. The assailant then reportedly exited his vehicle, carried out the assault, and then fled the scene.
The NYPD is currently searching for the suspect, and they have released photographs of the suspect’s vehicle. The victim managed to drive themselves to the nearest hospital, where they received treatment for their injuries.
Road Rage Incidents Can Complicate Personal Injury Claims
As the Insurance Information Institute notes, auto insurers do not cover “intentional acts.” Since an assault is a clearly intentional crime, victims of road rage incidents may struggle to pursue compensation after assault-related injuries. This might seem like an unfair system to the casual observer, especially due to the serious nature of lacerations, head injuries, and other assault-related injuries.
Fair or not, auto insurance policies only cover “accidents.” As a result, it may be necessary to show that your injuries occurred due to the initial vehicular collision – and not the assault that followed. That said, some collisions are intentional – and enraged motorists often ram other vehicles. At the end of the day, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you strive for maximum compensation after road rage injuries.
The Insurance Information Institute recommends that drivers avoid all confrontations with aggressive drivers. If a motorist exits their vehicle and approaches, avoid a physical confrontation. If you become injured in this altercation, your auto insurance policy is unlikely to cover the cost of your medical bills.
Key Takeaways
- Road rage incidents are common in Brooklyn
- Auto insurance policies may not cover road rage injuries
- It is best to avoid physical confrontations with aggressive drivers
Can an Auto Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn Help?
Injuries stemming from road rage incidents can be complicated. This highlights the need to work with experienced auto accident lawyers in Brooklyn – such as Cohan Law, PLLC. With our help, you can assess your legal options for compensation with confidence. During a consultation, we can discuss your unique situation, the nature of your injuries, and whether you have experienced an “accident” or an “assault” according to relevant insurance policies. Reach out today to begin this important discussion.
Sources:
pix11.com/news/local-news/brooklyn/driver-attacked-with-metal-pipe-after-car-crash-in-brooklyn-nypd/
iii.org/article/road-rage-and-auto-insurance
