If you were in an accident where road rage was a factor, you want to know if insurance is going to cover your damages. In Philadelphia, this behavior is typically considered more serious than merely aggressive driving. In most circumstances, there is a physical confrontation between the parties during the event.
Whether or not you are able to collect compensation from the policyholder’s insurance company depends on the circumstances. This is why it is important to understand your rights and ability to collect compensation for your damages. Our attorneys could help you understand road rage and the potential for insurance coverage after an accident.
All registered motor vehicles in Pennsylvania must be covered by liability insurance, which may apply to road rage accidents. This minimum coverage pays out for accident-related injuries up to $15,000 per person or $30,000 per accident. It also pays a maximum of $5,000 for property damage when these costs are not covered by the victim’s own policy.
Since Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, motorists could file a claim with their own insurance company, regardless of who caused the accident. This is true if the crash was a result of road rage or any other negligent circumstance.
Your personal auto policy would pay for medical bills and lost wages through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), no matter who the responsible party was. This type of insurance may still offer you coverage even if the other party’s insurer denies your claim.
Auto accident insurance coverage may depend on whether or not the adjuster determines if the at-fault driver’s actions were intentional. The insurance company is likely to deny coverage in this instance. However, you still have the option to file a claim and collect compensation for your damages related to road rage under PIP because of the state’s no-fault policy.
Uninsured motorist coverage is also an available option for drivers. If you choose to add this type of insurance to your policy, you could likely file a claim when the other driver does not have insurance or enough insurance to pay for your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and car repairs. This is also true if the person committing road rage flees the accident scene.
Punitive damages are a monetary award that is intended to punish a driver for egregious behavior, such as road rage. If the other driver intentionally caused you or your property harm, it is important to document the accident’s details and report the incident to the police. Doing so gives you and your personal injury attorney the best chances of securing an award for punitive damages.
Road rage could be considered a crime, especially if the situation results in aggressive behavior, such as assault. Driving aggressively may come with a traffic citation. However, if you or your passengers are seriously injured during a road rage incident, the at-fault party may face felony charges.
Actions that directly led to an injury, such as tailgating and swerving toward another motorist, could be considered assault by vehicle. This third-degree felony is punishable in Philadelphia by a prison sentence with a maximum of seven years and $15,000 in fines.
Contact the experienced accident injury attorneys at Soloff & Zervanos, P.C. after a car accident, regardless of the circumstances. Our commitment to injury victims sets our firm apart.
After your road rage accident, let our team of persistent lawyers review the insurance coverage and details of your case. It is our goal to help you realize exceptional results and collect a fair settlement whenever possible.
