Road Rage and Aggressive Driving Accidents in Pennsylvania
Most drivers have seen it: the car riding inches off your bumper, the driver weaving through traffic at high speed, the person who cuts you off and then slams on the brakes. Aggressive driving causes serious crashes on I-81, Route 309 and roads across Pennsylvania. When it turns into road rage, it can be terrifying. If you were hurt by an aggressive or enraged driver, you have rights.
Aggressive driving vs. road rage
Aggressive driving is a pattern of dangerous moving violations, such as speeding, tailgating, weaving between lanes, running lights and unsafe passing. Road rage goes further. It is deliberate, angry behavior aimed at another driver, like brake-checking, forcing a car off the road or ramming it on purpose. Both can lead to an injury claim. Road rage can also lead to criminal charges against the driver.
Common aggressive driving behaviors
Tailgating and brake-checking
Excessive speed and racing
Weaving in and out of lanes and cutting others off. See sideswipe and lane-change accidents.
Running red lights and stop signs
Passing on the shoulder or on a double yellow line
Blocking another car from merging or changing lanes
Proving what happened
Aggressive drivers often tell a very different story once police arrive. Evidence that can show what really happened includes dashcam and cell phone video, witness statements, 911 call records, the police crash report, any criminal charges filed, vehicle damage and event data recorders. A criminal conviction is not required to win an injury claim, but it can be powerful evidence.
How insurance applies
Insurance can get complicated in road rage cases. Some policies exclude damage the driver caused on purpose, and the at-fault driver's insurer may try to use that to deny the claim. Your own coverage, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, may help fill the gap. A lawyer can review every policy that might apply.
In cases of truly outrageous conduct, Pennsylvania law may also allow punitive damages, which are meant to punish the wrongdoer rather than just pay for your losses.
Staying safe in the moment
Do not engage. Avoid eye contact, gestures and honking back.
Give the driver room. Change lanes or slow down to let them pass.
Do not pull over or get out of your car if someone is following you. Drive to a police station or a busy public place.
Call 911 when it is safe, and share the plate number, vehicle description and location.
Talk to Joyce, Carmody & Moran
If an aggressive or enraged driver caused your crash anywhere in Pennsylvania, call Joyce, Carmody & Moran at 570-602-3560 for a free consultation. We will gather the evidence, deal with the insurance companies and fight for what you are owed.
Let’s Work Together
When you work with us, you can expect clear communication, thoughtful strategy, and a team that is fully invested in your goals. We take the time to understand your needs, tailor our approach, and stand with you through every step of the legal process. Let’s move forward — together.