Missouri road rage accidents are frightening and can have severe legal and financial consequences. Contact us today.
Road rage is a growing problem across the United States, including in Missouri, where aggressive driving incidents have led to serious accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. When a driver’s reckless or hostile behavior results in a crash, victims may wonder: Can I sue an aggressive driver for damages? The answer is yes—Missouri law allows victims of road rage accidents to pursue compensation through personal injury claims.
Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
What is Road Rage?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), road rage occurs when a driver engages in violent or aggressive behavior directed at other motorists. This differs from simple, aggressive driving, which involves traffic violations but lacks intentional hostility (NHTSA).
Common Examples of Road Rage
- Tailgating – Following another vehicle too closely to intimidate the driver.
- Excessive Honking or Gesturing – Using obscene gestures or yelling at other drivers.
- Cutting Off Other Vehicles – Intentionally blocking another driver’s path.
- Sudden Braking – “Brake checking” another driver to force them to stop abruptly.
- Forcing Another Vehicle Off the Road – Deliberately swerving into another car’s lane.
- Physical Altercations – Exiting a vehicle to confront another driver.
- Brandishing Weapons – Threatening another driver with a firearm or other weapon.
Missouri Laws on Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Criminal Penalties for Road Rage
Missouri law treats road rage as a serious offense. If an aggressive driver intentionally harms another person, they may face criminal charges, including:
- Reckless Driving – Classified as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the severity of the incident (Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 304.012).
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon – If a driver uses their car as a weapon, they may be charged with assault.
- Vehicular Manslaughter – If road rage results in a fatality, the driver may face homicide charges.
Civil Liability: Can You Sue an Aggressive Driver?
Yes. Victims of road rage accidents can file a personal injury lawsuit against the aggressive driver. To win a lawsuit, the plaintiff (victim) must prove that:
- The driver acted negligently or intentionally
- The aggressive driving directly caused the accident
- The victim suffered injuries or damages as a result
Under Missouri’s comparative fault system, even if the victim shares some fault, they may still recover damages (Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 537.765).
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Road Rage Lawsuit?
Victims of road rage accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses – Emergency treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost wages – Income lost due to time off work.
- Pain and suffering – Emotional distress and psychological trauma.
- Vehicle damage – Costs for repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle.
- Punitive damages – Additional compensation to punish reckless behavior.
Steps to Take After a Road Rage Accident in Missouri
If you’ve been involved in a road rage incident, taking the right steps can strengthen your case:
- Call 911 Immediately – Report the aggressive driver to law enforcement.
- Document the Incident – Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the accident scene.
- Obtain Witness Statements – Eyewitness accounts can help establish liability.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney – An attorney can help file a claim and negotiate with insurers.
What If the Aggressive Driver Leaves the Scene?
If a road rage driver flees the scene, it may be considered a hit-and-run, which carries severe legal penalties in Missouri (Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 577.060). Victims may still be able to recover compensation through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which is mandatory in Missouri.
Can You Hold a Third Party Responsible?
In some cases, other parties may share liability:
- Employers – If the aggressive driver was on duty at the time (e.g., a delivery or truck driver), their employer may be liable.
- Car Owners – The owner could be partially responsible if the vehicle was borrowed.
- Government Entities – The city or state may share liability if road conditions contributed to the accident.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Road rage accidents can lead to complex legal battles. A Missouri personal injury lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence
- Identify liable parties
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- File a lawsuit if necessary
Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. Today
Missouri road rage accidents are frightening and can have severe legal and financial consequences. If you’ve been injured due to an aggressive driver, you have the right to seek compensation. Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.