Road Rage Accident
Over 35 years of experience. Over $100 million recovered for clients.
Road Rage Accident
Over 35 years of experience. Over $100 million recovered for clients.

New Jersey Road Rage Accident Lawyer

Recently road rage has become more common with the increase in traffic, which leads drivers to become frustrated with other drivers impeding their daily commute to and from work. Frustration often makes some drivers lose their tempers, honk their horns, or roll down a window and shout at the offending motorist. However, some drivers are much more aggressive in expressing their rage, which may manifest in tailgating, chasing another vehicle and even running them off the road.

The original New Jersey road rage law stated a person could, at most, only be charged with a fourth degree assault by auto under N.J.S.A 2C:12-1c(1). The criterion for the charge was based on reckless driving resulting in serious bodily injury.

In 2012, New Jersey passed a new aggressive driving law to increase criminal penalties for drivers injuring others while in the grip of road rage. The new law, referred to as Jessica’s Law, is named after Jessica Rogers, 16-years-old at the time of her accident, who ended up paralyzed from the waist down after a car accident. The driver of the car Rogers’ was riding in was cut off by another motorist and became so angry, she chased the vehicle and ended up ramming into a telephone pole. Consequently, Jessica became bound to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. The driver of the car she was in spent four months in jail.

Jessica’s Law increases penalties for accidents resulting from road rage. Under this law, if road rage results in serious injuries, the driver can be charged with a third degree offense. Third degree offense, in New Jersey, are punishable with three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. If the aggressive driving leads to injuries of lesser type, the driver can be charged with a fourth degree offense. Fourth degree offenses are punishable with up to 18 months in jail and a $10,000 fine.

A motorist is deemed to be guilty under the new law if the operator drives in an aggressive manner directed at another vehicle and bodily injury results. Aggressive driving includes, but is not limited to:

  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Tailgating
  • Erratic lane changes
  • Unexpected changes of speed
  • Improper lane changes
  • Disregarding traffic signs

It may be difficult for the state to differentiate aggressive driving purposely directed at another driver from general negligence or reckless behavior, and it may also be difficult to distinguish which driver was the aggressor. This is why if you have been involved in a road rage accident, you need to speak to a competent and knowledgeable New Jersey road rage accident attorney at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm.

Mr. Leonard’s law firm constantly kept in touch

and on top of my problems. They were quick to respond to my legal needs and were very attentive and showed real concern to my issues. I highly recommend them to anyone needing legal representation.

- Leslie W.
The Leonard Law Firm is truly amazing.

They go above and beyond to make sure you get what you deserve.

- Gina V.
He was relentless

until the case was fully settled and all was in our favor. Thank you so much. We highly recommend his office to anyone.

- E. and M.
I highly recommend using this law firm.

My lawyer Paul Paravati was always available there for me and gave me first rate service.

- Richard B.
You are the most amazing person

and I am indebted to you forever!

- P.S.
Todd and his staff were courteous and caring about my personal well-being.

They were knowledgeable and settled my case in an expedited manner. I really felt they were on my side the whole way. Thank you Todd and staff for excellent treatment!

- B.H.
Todd Leonard and his staff made me feel like family.

Trust me, he will take you into his hands and take care of all your personal injury legal matters. They are friendly, professional, and go out all the way for you. Thank you Todd Leonard and staff.

- Frank O.

A proven track record of success

$29.5Million
Product Liability & Auto Accident
$3.5Million
Drunk Driving Accident
$2.94Million
Car Accident Road Defect
$2.5Million
Workplace Construction Accident
$2.25Million
Fall Down Accident
$1.8Million
Car Accident State Vehicle
$1.8Million
Car Accident State Vehicle
$1.5Million
Fatal Apartment Fire
$1.36Million
Auto Accident
$1.2Million
Auto Accident
$1.0Million
Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit
$1.0Million
Slip & Fall Accident
$1.0Million
Fall Down Accident
$29.5Million
Product Liability & Auto Accident
$3.5Million
Drunk Driving Accident
$2.94Million
Car Accident Road Defect
$2.5Million
Workplace Construction Accident
$2.25Million
Fall Down Accident
$1.8Million
Car Accident State Vehicle
$1.5Million
Fatal Apartment Fire
$1.36Million
Auto Accident
$1.2Million
Auto Accident
$1.0Million
Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit
$1.0Million
Slip & Fall Accident
$1.0Million
Fall Down Accident
$29.5Million
Product Liability & Auto Accident
$3.96Million
Car Accident/Brain Injury
$3.5Million
Drunk Driving Accident
$3.1Million
Slip and Fall: Workers’ Compensation & Premises Liability Accident
$2.94Million
Car Accident Road Defect
$2.5Million
Workplace Construction Accident
$2.25Million
Fall Down Accident
$1.8Million
Car Accident State Vehicle
$1.5Million
Fatal Fire Apartment
$1.36Million
Auto Accident
$1.2Million
Auto Accident
$1.1Million
Slip & Fall Accident

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Being injured or having a family member injured can have serious and lifelong consequences. We can try to ease the burden. Contact us today to learn more about how our team of experienced New Jersey accident attorneys can support you through these challenging times.