Road Rage Incident near Port Hueneme
I’m Ed Smith, a Port Hueneme car accident lawyer. Often when auto accidents occur or when traffic laws are broken, people’s immediate response is one of anger or rage. Unfortunately, many individuals feel the need to take matters into their own hands when another motorist causes a collision or almost causes a collision. This was the case, February 1, 2017, on Ventura Road at Fifth Street near Port Hueneme. Here, a momentary decision to disobey traffic laws quickly escalated into a criminal offense.
What Happened?
Around 6:40 p.m., Police were dispatched to the corner of Ventura Road and Fifth Street, as there were reports of a fight in the street. Reportedly, a motorist tailgated and then proceeded to cut off another vehicle. Once both vehicles came to a stop, the driver of the second vehicle exited his vehicle and approached the victim. Both men exited their vehicles and began fighting in the street. Shortly after the physical altercation began, the second vehicle’s passenger also got out. It was at this point that the victim managed to get back into his vehicle with most of his personal effects. Upon re-entering their vehicles, the second driver continued to pursue the victim. Once the vehicles came to a stop again, the driver of the second vehicle rolled down his window and swung a hatchet at the victim.
Road Rage Incidents
In general, most road rage incidents do not result in an auto accident or serious bodily injury, but the reality is that there are still legal ramifications that follow. In this particular instance, the driver of the second vehicle was arrested at the scene and was subsequently charged with assault with a deadly weapon. In California, road rage incidents can lead to all sorts of charges or offenses. There is assault with a deadly weapon, assault, hit and run, battery, reckless driving as well as a criminal threat offense. It is also important to note that such road rage charges like a criminal threat can result in up to a year of jail time and this sentence can be increased by one year if there was use of a deadly weapon.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
When a road rage incident results in an assault with a deadly weapon charge, it is typically found that an individual used an instrument of some kind such as a car or a hatchet in this case, to commit an assault upon another individual. This particular kind of assault requires that enough force is used to cause great bodily harm or injury. If convicted, in the state of California, you can face fines and up to four years of jail time for a felony assault with a deadly weapon. If convicted of a misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon, you may be fined up to $10,000 and possibly receive up to a year in jail. Lastly, California’s Three Strikes Law is applicable to this particular conviction.
Seeking Counsel
If you, or your loved one, have been injured as a result of a road rage incident, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced personal lawyer right away.
Port Hueneme Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Port Hueneme car accident lawyer. When serious injuries or death occurs after a car accident, please give me a call at (805) 372-0200 for fee, friendly advice. I can be reached toll-free at (800) 404-5400 when calling outside of the Port Hueneme area.
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