Road Rage Leads to Injuries on Ashby Avenue in Berkeley
I’m Ed Smith, a Berkeley car accident lawyer. An argument that escalated into road rage occurred in Berkeley on October 19, causing injuries to one man when he was intentionally struck by the driver of another vehicle. The Berkeley Police Department released a video captured by a cell phone of the alleged perpetrator of the crime and is seeking his whereabouts. The police department warns any potential persons with information to not approach the subject themselves but instead to phone 911 or the homicide unit at the police department.
What Happened?
Police report that a man driving a white Mercedes-Benz CLS63S AMG with dealer tags stopped next to another vehicle on Ashby Avenue. At this point, the man in the Mercedes got out of his car and walked over to the other, where he began punching the passenger sitting in the front of the vehicle. The passenger reportedly had yelled something to the driver of the Mercedes because his driving was erratic. Both the passenger and driver of that vehicle exited the car, arguing with the Mercedes driver. When the driver of the Mercedes returned to his vehicle and attempted to leave, he was blocked by the people who had been in the other vehicle. The driver of the Mercedes responded by moving forward in his vehicle and striking one individual who was blocking his car, knocked them down and fled the scene. The person injured in the assault suffered from injuries described as minor by a police representative.
Description of the Driver
The driver of the Mercedes who left the scene is described as being between 45 and 50 years of age, of heavy build and with brown hair and eyes with a salt and pepper goatee. He was dressed in jeans and a plaid shirt.
Road Rage Incidents
According to the American Safety Council, 2 percent of all drivers admit that they have tried to force someone off the roadway. Road rage and aggressive driving have been a problem for many years. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety as far back as 1990 conducted a study that linked aggressive behavior and violence to traffic fatalities.The study linked 218 deaths to road rage incidents as well as more than 10,000 accidents. In the most recent statistics for a self-reported study conducted by the AAA Foundation in 2014, respondents said they had committed these actions at least once:
- 50.8 percent: Tailgated a vehicle
- 46.6 percent: Yelled at a motorist
- 44.5 percent: Honked in anger or annoyance
- 32.5 percent: Made a rude gesture to another driver
- 24.1 percent: Attempted to keep another vehicle from changing lanes
- 11.9 percent: Cut another vehicle off intentionally
- 3.7 percent: Exited their own vehicle to confront a driver
- 2.8 percent: Ran into or bumped into another vehicle intentionally
Accident Injuries
Road rage and reckless driving can cause serious injuries. In the event it can be proven that the accident and injuries were the result of wanton disregard for the safety of others, punitive damages may be sought in addition to other damages. Some types of wanton disregard may include driving while intoxicated or distracted driving such as texting while driving.
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Berkeley Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Berkeley car accident lawyer. Road rage is a heinous act that can result in serious injuries to another person or the wrongful death of a loved one. If you or your loved one find yourselves in this position, please give me a call at (510) 631-0200. Outside the area, you can place a free call using (800) 404-5400. I can offer you free and friendly advice that carries no obligation.
As a California injury lawyer for 35 years, I’ve helped those who have suffered traumatic injuries such as brain injuries or have lost a family member because of a wrongful death. I am also listed among the members of Million Dollar Advocates, among those lawyers who have obtained million dollar settlements or verdicts for clients.
Reviews of my practice can be found on Avvo, Yelp and Google, while Verdicts and Settlements, located on my website, AutoAccident.com, offers additional information.