personal injury law

Article written by: Annie Reynolds

New Jersey Increases Penalties for Road Rage New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a new law into effect last week that allows for increased criminal penalties for bodily harm caused by road rage incidents. Under the Jessica Rogers Law, drivers convicted of road-rage related crimes in New Jersey will face up to five years in prison and $15,000 in fines. The legislation was developed in response to a 2005 crash that left Jessica Rogers, then 16 years old, paralyzed from the waist down. Rogers was the passenger in a vehicle when the driver, incensed after being cut off in traffic, tried to illegally pass another vehicle and ended up striking a light pole. The driver was found guilty of assault by auto and was sentenced to six months in jail. Rogers has endured 24 surgeries and continues to require help in her everyday life due to the injuries she sustained in the crash. Rogers family advocated for the law to increase penalties for aggressive drivers who cause serious injuries in hopes the stiffer penalties would prevent future incidents. The new law supplements the current assault statute adding purposeful operation of an auto or vessel in an aggressive matter directed at another vehicle. Violations of the new law that result in serious injury may be prosecuted as thirddegree crimes. Incidents involving less serious injuries may be prosecuted as fourth-degree crimes. The New Jersey legislature passed the bill unanimously last month. In addition to enhanced criminal penalties under the Jessica Rogers Law, drivers may also face civil liability for road-rage related incidents. If you or someone you know has suffered serious injury or death as a result of driver negligence, you may want to consider contacting a personal injury attorney to explain and protect your rights.

Annie Reynolods is a plaintiffs attorney

in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Annie is an advocate for those seriously harmed by negligent actions of others.

Sheridan & Murray LLC

1600 Market Street, Suite 2500 Philadelphia, PA 19103 866-INJURIES
or

866-465-8743

www.SheridanAndMurray.com