Road rage can be fatal.
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An Anchorage driver, whose road rage may have contributed to the death of Gail Fejes, mother of three, was sentenced to three months jail time for his part in the crash. Twenty-three year old Mark Elkins plead guilty to leaving the scene of an accident.
The district attorney's office charged Elkins with manslaughter, first-degree assault and leaving the scene of an accident without rendering aide. But then a bombshell was dropped. At a hearing 11 days ago, the state accepted a plea bargain and the manslaughter and assault charges would be dropped if Elkins pleaded guilty for leaving the scene of the accident - - a crime that carries a sentence of up to 10 years for the worst cases.
Evidence suggests that mutual road rage led to a horrific crash which killed Gail Fejes and critically injured her 10 year old son, Hunter. Mark Elkins cut off the Fejes vehicle. Gail Fejes became upset and tailgated Mark, honking and making obscene gestures. Mark Elkins retaliated by slamming on his brakes, causing Gail to swerve and overturn. Both Gail and Hunter were thrown from the vehicle. Gail died at the scene.
Road rage is becoming an increasing cause of concern to all drivers. Learn how to protect yourself from road rage.
Furthermore, Alaskan law provides for claims due to injury arising from road rage. Mandatory automobile insurance should compensate for such losses. Also, Alaska Statutes AS 09.60.070 provides that a person involved in a "serious crime" when he/she hurts another must not only compensate for the resulting injuries, but also for all related attorney fees and litigation expenses. It is important to check with an attorney in any situation where injury arose as a result of criminal misconduct.
See MSNBC's investigative article on this Anchorage, Alaska road rage crash.