When road rage causes car accidents, it can leave victims with serious, life-changing injuries and questions about their legal situation and options. Hold aggressive drivers accountable for their dangerous actions and get help from the Chicago road rage attorneys at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers. Call now for a free consultation.
In this Article
What Is Road Rage?
Road rage is an escalation of aggressive driving. As explained by the Insurance Information Institute (III), aggressive driving that leads to severe accidents can involve:
Speeding
Following too closely behind vehicles, or tailgating
Racing
Driving too fast for conditions
Failing to yield
Operating a vehicle in a reckless manner
Passing where prohibited
Changing lanes erratically another aggressive maneuver
Road Rage and Illinois Vehicle Code
According to the Illinois State Police, road rage is driving aggressively in a manner that can endanger the property or safety of other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, or pedestrians. Under Illinois vehicle code, road rage may be considered reckless driving and result in a Class A misdemeanor criminal offense.
In Illinois, penalties for a Class A misdemeanor can include up to a year in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
What to Do After a Road Rage Accident
When road rage causes injuries, victims should seek medical attention immediately, file a police report, preserve evidence, and get help from experienced attorneys. It is critical to collect evidence, which can include:
Photos of the road rage perpetrator’s license plate
Videos of the incident from traffic cameras or bystanders
Witness accounts of the reckless driving from other motorists
Details of the road rage behavior that occurred before an accident
Be Cautious with an Angry or Aggressive Motorist
According to the Illinois State Police, it is important to take care when dealing with an angry or aggressive driver. Their tips for handling this situation include creating distance and avoiding confrontation, not making eye contact, having a passenger get video of the vehicle rather than attempting to chase them, and calling 911.
Compensation for Injuries Caused by Road Rage Accidents
After a motor vehicle accident caused by another driver’s reckless and aggressive driving behavior, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries.
Examples of Financial Compensation from an Aggressive Driving Car Accident
Recoverable damages from a car accident caused by aggressive driving and road rage may include:
Current and future medical bills and medical expenses
Ambulance transportation and hospital bills
Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Lost wages
Emotional distress, pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
If your loved one lost their life from a road rage accident, you may also pursue compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit. These recoverable damages may include:
Medical bills and expenses from treatment before your loved one passed away
Funeral and burial costs
Lost income and more
Common Road Rage Accident Injuries
A road rage car accident can lead to a variety of serious injuries, including:
Broken bones and fractures – these injuries can have an extended recovery time and require expensive medical treatment
Concussions – these brain injuries can be mild or very severe, leading to permanent damage, memory loss, problems with concentration and more
Neck or back injuries – whiplash is a common example of neck injury caused by rear-end collisions. These types of injuries can lead to chronic pain and require extensive long-term treatment
Spinal cord injuries – these injuries can lead to paralysis and other long-term effects
Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – the effects of PTSD can affect individuals for months and years following a road rage accident
Loss of limbs – catastrophic injuries can require extensive surgery and may result in a limb amputation
Road rage motor vehicle accidents can be especially dangerous and result in serious or life-threatening injuries. Victims should take legal action and talk to a Chicago car accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect their rights and seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact Our Experienced Chicago Road Rage Accident Lawyers Now
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by an aggressive driver, get help from our experienced legal team at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers. Our Chicago car accident attorneys will review your case to determine if there are grounds for a personal injury lawsuit, negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company, and help you pursue maximum compensation for the damages you suffered in a road rage incident. Call now for your free case evaluation with our road rage lawyers.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by an aggressive driver, get help from our experienced legal team at The Kryder Law Group, LLC.
(312) 223-1700