Chicago Road Rage Car Accident Attorney

In recent years, a movement in Illinois has led legislators to develop stricter laws concerning road rage incidences on many of the highways and city streets throughout the state. Spearheaded by highway safety organizations and law enforcement agencies, stronger laws are holding aggressive drivers responsible for their actions both criminally and civilly.

While no national definition of aggressive driving behavior exists, in Illinois, road rage is commonly referred to as a societal condition where drivers lose their temper or display anger as a reaction to some type of disturbance in traffic. In most road rage car accident claims, an angry driver chose to cause intentional injury or death to another motorist because of some type of traffic dispute.

Usually, road rage aggressive motorists react in a negative way, by using their car or truck as a retaliatory weapon. The driver does this by making threatening or sudden maneuvers that cause unsafe road conditions for the intended victim and other nearby motorists. Experts have concluded that many aggressive driving behaviors are triggered by numerous stimuli.

Some road rage aggressive drivers are provoked by roadway congestion or another driver’s actions. Commonly, erratic driving behavior is the result of the driver’s reaction and mood when behind the wheel of their vehicle.

Common Acts Of Road Rages That May Escalate Into Serious Accidents

There are specific common irritant behaviors that aggressive motorists display when driving erratically on highways, roadways, and metropolitan Chicago city streets. These behaviors include:

• Tailgating as a way to pressure another driver to move faster or get their vehicle out of the way
• Displaying an obscene gesture
• Flashing headlights in an effort to force other motorists to move aside
• Changing their lane without using signals
• Blasting the vehicle horn
• Driving in the left or passing lane at a speed too slow for others to pass
• Racing toward a yellow light about to turn red
• Slowing the vehicle down once passing another car
• Cutting other motorists off
• Driving the car with high beam lights on, toward oncoming traffic or behind other cars
• Driving straight through the intersection when clearly in a right-hand turn lane

What to Do about Road Rage

There are certain actions that any motorist can take to minimize the potential of having a road rage car accident caused by an aggressive driver. These actions can minimize the potential of injury and property damage, and help motorists and passengers live to enjoy another day. Actions to avoid dealing with road rage aggressive drivers include:

• Remain courteous and polite
• Follow Illinois state laws about rules of the road
• Use directional lights any time shifting lanes
• Maintain speed limits
• Follow all vehicles at a safe distance
• Attempt to stay mainly in one lane
• Put physical distance between the aggressive driver and your vehicle
• Avoid distraction including reading the paper, using the phone or texting anytime the car is in motion
• Never irritate or antagonize other motorists
• Never show a reaction to an aggressive driver
• Use the car horn sparingly
• Avoid eye contact with aggressive drivers
• Maintain music playing levels in the vehicle low enough to not annoy others
• If frustrated, find a distraction that could include listening to the radio, conversing with a passenger, or talking to yourself as a way to calm down
• Remain tolerant of any other motorist exhibiting unacceptable traffic behaviors

Legal Options After A Chicago Road Rage Car Accident Results In Injury To You

Road rage is a serious issue in Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by road rage or an aggressive driver, legal representation is crucial to your claim.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC specialize in Illinois vehicle accidents with injuries, including those caused by road rage. The attorneys investigate all evidence concerning the claim, talk with witnesses, and gather essential documents including medical reports and accident information. Our skilled attorneys can help you obtain financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, future earnings, disability, damages, pain, and suffering. Call us at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.

• http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/road-rage.php