Chicago Road Rage Accident Lawyer

Acts of road rage are becoming increasingly common, and they can have tragic consequences. It can be dangerous when a driver loses their temper on the road, leading to accidents and serious injuries.

Road rage is a dangerous problem that is only getting worse. Road rage has been responsible for more than 1,500 deaths in the past decade.

The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC understand the dangers of road rage and how to help victims get monetary damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical bills, and property damage. We have a team of experienced personal injury lawyers who will fight for you.

Contact our Chicago car accident law office to schedule a free consultation so we can review your case and let you know what we can do to help. We have years of experience helping victims of motor vehicle accidents get their deserved compensation. If you have been injured in a road rage crash, our road rage accident lawyer can help you.

Road Rage: A Public Safety Concern

Road rage accidents are a huge problem in the United States. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that road rage accidents killed 1,500 people between 2003 and 2012. That's an average of 150 deaths each year.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study, road rage is a factor in nearly 8 million crashes each year. In Illinois, the numbers are just as alarming. In 2018, there were 9,711 reported crashes due to road rage. Those crashes resulted in injuries to 2,869 people.

The problem of road rage is only getting worse. In 2019, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released a study that found that 78% of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression, or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the past year.

Causes of Road Rage & Aggressive Driving

In a road rage accident, the motorist who lost their temper is usually at fault. That means they can be held responsible for any injuries or damage that they cause to other motorists.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, several factors contribute to road rage and aggressive driving. The most common causes are:

• Traffic congestion
• Poor driving habits
• Driving while distracted
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Tailgating another vehicle
• Speeding

These are just some of the factors that can contribute to road rage. When drivers lose their temper, it can be dangerous for everyone around them.

What to Do If You're Involved in a Road Rage Accident

If you're involved in a road rage car accident, it's essential to know what to do. Here are some steps to take:

• First, remain calm and avoid retaliating.
• Get out of the way if possible.
• If you can't get out of the way, slow down and signal your intentions.
• Do not make any sudden moves.
• Pullover and call the police if you can do so safely.
• Exchange information with the other driver, but do not discuss what happened.
• Get witnesses' contact information.
• Take pictures of the accident scene if possible.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

How to Avoid Road Rage & Aggressive Driving

The best way to avoid road rage is to be a defensive driver. That means being aware of your surroundings and keeping your cool. Here are some tips for avoiding road rage:

• Don't tailgate another vehicle.
• Use your turn signals.
• Don't cut off other drivers.
• Allow other drivers to merge.
• Avoid making inflammatory or angry gestures.
• Don't honk your horn excessively.
• Avoid eye contact with other drivers.

Have you been in a situation where another vehicle driver is behaving aggressively? Of course, the best thing is to get away from the situation as quickly and safely as possible.

Consequences of Road Rage Car Accidents

Road rage car accidents can have tragic consequences. Not only are drivers put in danger, but innocent bystanders can also be hurt or killed. In addition, drivers who engage in road rage can be cited or arrested for various traffic law violations.

Injuries from many road rage accidents can be severe and include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Pain and broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Emotional distress

In some cases, road rage accidents can even be fatal. If you have lost a loved one in a road rage car accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

Contact our Chicago accident attorneys at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form today for immediate legal advice and schedule a free consultation.

Our law firm has years of experience helping victims recover compensation for their damages. We will review your road rage accident case and let you know how to help. But, you don't have to face this alone. Contact a personal injury lawyer today for a free case evaluation.

Proving Liability in Car Accidents Caused by Road Rage

If you've been injured in a car accident that you believe was caused by road rage, proving liability can be tricky. To win your personal injury case, you'll need to provide evidence of the negligent actions of the other driver, including:

• Witnesses who saw the road rage incident happen
• Video footage of the altercation, if available
• Photos of the accident scene
• Police reports or other documentation of the road rage incident

If you can provide this evidence, you have a good chance of winning your case and recovering compensation for your injuries. Contact a road rage accident lawyer to discuss your case and determine what to expect.

Aggressive Driving Behaviors That Constitute Road Rage

Road rage may take a variety of forms. Some examples of recognized hostile behavior of an aggressive driver include:

Verbal Expressions

An angry driver can express frustration by shouting, honking, or using obscene gestures. Unfortunately, this behavior can quickly escalate and lead to further incidents.

Physical Assault

In some cases, road rage can turn violent. Angry drivers may assault one another with fists, weapons, or vehicles. It can result in serious injuries or even death.

Reckless Driving

An aggressive driver can become so angry that they take risks they normally wouldn’t, such as:

• Driving aggressively
• Frequently and dangerously changing lanes
• Running red lights.

It can lead to fatal accidents and further injuries.

Distracting, Irritating, or Intimidating Another Driver

Other common examples of road rage include deliberately:

• Tailgating another vehicle
• Cutting off other vehicles
• Shining bright lights into an oncoming vehicle

These actions can startle or blind other drivers, leading to a motor vehicle accident.

Filing a Claim for a Car Accident Caused by Road Rage

After an accident caused by road rage, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover damages. The at-fault driver may be liable for your medical expenses, pain, and suffering, lost wages, property damage, and other costs related to the accident.

Insurance companies may be reluctant to pay out on accident claims involving road rage. They may try to downplay the other driver’s actions or argue that you share some responsibility for the accident.

An experienced road rage car accident lawyer can help you navigate the accident claims process and fight for the financial compensation you deserve. An uninsured motorist (UM) policy may also provide coverage if the at-fault driver does not have insurance or is underinsured.

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by road rage, contact our experienced and passionate lawyer for a free consultation. We can help you recover the damages you deserve.

Contact an Experienced Road Rage Accident Lawyer Today

A Chicago road rage accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your damages if you have been injured in a car accident caused by road rage.

Our law firm has years of experience helping people who have been injured in car accidents caused by aggressive driving. We understand the complex legal process involved in these cases, and we have the resources to take on large insurance companies.

Contact an experienced car accident attorney at (888) 424-5757 today to learn more about your legal rights. The legal team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC offers free consultations, and we will not charge you attorney fees unless we win your case.

Resources:

• AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety - Road Rage Accident