Injured in a Road Rage Accident?
Sitting for long periods of time in rush-hour traffic can lead to very short tempers. A Chicago road rage accident lawyer knows this can lead to car accidents. Drivers that cause these accidents are responsible for their actions and the resulting injuries to other parties.
Anger and frustration sometimes leads impatient drivers to:
- Tailgate
- Fail to obey traffic signals
- Change lanes abruptly without signaling
- Speed uncontrollably
- Brake check
- Cut off other drivers
Road Rage FAQ
How Can I Remain Safe When Others Have Road Rage?
Road rage is an increasing issue on Illinois roads. Learning how to avoid incidents is a good idea.
Control your own behavior and don’t be an instigator. You cannot control the behavior of other motorists on the roadway, but you can control your behavior and reactions.
If someone is tailgating you or someone cuts you off, staying cool you can avoid a possible road rage incident.
If someone starts to exhibit road rage behavior towards you, it is better just to get out of the way. Ignore any offensive gestures or speech, and don’t make eye contact. If the other driver starts to chase after you, call the police and try to get to a populated area and pullover, and stay in your vehicle.
What Driving Behaviors Can Lead to Road Rage in Others?
If you are the one driving aggressively, you may cause others to have road rage. For example, if you:
- Tailgate someone that is driving slowly
- Use your horn excessively
- Flash your headlights
- Cut off another motorist
Any of the above is likely to anger another motorist who has a volatile temper.
Of course, it is not your fault if others are aggressively driving when you are doing something normal. For example, honking at a driver at a green light. But keep in mind that people can be unpredictable. Drive accordingly and try to stay safe.
How Common is Road Rage?
One study found that approximately 50% of motorists react to aggression with their own aggression. Of the drivers that react:
- 34% use their horn
- 27% respond verbally
- 19% give an obscene gesture
- 17% flash headlights
- 7% respond by driving aggressively
- 2% of drivers will try to run you off the road
These behaviors could potentially lead to serious accidents and serious injuries. The study also found that:
- Men are around 8% more likely to respond aggressively than women
- Younger drivers ages 18 to 24 are twice as likely to be aggressive when compared with drivers above the age of 65
- Cell phone users are more likely to react aggressively
- Surprisingly, motorists with children in the vehicle respond more aggressively
Another study indicates that young male drivers under the age of 19 are most likely to demonstrate road rage behaviors. There is no consensus as to why this statistic is true. However, some experts say that teen drivers are less mature with short tempers, while other experts have different theories.
One AAA Foundation Report found that individuals are more likely to commit road rage when they are going through a rough time in their personal life. For example, they are going through a divorce, suffering from injuries or illness, a job loss, etc. The study also found that motorists with criminal or violent histories and those who have drug and alcohol problems are more likely to commit acts of road rage.
On the other end of the spectrum, are you a driver who angers people by getting in the way? Are you driving 10 mph under the speed limit? Or accelerating very slowly out of stop signs and traffic signals? Or generally just slowing everyone down? This is another type of driving that is likely to anger other motorists in your area.
What is The Difference Between Aggressive Driving and Road Rage?
The principal difference is that aggressive driving is an unsafe behavior, while road rage is considered criminal behavior. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration defines road rage as an assault with a motor vehicle. Further, the willful and wanton behavior that disregards the safety of others.
Here are some more suggestions on how to avoid causing road rage incidents:
- Give yourself plenty of time when making a trip, don’t rush;
- Avoid driving when you are overtired or angry;
- Try to relax when you are stuck in traffic; and
- Plan driving trips at times where you should avoid the worst traffic
What Are Common Injuries From Road Rage Accidents?
Road rage collisions can result in serious injuries that include:
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
- Lacerations
- Back and neck injuries
- Death
If you or a loved one has injuries due to a road raging driver, call a road rage accident attorney in Chicago for a free consultation.
What Damages am I Likely to Incur from a Road Rage Accident?
Motorists that injure others are responsible for their actions. This includes paying for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of normal life
Legal Help if Injured in a Road Rage Accident
You might have a valid claim for damages if you suffer injury in a road rage crash while in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois. The legal team at Abels & Annes, P.C. is standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call (312) 924-7575 to speak with a Chicago road rage accident lawyer.
Unlike some law firms, we keep a licensed lawyer standing by to take your call and provide you with a free case consultation. There is no obligation on your part for speaking with us and there is never a fee unless you win your case.
If you prefer to meet with us in person but you are too injured to travel, we also offer free in-home and in-hospital consultations. This, so that you can get the answers you deserve when you need them.
Call the dedicated Chicago car crash lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. at (855) LAW-CHICAGO today. We are ready to help.