Can You Sue for Damages for Accidents Caused By Road Rage?

 Posted on October 16,2020 in Car Accidents

Even mild-mannered individuals sometimes experience aggravation or anger behind the wheel. Traffic jams, inattentive drivers, and other frustrations can make driving an exasperating experience. However, when a person allows their frustration to turn into road rage, dangerous or even deadly traffic accidents can result. If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident caused by road rage, you may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury claim. You could be entitled to compensation for your vehicle damage, medical expenses, missed work, pain and suffering, and more.

Car Accidents Involving Reckless Driving

Reckless driving puts the lives of other motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists in danger. Because of this, reckless driving is a criminal offense in Illinois punishable by heavy fees and possible jail time. According to the Illinois Vehicle Code, a person commits the offense of reckless driving if he or she:

• Drives with an intentional or reckless disregard for the safety of people and property or
• Uses an incline to cause a vehicle to become airborne

Reckless driving may include traveling at speeds well above the posted speed limit, swerving between lanes without signaling, performing stunts like “donuts” on public roads, and driving aggressively.

If the driver who caused your accident was charged with reckless driving, you may have the option of bringing an additional civil claim against the driver and pursuing damages. However, you may still have a valid personal injury claim even if the other driver was not formally charged with reckless driving or another criminal offense.

How Can I Prove That The Other Driver Caused My Injuries?

To win a personal injury claim and collect compensation, you will need to show that:

• The driver owed you a duty of care.
• The driver breached this duty of care.
• You suffered injuries as a result of the driver’s breach.
• You sustained damages as a result of your injuries.

All drivers have a legal duty to follow traffic laws and drive in a reasonably safe manner. A personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence that demonstrates the other driver’s breach of duty and how this breach of duty caused your damages. Vehicle event data recorders, dash camera footage, red light camera footage, photos of the accident scene, physical evidence, police reports, and witness testimony may all be used to support your claim. Experts such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals may also offer testimony that confirms the facts of your case.

Contact a Waukegan Reckless Driving Injury Lawyer

If someone else’s road rage led to an accident in which you or a loved one were injured, contact Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. Call our office at 847-662-3303 and schedule a free, no-obligation case review with one of our talented Lake County car accident attorneys today.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-503