Obtaining Compensation for a Reckless Driving Accident in Illinois

 Posted on August 27,2019 in Aggressive Driving

We have all, at one time or another, seen or heard about an aggressive driver putting everyone at risk of serious motor vehicle accident as they aggressively drive on the road, highway, and even on residential and city streets. These aggressive drivers seem have little or no regard for their own lives or those with whom they share the road. The response in Illinois, as in all states across the country, has been to pass stricter laws that address this problem of aggressive driving that has only gotten worse over the years.

What Is Reckless Driving?

Illinois law defines reckless driving as driving any vehicle with willful or wanton disregard of other persons or property, or causing a vehicle to be airborne by failure to obey slow down warning signs such as those on railway crossings. 

Examples of aggressive or reckless driving behavior include:

• Following too closely or tailgating;
• Driving at high speeds and way beyond posted limits;
• Weaving in and out of traffic;
• Unnecessarily changing lanes and doing so frequently; and
• Going through red lights or stop signs.

Drivers who engage in this type of behavior often escalate their behavior gesturing in anger or yelling at other motorists. Some of these aggressive drivers do not stop there as they further escalate things to confrontation, physical assault, and even murder. This aggressive behavior on the road is what is referred to as “road rage” in its worst form.

How to Respond to Aggressive Driving

As the saying goes, "To err is to be human," so, if you find yourself in a situation you have done something that has agitated another driver, the best thing to do is not to react in kind to their response—no matter how animated they become.

If you try to match their reaction with your own, no matter how innocent and feeble, this can only aggravate the agitated person even more and escalate the situation beyond control. Just take a deep breath and think about how ugly it can get if you do not rise and be the better driver, knowing the other driver is the one with issues, not you.

No matter how challenging, and regardless of the situation, never let your emotions get the better of you. Returning to your home and loved ones in one, unharmed piece is preferable than acting out your anger in response to the agitated person. And, if the incident resulted in an accident, remember the law is there to protect you.

A Lake County Injury Lawyer Can Help

If you or a member of your family has been injured in an accident caused by an aggressive, contact an experienced Waukegan personal injury attorney to get help in obtaining compensation for your injuries. One of our skilled lawyers will advise you on the best way forward help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation to talk to one of our lawyers by calling 847-662-3303. At Salvi & Maher, L.L.C., we collect our fees only when you collect compensation.

Sources:

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

https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/809707.pdf