The American Automobile Association (AAA) has linked more than 12,500 injuries to driver violence, out of 10,000 car accidents since 2007. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) road rage behavior hac caused about 300 deaths since 2013. Moreover, 66 percent of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive drivers.

When drivers take out their problems on other motorists, it can lead to deadly situations. At the law firm of Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we proudly represent clients who were injured in road rage car accidents. Our firm has over 30 years of experience advocating on behalf of injury victims and their families. When you invite us to work on your case, we will fight for your family’s rights with sensitivity and determination, keeping you informed every step of the way. 

What Constitutes Road Rage on Illinois Roads?

Road rage is a form of aggressive driving that crosses the line from reckless to illegal. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property.” While aggressive driving is dangerous, it is not uncommon; drivers frequently engage in aggressive driving behavior, especially on busy Chicago streets.

However, road rage is more than aggressive driving. The NHTSA defines road rage as those “angry and violent behaviors at the extreme of the aggressive driving continuum.” For example, some forms of road rage include:

• Using offensive or threatening words or hand gestures
• Throwing objects from a car
• Pulling off the road to fight
• Tailgating
• Using a vehicle to block another’s path
• Intentionally hitting another person or vehicle with a car

In most cases, road rage is illegal, and those who engage in this type of behavior can face criminal charges. One reason for this is because road rage, aside from violating common decency, also significantly increased the chance of a serious Chicago car accident.

What to Do After a Chicago Road Rage Accident

The moments following any car accident can be a blur. You may be disoriented, injured and unsure of what to do next. However, the added emotions involved in a road rage accident add to these challenges. If you have been injured in a road rage accident, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Do not engage in any violent or aggressive behavior
By engaging with an aggressive driver, you risk your safety and may end up compromising your ability to bring a case against the aggressive driver.
2. Report the accident by calling 911
Call 911 to report the accident. The 911 dispatcher will send police officers and emergency medical responders to the scene. Reporting the accident first means that your version of the events will be the first the police hear. This is especially important in road rage accidents, where the other driver may try to fabricate a story.
3. Document the scene
If possible, document as much of the scene as possible. Take pictures of the vehicle’s relative locations, any nearby road signs or lane markings, and any vehicle damage.
4. Obtain medical attention
When emergency responders come to the scene, they are looking for any potentially life-threatening injuries. However, they are not trained to diagnose any long-term damage caused by the accident. Therefore, it is essential to see a doctor so they can determine the full extent of your injuries and get you the long-term treatment you need. Visiting a doctor will also serve as documentation of your injuries, which can help you prove a case against the at-fault driver.
5. Reach out to a Chicago car accident lawyer
When another driver causes a road rage accident, police may arrest them and charge them with a crime. However, even if criminal charges are brought in a road rage car accident case, this will not necessarily do anything to help you. The focus of a criminal case is to punish the driver for violating the law, not compensating you for your injuries. To obtain compensation for your damages and injuries, you must bring a civil personal injury lawsuit. A dedicated Chicago car accident attorney can help you through this process.

Contact the Chicago Road Rage Attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg

If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a road rage car accident, the dedicated Illinois personal injury lawyers at Briskman, Briskman & Greenberg can help. With over 30 years of experience advocating on behalf of injury victims, we know what it takes to succeed on behalf of our clients. When you invite us to work on your case, we begin working diligently for you and will keep you informed every step of the way.

As a part of the Briskman Guarantee, your initial consultation is free. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us when we successfully get compensation for you or your family. To learn more, call 1-877-595-4878 to schedule a free consultation today. Briskman, Briskman & Greenberg has locations in Joliet and Chicago to serve you better.