Can I file a lawsuit against a road rage driver?

When sharing the road with other drivers, you are vulnerable to the actions and decisions of those around you. For example, if another driver chooses to text and drive, you could end up hurt in an accident caused by his or her negligent actions. In the same way, an aggressive driver is more likely to cause a collision that may cause others harm. Road rage is a completely preventable and inexcusable action.

If you suffered because of road rage, there are options available to you. It is possible you have grounds to pursue compensation through a civil claim, and while this cannot reverse the damage you experienced, it can give you the opportunity to seek justice and financial recovery. Victims of road rage accidents may find it beneficial to learn more about their accidents and how they can move forward from this traumatic event. Speak to a personal injury lawyer in Chicago for more information.

What does road rage look like?

As the name implies, road rage happens when a driver allows his or her anger to translate into aggressive and dangerous actions. It is most often the result of a driver becoming angry over traffic, perceived wrongs committed by other drivers and other frustrations. Some of the most common forms of road rage you may see include:

• Yelling, honking and making obscene gestures
• Following another car too closely, intentionally trying to cause intimidation
• Blocking traffic so that other drivers are unable to change lanes
• Initiating confrontation with the other driver outside of the vehicle
• Cutting off other vehicles or trying to ram another car or truck
• Driving on the sidewalk or in a pedestrian area
• Speeding and weaving in and out of lanes

If you are the victim of road rage, it will be in your interests to seek the assistance of local law enforcement as soon as possible. This may also help you establish important documentation and records that could be useful if you file a civil claim.

Holding liable parties accountable

While it may seem difficult, it is possible to hold liable parties accountable for a road rage accident that left you with pain and suffering. It is in your interests to take quick action as soon as possible after a crash, learning about your legal options from an accident lawyer in Chicago. If you are unsure of how to move forward, you may benefit from first seeking an assessment of your case.