Studies Show Road Rage is on the Rise. Here is What Victims Should Know

 Posted on February 23, 2022 in Auto Accidents

Unfortunately, many people struggle to express their feelings in an appropriate way. Fears about COVID-19, problems at home, work frustrations, and other issues can cause a person to lash out at others while driving. Studies show that incidences of road rage are on the rise. The AAA foundation states that aggressive driving is a contributing factor in over half of all fatal car crashes. It is estimated that road rage leads to 1,800 injuries and 30 deaths each year in the U.S.

If you or a loved one were injured in a collision caused by another driver’s road rage, you should know that you have options. In addition to any criminal charges the driver faces, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim.

What is Road Rage?

There is no one definition for road rage, but it is usually characterized by driving behaviors that are intentionally dangerous. Aggressive drivers may tailgate, weave in and out of lanes, slam on their brakes, or yell at other drivers. Sometimes, this behavior escalates to deliberately colliding with other vehicles or running another vehicle off the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that following too closely, driving under the influence, speeding, and erratic lane changes often coincide with road rage accidents.

Legal Options for Road Rage Victims

If an aggressive driver caused an accident in which you or a family member were hurt, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim against the driver. The driver, or his or her insurer, may be required to compensate you for your damages. You could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills including ER and hospital bills, doctor’s visits, rehabilitation therapy, and medication. You may also recover compensation for damage to your vehicle and other property, your pain and suffering, lost income from missed work, and more. In cases of extreme negligence or intentionally harmful behavior, you may be awarded punitive damages. A personal injury attorney experienced in road rage car crash cases can help you gather evidence and use it to build a strong claim for damages.

Contact an Elk Grove Village Car Accident Injury Lawyer

At Kaiser Law, we understand the toll that a serious car accident can have on an entire family. We are here to help you explore your legal options and embark on the course of action that is right for you. Our experienced team of Elmhurst personal injury attorneys provide skillful legal representation and guidance for car crash victims and their families. Call 630-274-4400 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2021/07/13/cops-scramble-to-deal-with-deadly-road-rage-during-pandemic

https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2022/01/12/avoiding-road-rage-incidents/

https://aaafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Prevalence-of-Aggressive-Driving-2014-FS.pdf