Can I Sue Another Driver for an Accident Caused by Road Rage?

 Posted on January 08, 2021 in Car Accidents

Most people would agree that traffic can be a major source of frustration and anger. However, part of being a good driver is not letting negative emotions lead to unsafe driving. “Road rage” can lead to severe or even deadly car accidents. If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident caused by road rage, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages.

Some Sources Say Road Rage is on the Rise

“Road rage” or intense anger behind the wheel can be caused by countless situations. Being tailgated, driving behind someone traveling well below the speed limit, running late, and many other factors can increase a person’s frustration and cause them to experience road rage. Some instances of road rage turn into physical altercations. Other times, an angry driver may intentionally drive in a dangerous manner or even try to run another driver off the road. One study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that aggressive driving increased by a factor of 500 percent within a single decade. Other studies have showed that a significant percentage of drivers admit to dangerous behaviors such as intentionally tailgating other vehicles.

Seeking Damages Though a Personal Injury Claim

If another driver’s unsafe driving has led to an accident in which you or a loved one were harmed, you may be curious about your legal options. One option is to pursue financial compensation through a personal injury claim. Bringing a claim against the at-fault driver may enable you to recover compensation for your damages or costs. 

To win your injury claim, you will need to demonstrate that:

• The other driver violated his or her “duty of care” by driving in a reckless or unlawful manner.
• You or your loved one suffered injuries as a result of the driver’s breach of duty.
• You sustained damages because of the injuries.

Damages in an Illinois car accident injury claim often include:

• Medical expenses including costs related to prescription medication, emergency room treatment, doctors’ appointments, hospitalization, physical therapy, surgery, and other medical care
• Lost income from missed work
• Disability
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Harm to your future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Vehicle repair costs

You may also be entitled to punitive damages if the other driver’s behavior was especially dangerous to human life.

Contact a Rockford Road Rage Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one were hurt in a car accident caused by an angry or reckless driver, contact a Winnebago County car accident attorney from Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois. Call us at 815-215-7561 and schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Source:

https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/10/health/road-rage-survival-tips-wellness/index.html