Aggressive Driving Accidents

 

Whether it is work, a family event, or a social engagement, sometimes a driver can be in too much of a hurry to get where they are going. So when they weave through traffic and run red lights, they may be guilty of aggressive driving. 

When a person is injured in an automobile accident by an aggressive driver, they will face multiple medical appointments and doctor’s bills. In addition, they are sure to miss time with their families and time away from their jobs. Therefore, getting the proper compensation for an accident is critical to their physical and financial recovery. Thus, the insurance company of the at-fault driver must pay the injured person a fair settlement.

Types of Aggressive Driving

There are a few different traffic violations that may be considered aggressive. In the state of Illinois, you will receive a ticket for the violation itself as well as a ticket for reckless driving if you are caught driving aggressively.

A conviction of aggressive driving may come with a $25,000 fine and up to a year in jail. In addition, there are a few violations that may be considered bold or reckless in Illinois.

Weaving In and Out of Traffic

Jumping from one lane to another is very dangerous because the drivers a person pulls in front of may not have time to stop. In addition, jumping out in front of someone can make the drivers in that lane mad because they also have places to be. Hence, road rage and aggressive driving can be contagious. 

Even if a driver uses a turn signal when changing lanes, it may be considered aggressive driving if they do so in a manner that disrupts traffic. 

Talking, Texting, or Posting While Driving

You have probably already heard that using your cell phone while you are driving is very dangerous. Social media and phone conversations force your eyes off the road as well as your attention. Although it may seem like distracted driving, a police officer and a judge may consider this behavior aggressive, because of the disregard for other people that it demonstrates.

Racing

You may think that teenagers nowadays would be too sophisticated for drag racing, but it still occurs. Traveling at excessive speeds can be very dangerous. It is even more hazardous if you do this on the street with other cars or pedestrians.

Speeding

Everyone speeds when they are late for work. However, it may be in a person’s best interest to get up a bit earlier in the morning. Not only can you get a speeding ticket for going over the speed limit, but it increases the chance of an accident and the severity of that accident. 

The faster an object travels, the more energy it creates. So if you hit another car or a person at a high rate of speed, the results can be devastating. 

Tailgating

It can be hard to keep exactly 3 seconds away from the car in front of you when driving in traffic, especially when you are a new driver. However, if a driver appears to be tailgating intentionally, out of anger, or to make the driver in front of them go faster, it may be considered aggressive behavior. Honking your horn may also be regarded as aggressive driving in this situation.

Proving Aggressive Driving

If an aggressive driver has injured you, we want to help you get the money you need to pay your bills. There are a few pieces of evidence that are very important to collect in such a case.

When you have an accident,  you should pull over to the side of the road and see if anyone is injured, then you should call the police and wait for them to arrive. 

You should get the names of any witnesses who may have seen the accident and exchanged insurance information with the other driver. 

There are some cars nowadays that have such advanced technology they may be able to provide evidence in a personal injury case. They can tell you if the driver’s hands were on the steering wheel or how often the steering wheel was used. Tesla has cars that have in-cabin surveillance systems that monitor autopilot users to ensure they are paying attention. 

Illinois is a fault state when it comes to auto insurance. This means that the person responsible for the accident is also responsible for its related bills. More specifically, the Land of Lincoln is a comparative no-fault state. This means that even if you were somewhat responsible for the accident, you might be able to get compensation.

If you feel you were the victim of an aggressive driver, we will work hard to research your case and negotiate with the insurance company. With a stellar staff of legal professionals and years of experience in personal injury law, we will strive to put you on the road to recovery.