Road Rage – Pedestrian Accidents & Injuries

Cyclists are often looked at as a nuisance on the roadways by drivers of motor vehicles and some drivers believe that bicycles should not share the same roads as cars, trucks, and busses. Regardless of how these drivers feel, Illinois law allows bicycles on its roadways and they are required to follow the same rules and laws as any other driver.

When a driver of a motor vehicle gets behind the wheel and is angry, annoyed, and driving aggressively for whatever reason, they put everyone on the road at risk, especially cyclists. Road rage is a huge safety issue and can not only cause serious injuries, but it can also lead to wrongful death.

At 844 See Mike, we represent clients in Illinois who have suffered personal injuries from a bicycle accident, as well as family members who have lost a loved one in a road accident caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of another person. We know that when a bicycle collides with a vehicle weighing at least 2,000 pounds, the odds are not in the cyclist’s favor and the results can be tragic.

Aggressive Driving vs. Road Rage

Road rage is often classified as aggressive driving, but road rage is much more dangerous than regular aggressive driving. Road rage is a psychological issue where the driver was triggered by something, which does not always involve anything a cyclist did. Examples of road rage behavior can include:

• Honking
• Rude gestures
• Cutting off the cyclist
• Screaming, swearing, and shouting
• Attempting to physically harm the cyclist
• Side-swiping, rear-ending, or otherwise striking the cyclist/bicycle

Drivers may engage in road rage for a number of reasons. The driver may feel that bicycles do not belong on the road. Or, they may feel that cyclists are too slow or rude. No matter why the driver is angry and full of high emotions, road rage is completely wrong and illegal.

Road Rage Accidents

Road rage accidents are not true accidents. Someone engaging in road rage knows what they are doing, and their violent actions can cause devastating injuries. Cyclists are already at a disadvantage because of their lack of protection, so when a driver is acting violent, cyclists are at even more risk for devastating injuries, severe damages, and even wrongful death.

Unfortunately, proving road rage can be difficult. Depending on the circumstances of the case, a driver can be found to have committed assault with a deadly weapon should they severely injure or kill a cyclist, however, each case of road rage will be different.

Whether the cause of your accident is deemed road rage or not, the negligent driver can still be found liable for any damages and injuries they have caused, and an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

It’s important to consult with an experienced Chicago bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and determine if you have a valid personal injury claim or wrongful death claim against a reckless or negligent driver. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, contact 844 See Mike, for a free consultation.

We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at what we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at 844 See Mike, we put People, First.

Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.