Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
A Chicago pedestrian accident has reportedly led to a fatal case of road rage on the city’s West Side, the Chicago Tribune reported.
The media is reporting the 20-year-old pedestrian was shot and killed after being struck by a car in the 700 block of South California Avenue, and then arguing with the driver. The victim was found on South Sacramento Avenue shortly before 9 a.m.Police say the victim was struck and knocked to the ground by a passing vehicle. He was not seriously hurt and reportedly began arguing with the driver, who then climbed out of the vehicle and shot him. He was taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, where he was pronounced dead.
Police have not released information about the suspect.
There is a big difference between Road Rage, which typically involves a criminal act, and aggressive driving, which we are all guilty of at some point in time. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recognizes many forms of aggressive driving, including speeding, driving too fast for conditions, tailgating, not using turn signals and driving too fast for conditions.
As winter wears on, our Chicago personal injury lawyers remind motorists to take a deep breath and relax. Impatience too often leads to accidents and can lead to all sorts of poor driving decisions.
The government offers a number of safety tips for dealing with aggressive drivers, including:
-Don’t force the issue: Get out of an aggressive driver’s way.
-Don’t challenge: Put your pride aside. Don’t attempt to hold your own or otherwise challenge an aggressive driver.
-Keep your eyes on the road: Don’t make eye contact with an aggressive driver. This can sometimes increase the aggression.
-Keep your hands to yourself: Gestures should be ignored and should not be returned.
-Contact authorities: An aggressive driver is just as dangerous as a drunk driver and should be reported to authorities via 911 as soon as it is safe for a driver to pull over and do so.
Chicago aggressive driving safety tips are available here.
The Chicago accident attorneys at Abels & Annes are available to represent you and your family in all types of accident and injury claims in Chicago and elsewhere in Illinois. The firm offers free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.