Congested traffic, roadway construction, aggressive driving, speeding, and weaving in and out of lanes are some of the most common triggers of road rage among drivers, both in Chicago and across the nation. Everyone has the ability to get frustrated or annoyed while behind the wheel but it is up to each individual driver to control their emotions and drive in a safe, reasonable manner. Failing to do so and giving in to an upsetting situation is often what leads to a road rage accident.
Road rage is difficult to measure as it is usually combined with other factors to lead to and cause a crash. Officials generally distinguish road rage as a type of particularly aggressive driving and is characterized as an assault with a car or other deadly weapon. In many states, road rage is not simply a traffic offense but rather is a criminal violation that can lead to a range of punishments, including incarceration.
When an aggressive driver causes an accident, that driver may face liability for his or her actions. In addition to any tickets received by the driver, a civil claim can be brought by the victims of the accident in an attempt to obtain adequate compensation for any and all damages inflicted. These claims can help an accident victim receive payment for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering following a crash. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in the greater Chicago area may help you understand whether you have a valid claim for your injuries.
Police in Kentucky confirmed that an arrest was made in a road rage incident Monday night in Madison County shortly before 8:00 p.m. Police received a call from a motorist on I-75 in the area saying another driver had cut off the motorist and flashed a handgun several times in the motorist’s direction. With a description and location of the suspect vehicle, police pulled over the car and searched it. The police reportedly found a handgun inside a purse in the vehicle, leading to an arrest of the vehicle’s driver. Authorities have confirmed that the driver was Orson Charles, a member of the Cincinnati Bengals team in the NFL. He faces at least one charge of wanton endangerment and was held on $5,000 bond.
Charles was drafted by the Bengals in 2012 during the fourth round. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence approximately one month before the draft, an incident that allegedly caused some NFL teams to worry about the potential for future off-the-field issues with Charles.
Fortunately no one was injured in the incident that occurred last night, but in many incidents involving road rage, that is not the case. Collisions regularly occur and often involve victims who were not involved in any incendiary incidents prior to a crash.
If you have been involved in a car accident that was caused by road rage, call the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us provide you with a free, no obligation telephone consultation regarding your accident and your legal rights. We are standing by at all times to take your call toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. If you prefer to meet with us in person but you are too injured to travel to our offices, we also offer free in-home and in-hospital consultations so that you can get the answers you need, whenever you need them. If you have been injured, do not wait; call us today and let us help you get a recovery you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Bicyclist Seriously Injured in Chicago Crash with SUV, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published March 31, 2014.
Resource:
Bengals’ Orson Charles arrested, by Coley Harvey, ESPN.com, published April 1, 2014.