Aggressive driving is a serious problem across Illinois. If you were hurt in an accident caused by a reckless driver, a Joliet car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
When a driver’s anger, impatience, or recklessness leads to a crash, the financial consequences can be devastating. An aggressive driving accident lawyer in Joliet from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can help you file a claim and hold the driver who caused your accident accountable.
How a Joliet Aggressive Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
When you are going up against a driver who acted recklessly and an insurance company eager to minimize payouts, having representation makes a measurable difference. A Joliet aggressive driving accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the crash and document the aggressive behavior
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Negotiate a settlement that reflects your actual losses
- File a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to be reasonable
- Represent you in court if your case goes to trial
Types of Compensation You Can Pursue
An aggressive driving accident can affect your finances, health, and daily stability. Your claim should reflect the full scope of those losses. Common forms of compensation in these cases include:
- Medical expenses: You can recover the costs of emergency care, diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications, therapy, and future treatment.
- Lost wages: You can pursue compensation for the income you missed out on while recovering from the crash.
- Reduced earning capacity: You can seek damages if your injuries limit your ability to work long-term.
- Property damage: You can recover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged belongings.
- Pain and suffering: You can pursue compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: You can seek damages if your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed.
- Scarring and disfigurement: You can pursue damages for lasting physical changes and the emotional toll they create.
A Joliet personal injury lawyer can work to make sure your claim covers all of your losses.
How Fault Is Determined in an Aggressive Driving Crash
Aggressive driving cases tend to have clearer liability than other types of collisions because the behaviors involved are inherently negligent. But insurance companies rarely roll over, even when the facts seem obvious. They may argue that you shared some of the blame or that your injuries aren’t as bad as you claim.
Evidence that can help establish fault includes:
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Police reports
- Accident reconstruction
- Vehicle damage analysis
- Cell phone records (if distraction played a role)
Why Aggressive Driving Accidents Happen in Joliet
Situations that often lead to aggressive driving in Joliet include:
- Construction delays
- Heavy commuter traffic
- A driver running late
- Areas with frequent lane reductions
- High-speed zones connecting interstate traffic to city streets
An aggressive driving attorney in Joliet can investigate your accident and find out what caused it.
What Counts as Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving covers a broad range of behaviors. Even when a driver doesn’t intend to cause harm, their conduct can create unnecessary risk. Common forms of aggressive driving include:
- Speeding excessively: This reduces reaction time and makes already-dangerous maneuvers even more so.
- Tailgating closely: This pressure often escalates tense situations and leaves no room to stop safely.
- Weaving through traffic: This forces other drivers to brake or swerve suddenly to avoid collisions.
- Cutting off other vehicles: This disrupts traffic flow and causes panic reactions that trigger crashes.
- Refusing to yield: This behavior creates direct conflict points at intersections, ramps, and merges.
- Brake–checking: This is an intentional provocation that can lead to high-speed rear-end collisions.
- Road rage behaviors: This includes yelling, gesturing, or escalating confrontations that distract everyone involved.
What to Do Immediately After an Aggressive Driving Accident
Your actions after a crash can influence the outcome of your case. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 and request police and medical services.
- Avoid confronting the aggressive driver directly.
- Take photos of the scene, damage, injuries, and surroundings.
- Get names and contact information from witnesses.
- Get medical attention, even if you feel fine.
- Notify your insurance company promptly.
- Reach out to an attorney to discuss your legal options.
Common Injuries in Aggressive Driving Accidents
Aggressive driving collisions often involve sudden, forceful impacts that leave victims with significant physical harm. Common injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Psychological trauma
Consult an Aggressive Driving Accident Attorney in Joliet
Aggressive driving turns ordinary roads into dangerous places, and victims often pay the price. If you were injured in a crash with a reckless driver, a Joliet aggressive driving accident attorney from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can gather evidence to prove fault and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation to take the first step toward justice.
