Road Rage Bicycle Accidents

 

Bicyclists have the right to share the road with motorists, and yet some drivers display serious rage toward riders. When a driver’s anger or aggression behind the wheel causes an accident, the injured individual has the legal right to pursue a claim for costs associated with their harm. Following a bicycle accident, personal injury claims often allege that the at-fault driver was negligent. This means they did not act as a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. Generally, road rage would be considered unreasonable behavior. Aggressively yelling, speeding, or cutting off a bicyclist while behind the wheel are all examples of dangerous and potentially negligent conduct.

 

When a driver’s behavior breaches the duty of care that we owe one another, they may be responsible for injuries and accident-related costs caused by their actions. Drivers are not only required to follow traffic rules and regulations, but they must assess their surroundings and adapt their driving behavior as needed in a reasonable manner. When an accident occurs, a defendant’s conduct can be compared to what a reasonable person would do in an equivalent situation. For instance, if a bicyclist on a narrow road requires that a driver slow down beside them, and instead the driver speeds around the biker, shouting insults and running the bicyclist off the road, this is likely a breach of the duty of care. The driver’s conduct increases the foreseeability of an accident. They may be held legally responsible for the bicyclist’s injuries because a reasonable driver would slow their speed and refrain from aggressive driving. A seasoned bicycle accident lawyer can assess your case to determine whether you can potentially meet the elements of a negligence claim.

 

 

Riders can suffer serious harm when a motorist strikes them in a road rage bicycle accident. If a moving car taps or sideswipes a bicycle, the rider may fall off and sustain severe injuries. When they pursue costs associated with their injuries, bikers may include the future costs of anticipated medical care. Injured cyclists may miss work due to their injuries, and even face the consequences of being unable to return to their former vocation.

 

Unfortunately, some road rage accidents involve hit and run collisions. Following a hit and run accident, law enforcement assistance would generally be required to track down the driver. In this situation, a skilled injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and next steps.

 

The applicable statute of limitations affects a bicyclist’s potential claims for relief. Illinois requires that victims file their personal injury claim within two years of the date of their accident. For property damage, victims have five years to make a civil claim for damages. If this time period lapses, the victim will likely be barred from pursuing their lawsuit.

 

In the tragic event of a wrongful death caused by an aggressive driver, surviving family members or a personal representative can file a wrongful death claim within two years of the victim’s death. Damages in this type of claim can cover medical costs incurred before the death, as well as funeral expenses.

 

At Therman Law, we represent riders injured by careless or aggressive drivers, including those drivers who have caused road rage bicycle accidents. Speaking with a Wheaton or Schaumburg attorney can help you understand how to approach a claim for compensation. We are proud to help victims throughout the entirety of Cook County, including those living in Hanover park, Bartlett, Elgin, Bensenville, Roselle, Carol Stream, Wood Dale, Bloomingdale, Lombard, Villa Park, and Glendale Heights. To schedule a free appointment with us, call our office at 312- 588-1900 or fill out our online form.