Chicago Road Rage Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Legal Help for Cyclists Involved in Aggressive Driver Incidents

The Chicago road rage bicycle accident lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers understand the serious injuries cyclists can suffer when aggressive driving leads to a crash. Our legal team is dedicated to helping injured bicyclists pursue the compensation they rightfully deserve.

Some of our bike crash settlements include:

• $2,250,000 for a commuter who suffered a serious head injury after being struck by a vehicle while biking to work.
• $1,000,000 for a 26-year-old cyclist who sustained a torn rotator cuff after a driver unlawfully opened a car door in her path, violating local traffic ordinances.
• $760,000 for a cyclist stopped at a traffic light was struck from behind by a driver who later blamed poor lighting for the crash.

What is Road Rage?

Road rage is extremely aggressive driving where a negligent driver intentionally endangers others, often leading to bicycle collisions.

Unlike ordinary aggressive driving, which includes behaviors like speeding or tailgating, road rage involves deliberate actions such as swerving at cyclists, throwing objects, verbal threats, or even physical assault.

Understanding Road Rage Causes

Road rage often stems from traffic congestion, stress, frustration, or aggressive personality traits. Some motor vehicle drivers may perceive bike riders as obstacles, leading to reckless behavior. In extreme cases, road rage escalates into physical violence, such as forcing cyclists off the road, throwing objects, or direct assaults, causing severe bicycle accident injuries.

Intentional vs. Unintentional Harm: The Legal Distinction

There is a key legal difference between aggressive driving that unintentionally causes a bike accident and road rage, where a negligent driver deliberately harms a cyclist. Aggressive driving, such as speeding, running red lights, or tailgating, often results in bike crashes.

However, when a driver intentionally swerves at a cyclist, blocks their path, or assaults them, it becomes a criminal act.

Under Illinois law, intentional harm can result in criminal charges and civil liability. An experienced attorney can help accident victims seek financial compensation for their damages.

Common Types of Road Rage Bicycle Accidents

Road rage can lead to serious bike crashes, often causing severe injuries to cyclists. Common types of road rage-related crashes include:

• Intentional collisions – A negligent driver may intentionally ram, sideswipe, or rear-end a cyclist, leading to broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or brain injuries.
• Forcing a cyclist off the road – Some drivers use their motor vehicles to push cyclists into bike lanes, curbs, or ditches, causing them to crash.
• “Buzzing” or close passing – A driver may pass dangerously close to intimidate a cyclist, often resulting in a bike crash.
• Throwing objects at a cyclist – Drivers have been known to throw bottles, food, or other objects at cyclists, leading to bike crashes.
• Verbal threats and harassment – Road rage incidents sometimes escalate when aggressive drivers shout threats, causing cyclists to lose control.
• Assault and battery – Some extreme cases involve drivers exiting their vehicles and physically attacking cyclists.

Illinois Law and Road Rage: Criminal and Civil Consequences

Under Illinois law, road rage incidents can result in criminal charges and civil liability for the negligent driver.

• Criminal consequences – Deliberate actions like intentionally hitting a cyclist, forcing them off the road, or assaulting them can lead to charges such as reckless driving (625 ILCS 5/11-503), aggravated assault (720 ILCS 5/12-2), or battery (720 ILCS 5/12-3). Convictions may result in fines, license suspension, or jail time.
• Civil liability – A bicycle accident victim can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.

What to Do After a Road Rage Bike Crash in Chicago

Taking the proper steps after a road rage bicycle crash can protect your safety and legal rights:

• Move to a safe location, check for injuries, and avoid staying near the aggressive driver.
• Call 911, report the incident to the police, and request medical assistance.
• Gather information, such as the driver’s license plate, vehicle description, and witness contacts.
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
• Seek medical attention.
• Do not engage with the aggressive driver.
• Consult a Chicago bike crash lawyer

Investigating a Road Rage Bicycle Crash Claim

A thorough investigation helps build a strong case against the negligent driver in a road rage bike crash. Key steps include:

• Obtaining the police report – The official police report documents the incident, witness statements, and any citations issued to the driver.
• Identifying and interviewing witnesses – Bystanders or other drivers may provide statements confirming the aggressive driving that caused the bike accident.
• Securing video footage – Traffic cameras, business surveillance, and dashcams can capture the incident and prove the driver’s reckless behavior.
• Examining the bicycle and other physical evidence – Damage to the bike, helmet, or personal belongings can support compensation claims.

Potential Compensation in a Road Rage Bicycle Accident Case

Injured bicyclists may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical treatment expenses
• Lost income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Handling a road rage bicycle accident claim can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies that try to minimize payouts. A Chicago bicycle accident attorney can protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

• Negotiating with the insurance company – Insurers often attempt to deny or reduce claims. A lawyer ensures you receive fair treatment.
• Maximizing compensation – An attorney calculates the full extent of your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering to pursue the highest possible settlement.
• Gathering evidence – Lawyers collect medical records, police reports, witness statements, and video footage to strengthen your case.
• Filing a lawsuit if necessary – If a fair settlement isn’t reached, a lawyer will take your case to court.

Consult a Chicago Road Rage Bicycle Accident Attorney Near You!

If you were injured in a road rage bicycle accident, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help. Our Chicago bicycle accident lawyers fight for injured cyclists to recover financial compensation.

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.