Road rage is a problem that can have serious repercussions. If you’ve been involved in an incident or accident caused by a motorist exhibiting signs of road rage, it’s important to know what to do to stay safe. The car accident lawyers at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad understand the grave consequences of drivers getting caught up in road rage and hurting someone or causing a wrongful death. We are dedicated to educating drivers about how to stay safe and helping injured victims hold negligent motorists accountable for their actions.
What Is The Difference Between Road Rage And Aggressive Driving?
Although road rage and aggressive driving are often used interchangeably, in legal terms they’re not the same thing. Aggressive driving is a traffic offense that happens when someone recklessly operates their vehicle, without regard for the safety of others. Road rage is a criminal offense that involves the operation of a vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others or assaulting a driver or their vehicle. Knowing the distinctions between the two can help you better understand your case.
How To Deal With Aggressive Drivers And Road Rage
Stay Calm
It can be tough to keep your cool when you’re involved in a road rage incident. Staying calm and keeping your emotions in check can help you stay safe and avoid escalation of the situation. Instead of responding with gestures or honking your horn, ignore the other motorist. While this is often easier said than done, it can prevent you from being harmed. If a driver is being aggressive or acting in a threatening manner, make sure to lock your doors as well.
Avoid Eye Contact
Keep your eyes on the road and avoid making eye contact with an angry driver. Looking at an already enraged person in the eye could upset them further and result in them acting even more erratically.
Call The Police
If possible, get the driver’s license plate number and call 911. Even if you’re unable to get a good look at the license plate, you can give the police a description of the car and driver and where the incident is happening. Calling the police also documents the incident, which can provide valuable evidence to back up a personal injury claim if necessary.
Drive To A Safe Place
Although you may just want to get home after a road rage incident, you could be followed and not even know it. The safest thing to do is to drive to a police station, hospital, or another public place and call someone to come and meet you or pick you up.
If You Are Injured In A Road Rage Accident
If you’re hurt in a motor vehicle crash involving road rage, call 911 immediately and seek medical attention. Gather as much evidence as you can, including photos of the scene, your injuries, and property damage. Obtain witness contact information and write down everything you can remember about what happened while it’s fresh in your mind. Even if you think your injuries are minor, get medical care as soon as possible. You may not realize you’re hurt or feel any pain right away. Medical records are critical to recovering damages in a car accident claim.
After you talk to the police and see a doctor, call a car accident attorney. If the road rage incident involved a hit and run accident, the police or your lawyer’s investigative team may be able to track down the driver.
How An Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help
Before you speak to anyone from the other driver’s insurance company, have an attorney evaluate your case. A car accident lawyer can take a look at the facts and the extent of your injuries, determine whether you have a viable claim, and advise you of your options. If you decide to proceed, they can handle all negotiations and communications with insurers and fight to help you recover maximum compensation. Taking this important step protects your rights. It also lets the other driver know you mean business, which may prevent them from doing the same thing to someone else.
Contact A Car Accident Lawyer To Learn More
At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, we are passionate about making things right for injured victims of road rage. Contact us online or call our Bath office at 610-867-2900 to schedule a free consultation today. We serve clients throughout eastern Pennsylvania.