How to Protect Yourself in a Road Rage Accident
The traffic conditions in urban areas continue down the hill, as population surges and the number of automobiles on the streets multiplies. A ten minute journey is stretched into an eternity during rush hour when every intersection mimics a bottleneck. The holdup mixed with other stressful thoughts in the back of our mind instigate impatience, frustration, and aggression. Road rage is one way drivers attempt to release the bursting tension and fury building inside them. Road rage comes in many forms, including few or more of the following actions:
- Cursing/yelling
- Incessant honking/screaming
- Obscene gestures
- Verbal threats and insults
- Tailgating and chasing
- Speeding
- Ramming/smashing
- Sideswiping
- Cutting/blocking other vehicles
- Running red lights
- Traffic weaving and lane changing without signaling
Drivers who engage in road rage are very angry, thus they will take up every opportunity to put up a fight. If you notice someone driving aggressively nearby, you should be very cautious and steer away from their route if possible. Accidents caused by road rage can have extremely fatal consequences, resulting in severe personal injuries or death of victims. Drivers liable for road rage may execute a hit and run, or step out of their vehicle to start a brawl. These people can be increasingly dangerous, so you must prioritize your safety under such circumstances.
Given that you collide with a road rager, he/she may come up to you to argue that the accident is your fault. They might go as far as using physical violence to intimidate and harm you. If you find yourself in such a situation, lock your doors immediately and avoid making eye contact with the aggressive driver. You must maintain silence and ignore them if they try to approach. If you can reach your phone, call 911 so that the police and medical help gets there as soon as possible.
If you are not hurt that badly and your car hasn’t broken down, you may drive to a distance to get away from the infuriated perpetrator. Driving into a nearby public parking space shall keep you safe till the cops arrive; you may even drive to the nearest police station if plausible. When it is evident that the at-fault driver is in a disturbed state of mind, do not make the mistake of confronting them. Inquiring about their insurance information at the time could make things worse.
Allow the police to arrive and make a report of the accident. You should accept medical help because you will need a record of your injuries to make a claim. In case you are able to gather any evidence, you may do so without engaging the road rager. You can snap pictures or shoot a video of the accident scene, talk to first hand witnesses, and note down any important details while they are fresh in your head. If you live in a no-fault state, you can gain compensation for your loss from your own insurer and not bother with the aggressive perpetrator. If you are hoping to claim reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurance company, you must contact Personal Injury Attorney in Virginia to discuss your case.
The road rager and their insurance will most certainly attempt to deny your claim. Never tell the insurance adjuster that their client was angry or they might accuse you of provocation. An experienced personal injury lawyer will not hesitate from helping you file a lawsuit if necessary. Road rage accidents are traumatizing, which is why many victims experience PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). You may be eligible to claim compensation for pain & suffering, as well as punitive damages.