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8 Aug 2021

What You Should Do After Getting Injured in a Crash Caused by Road Rage

Post by Jordan Toplen

Aggressive driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in the United States. Aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding or tailgating can lead to road rage. Drivers with these kinds of behavior get very angry, and when their anger escalates, they can ram into cars, become abusive, and more. This is what contributes to road rage.

If you are involved in a car accident caused by road rage, it is essential to take caution when dealing with such drivers. You do not want to put yourself or other road users in more danger. You should put your safety first and call the police as fast as you can.

When claiming damages from the at-fault party, it may be ideal to talk to an experienced car accident attorney in your area. The attorney will advise you on what you need to do after a road rage accident, help you stay safe, and preserve your claim. 

How to Stay Safe Immediately After the Accident

If you have been in a car crash that involves rage, it may be a good idea to stay in your car until the police arrive at the scene. Getting out of your vehicle to confront the other driver can put you in harm’s way, especially if they are furious. To stay safe, do the following:

  • Ignore the angry driver and avoid making eye contact with them.
  • Dial 911 and explain the situation to the operator so that they can get help immediately.
  • Leave the scene if you can and drive to the nearest station house or a more crowded area such as a shopping center because people with road rage may be less violent when there are several witnesses around.
  • Do not engage them, answer their questions, or try to defend yourself.

The main goal here is to try to de-escalate the situation. Therefore, avoid doing anything that can cause more danger.

How to Preserve Your Claim

It is not uncommon for aggressive drivers to deny liability. Drivers with rage may even threaten victims against taking legal actions or claiming damages after the accident. You have a right to claim compensation, and your attorney can help you preserve your claim and get compensation.

To help your claim, you should do the following:

Write Down Everything

It is vital to write down everything that you can remember about the accident. Do this as soon as possible so that you get the details right. Since it is impossible to get the other driver’s details, write down their vehicle’s registration details, and everything else you can remember about them.

Write down the time the crash occurred, what the other driver did, the injuries you sustained if there were witnesses present at the scene, the action you took after the accident, and more.

Watch What You Say

The at-fault driver or their insurance company may try to assign you partial or full fault. You may want to defend yourself and explain how the accident happened. Note that you are not legally obligated to give any details about the accident to the at-fault party. They can use what you say against you, and this can cost you your claim. The at-fault party can also claim that your actions made the other driver angry, especially if you say that they were angry. 

Once you have hired an attorney, they will handle any interaction or communication with the insurance company to protect your claim. 

Consult a Car Accident Attorney

If you have been in a car accident that involves road rage, you should speak to a car accident attorney immediately. An attorney will advise you, help you preserve your claim, and ensure that you are compensated for your injuries, damages to your property, and losses. Your attorney will also help keep you safe. 

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