Does it ever seem like when you’re in a hurry to get somewhere, you get stopped at every light? The other drivers are moving at a record snail-like pace, and you just can’t seem to get where you need to be. It can be so maddening and cause you to lose your cool altogether. We’ve all been there. Road rage does not capture our finest moment, that’s for sure! What if the situation heightens, and you become involved in a road rage accident? These kinds of crashes can be caused by your own road rage or another driver. But either way, the consequences can be life-altering.
While we all know road rage behavior is unacceptable, it doesn’t always stop us from acting out. Road rage accidents are becoming more and more common today, so what are the steps you should take if you are part of such an accident? Let’s examine road rage in detail so you are prepared to handle it the best you can.
What Exactly Is Road Rage?
Yelling at the car in front of you, honking your horn, and swerving around other drivers are all part of aggressive driving and road rage behavior. But what different kinds of things should you be aware of, and what could be the cause?
- Giving no regard to traffic laws – Many drivers have the belief that the rules don’t apply to them, especially if they feel they have a good reason to ignore them.
- Being late – Running late for a necessary appointment can make you take dangerous actions that you probably wouldn’t otherwise do.
- Road construction or other traffic delays – Sitting in traffic can make you crazy, especially if you’re running late or trying to get things done quickly.
- “They don’t know me” – Thinking you’ll never see the other driver again can make people feel more comfortable acting out.
- Road rage on the regular – Even if it started small, road rage could become the norm for some people. Aggressive, dangerous driving behaviors can truly become a habit.
These aggressive driving behaviors and road rage factors can be demonstrated in many forms, including:
- Driving aggressively
- Yelling
- Cutting off other cars
- Tailgating
- Honking your horn angrily
- Purposefully “getting back” at another driver by cutting them off
- Confronting another driver outside of the car
- Blocking others from being able to change lanes
Road Rage and What You Can Do
Simply driving fast and running a yellow light is not road rage. It’s when these things escalate into something more. If the situation becomes physical or there is verbal or other inappropriate action taken toward another driver, then it is considered road rage.
It’s important to stay calm if you feel like another driver is demonstrating road rage toward you. Do what you can to avoid an aggressive driver and let them move on.
What to Do Next After a Road Rage Accident
If you find yourself a victim of road rage and become part of an accident, the most important thing to do is stay safe. If the other driver approaches you, stay calm and do what you can to separate yourself from them. Also, don’t speak to them until the police arrive.
Other ideas to stay safe from a road rage driver after an accident include:
- Dial 9-1-1 – If you are able, calling 911 as soon as you can after the accident can get medical help to you quickly as well as police that can help control the situation, especially if the other driver is still angry.
- Don’t make eye contact or speak to the other driver – Making eye contact with someone that is already angry at you can feel like a challenge. So do your best to avoid eye contact, and if possible, don’t even speak to the other driver until help arrives in the way of law enforcement.
- Stay in your vehicle – If it is safe to do so, stay in your car until the police arrive to avoid any physical or verbal altercations with the other party. Don’t honk or provoke the other driver in any way.
- Document your side of the story – As soon as you are able, document your side of the story from beginning to end. As time goes on, the exact happenings of the before, during, and after events may become fuzzy. Having everything written down will help jog your memory as well as provide support for your story in a lawsuit.
- Pictures say everything – If you have been in a crash or are just involved in a road rage incident, any kind of picture can be beneficial. If possible, take a picture of the other party’s license plate and the driver themselves if you’re able to do so safely. Also, ask local businesses for camera footage that might show who instigated things and who caused the accident. Witnesses will also be able to help provide their side of the story as well.
- Contact an attorney – As soon as you are safe and receive any medical attention that you need, contacting an attorney will be the most important step. With their help, you can pursue the person responsible for your accident, your injuries, and the damage done to your vehicle.
Road Rage Accident Compensation
Being involved in any kind of car accident can be devastating. But when it’s happened because of road rage, the other driver’s harmful and dangerous behavior can cause anxiety and fear even weeks and months after the crash. That’s why hiring an attorney to work on your behalf can ease the burden and stress of handling everything on your own.
The lawyers at Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C. can help analyze your case as well as the negligent party’s behavior. And then file a claim against them for you so that you can gather the compensation needed to cover medical bills, missed work, vehicle damage, and more.
Negligence on someone else’s part should not be something you have to pay for. Contact Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C. (504) 522-2304 for more information on how we can help in your road rage accident case.
