The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) defines aggressive driving as committing several traffic offenses and endangering the lives of road users or damaging their property. Aggressive driving is a significant factor in road rage and a leading cause of fatal road accidents in the United States. Road rage can happen through acts such as pulling up on another driver’s bumper, braking suddenly, or trying to tap the other vehicle’s bumper. These accidents also occur because angry or irate drivers are more likely to make serious mistakes that can cause severe accidents.
If you have been involved in a car accident caused by road rage in Georgia, call an experienced car accident attorney in Savannah, Georgia, to help keep you safe, determine fault, and file a lawsuit if necessary.
What to Do when in a Road Rage Crash
Drivers who experience road rage tend to confront other drivers or road users quickly and can also cause them harm. Therefore, it is always a good idea to avoid engaging or confronting an angry driver because it can put you in harm’s way.
If you can, drive off to a public place. Your goal in these types of accidents is to deescalate the situation and minimize harm or damages. Remember, it is almost impossible to deal or reason with an angry driver. To stay safe, you should do the following:
Call the Police
It is always a good idea to call the police when involved in an accident. However, if the accident involves rage, you should call 911 as soon as possible and let the operator know that your life might be in danger because of the angry driver.
Stay Put
It is best not to leave your vehicle if you are involved in a road rage accident. If you cannot leave the scene, the best thing to do is to stay in your car and lock the doors. Only leave the vehicle if staying in it is also risky. For example, if they threaten to burn it down.
Do Not Engage
Always avoid making eye contact with an angry driver. You do not have to answer their questions, apologize or get their details. It is natural to want to defend yourself, mostly if they blame you for the crash. However, this can only make things worse. Ignore them, call your lawyer, and wait for the police.
Leave the Scene
If you suspect that the other driver is getting more agitated and your life might be at risk, drive off and stop in a more populated area such as a mall. Angry drivers are less likely to be violent when there are witnesses around.
How to Preserve Your Claim
It is easy to lose your cool in a road rage accident, and this can affect your claim even if the other driver is at fault. You can say something that the at-fault insurance company can use against you, or the other driver can also sue you for assault in case you get into a fight.
To help preserve your claim, you should try and note all that happened as soon as possible. For example, write down what you saw, what the other driver did, the time of the accident, weather conditions, how the accident occurred, and the nature of your injuries.
If there are any witnesses at the scene, collect their statements and contact information. Also, do not forget to collect the police officer’s details at the scene and go to the hospital. Your lawyer will use all these details and reports to support your claim.
Get Help to Deal with Road Rage Accidents
Car Accident lawyers know how to handle road rage accidents. They will help keep victims and ensure that they get compensated for the injuries or damages sustained. If you have questions or are unsure if you should make a claim, call a car accident attorney and get the right legal help and advice for your case.
