Traffic: it can be a frustrating experience. Maybe someone cuts you off at rush-hour. Maybe someone pulls in front of you and slams on their brakes. Or perhaps you just hit a traffic jam that refuses to move. How do you react? Possibly more importantly, how do your fellow drivers react? In some cases, anger and frustration can build up, leading to road rage.
Road rage is defined by Safe Motorist as incidents when a driver “commits moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property; an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger of one motor vehicle on the operator or passengers of another motor vehicle.”
While some incidents are nothing more than impolite, others can become truly dangerous. As a driver, it’s wise to understand road rage, how to prevent it, how to protect yourself from it, and what to do if you’re a victim of it.
Let’s dive in.
How to Protect Yourself From Road Rage: What to do After a Car Accident
One of the most common events that lead to road rage is a car accident. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, follow these steps to protect yourself from injury or an angry altercation after the fact:
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Get to a Safe Place
If it’s evident that the other driver involved in the car accident is irate, make it your priority to get to a safe space. Drive your car to a public place if you can. If you can’t, stay in your car and phone the police, instead of getting out to talk to the other driver. It is not safe to confront a road rage driver on your own.
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Call the Police
The next step is always to call the police and report your accident. This is especially important if you’ve sustained a personal injury. It’s also critical if you’re dealing with an irate driver and are concerned for your own safety in the wake of an accident.
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Gather Details
While you wait for the police, write down as many details as you can. This includes the names, license plate numbers, witnesses’ names, and anyone present at the scene of the accident. If you have your phone with you, take a few photos. Remember – it’s essential to gather whatever evidence you can on your own before the police arrive.
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Call an Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a road rage incident, contact our team of personal injury attorneys in Pensacola. Again, road rage cases can be dangerous and challenging to litigate, and it’s essential to hire a skilled lawyer to help you navigate the process.
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Call Your Insurance Company
Finally, contact your insurance company to report the accident and any injuries involved. They’ll walk you through the next steps of filing a claim and help you understand what, if anything, you need to do now.
Protect Yourself From Road Rage by Getting Informed
It’s impossible to prevent road rage, but you can protect yourself. By understanding what road rage is, what causes it, and what to do if you’re involved in an accident that involves road rage. If you’ve experienced a personal injury or have been injured in a car accident, contact Ward & Barnes today. Our skilled attorneys are happy to help you with your case and advise you on your rights and options.