One of the last things you want to have to deal with after a crash is the other driver approaching your vehicle yelling or screaming at you or making threats. Unfortunately, this happens, even though the other driver may be to blame for the crash.

You do not know this person, so it is difficult to know how serious the other driver may be about any threats he or she makes. Even though you do not want to simply sit there and take the verbal abuse, engaging with the other driver could make things worse.

It is important to know how to respond to these situations to stay safe, after all you may already be injured, and you do not want to suffer further injury.

If you were injured in a crash caused by another driver, call today to discuss possible legal options with a Bloomington-based car accident lawyer. There are no upfront fees.

Why do Drivers Experience Road Rage?

There are many reasons why someone may experience road rage. For example, drivers who often drive in an aggressive manner may experience road rage. People who speed on a regular basis are more likely to have road rage.

Other reasons people experience road rage include:

How Road Rage Can Lead to a Crash

It is important to note there is a difference between aggressive driving and road rage. Someone can drive in an aggressive manner without experiencing road rage. The difference is those having a bout of road rage intend to do harm to others by using their vehicle as a weapon.

For example, many people speed, but they are not all experiencing road rage. However, if someone intentionally tailgates another vehicle with the intent to scare the driver or cause a rear-end crash, it is an example of road rage.

Other examples of road rage include:

All these things could potentially lead to a crash that injures another driver. Road rage could also cause other drivers to act aggressively, potentially putting others at risk for a crash.

What if I Get into a Crash Because of Road Rage?

You should take steps to try to prevent the situation from escalating. If the other driver approaches you, do not make eye contact and do not get out of your car. Call the police and wait for them to arrive. You should also lock your doors.

It can be difficult to simply sit there listening to someone call you names or make threats, but if you engage, you risk making things worse.

When you call the police, tell the dispatcher if the other driver is confronting you or is angry and making threats.

Sometimes it may be best to drive to the nearest police station instead of pulling over. Hopefully, this results in the driver calming down, but if not, the police will be around to help protect you.

Are There Ways to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Road Rage?

There is no foolproof way to avoid ever becoming a victim of road rage – you cannot control the actions of other drivers. However, there are some things you can do that may reduce your risk:

• Avoid getting overly angry with other drivers – There is no need to take the actions of other drivers personally. Avoid making eye contact or gesturing at other drivers, as this could cause the situation to escalate.
• Try to be considerate of the drivers around you – This means avoiding distractions, avoiding tailgating other vehicles, and making sure to check your blind spots before changing lanes.
• Never pull over and bring your car to a stop ­– There is no way to know how a situation may escalate. If you stop your car, you are giving the other driver a chance to get out and confront you, and potentially initiate physical violence against you. You do not know if this person has a gun or other weapon.
• Never drive to your home or place of work if an angry driver is following you – You do not want to show this person where you live or work.
• Avoid using your horn – You should only use this if you are trying to prevent a crash. People can get very angry when they are honked at, particularly if someone holds down the horn for more than a second or two.

Contact Us to Schedule a Free Case Review

After a crash involving a driver who has road rage, you may not be sure what to do or who may be able to help you. That is why talking to an experienced attorney can be an important step. You may be eligible for compensation for medical bills for treating any injuries caused by the crash as well as other damages that were caused by an angry driver.

For nearly 20 years, TSR Injury Law has helped crash victims in Minnesota pursue the compensation they need and have recovered millions on their behalf.

We offer a free consultation and do not charge you anything up front or while we work to build your case.

Call today to learn more about our services. Phone: (612) TSR-TIME.