When referring to a car accident, the words "negligent driving" or "negligence" are often used. In situations where a driver is found negligent and caused an accident that led to injuries, you may be able to submit a claim for compensation.
Another reason a driver may be found negligent is if they were driving aggressively and became confrontational. While you should always seek medical care and legal help after such an incident, it's also important to know what you can do to protect yourself from such an individual as well. We will provide tips to stay safe while dealing with aggressive drivers in the following article.
Our recommendation is that you contact an experienced NY car accident lawyer to help you navigate your case. Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has a team of lawyers ready to help you. We are just one phone call away.
Road Rage: What Is It?
Speeding, weaving, and tailgating are just a few examples of aggressive driving. It occurs more than you think. According to a recent survey, almost 80% of drivers had at least one severe outburst of rage or aggression behind the wheel in the previous year. These outbursts can have severe repercussions. Aggressive driving contributed to 56 percent of fatal accidents over a five-year period.
In the past month, there was a fatal shooting incident in the Bronx that stemmed from a car accident. The dispute escalated and one person was shot and later pronounced dead, according to ABC7 News.
How To Deal With Aggressive Drivers Safely
You're sure to run into an aggressive driver sooner or later at some point in your life. There are a number of things you can do to hopefully diffuse any situation so that it doesn't escalate into something serious. Below are some helpful tips to avoid or reduce conflict when you do.
Let The Driver Pass You
Drivers that are enraged are usually in a rush, so move to the side without confronting them. Once they've gone, you can resume driving. After the road rage episode has ended, you should think about stopping for a moment to collect yourself before you resume driving. Residual nervousness can make driving difficult long after the incident has ended.
Don't Make Eye Contact
Avoid making eye contact if an irate driver won't pass you and instead stays close by. Angry drivers may want to confront you or even attempt to physically fight you. If you ignore them and concentrate on the road, they may move on.
Call The Police
If the driver continues to harass you, call the police to report them. Identifying information, such as a description of their car and its license plate number, as well as your location and direction of travel, should be ready to give the police.
Do Not Go Home
Avoid going to your house, your place of employment, or any other areas you visit if the aggressive driver follows you. Instead, drive to a busy public location with witnesses or, even better, a police station. Lock the car doors and keep the windows up.
What If The Person Exits Their Vehicle
The other driver might follow you to the public place where you've stopped if they're persistent and angry. Do not interact with them if they approach you after getting out of their car. To attract the attention of witnesses, honk your horn repeatedly or sound your car alarm.
If you can, write down a description of the driver, the make and model of their vehicle, and their license plate number tp you can report them after the event has ended. Call the station to report a crime in progress in the station parking lot if the motorist approaches you after you have parked into a police station.
The Law Office of Brandon J. Broderick Can Help
You are not alone if you were hurt in a car accident brought on by a negligent or aggressive driver. You can hold them liable for damages in New York. If you retain an auto accident lawyer to fight for your rights, you stand to benefit the most.
Rely on us at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law to give you the best legal service possible. Call us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.