Getting injured in a road rage accident is a scary experience that most people don’t expect to go through. These incidents occur when another driver on the road behaves aggressively and puts you at risk. This often includes yelling, brake checking, cutting someone off in traffic, or even trying to force another car off the road.
If you’re injured because someone engages in this type of behavior, you may have a St. Louis car accident claim for compensation if you’ve experienced injuries and losses. Understanding what to do after this type of accident is an important first step.
Get to Safety
Your immediate safety should always come first after a road rage accident. If you can, put as much distance as possible between yourself and the aggressive driver. You may need to change lanes, turn at the next intersection, take an exit if you’re on the highway, or just pull over to the side of the road if you’re in a public place.
If the other person continues to act aggressively, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked and windows up. Getting out could put you at risk for another confrontation.
Call 911 Immediately
Road rage is more serious than an accidental car accident, and the behavior often crosses into criminal actions. If you’re involved in a road rage incident, you should call 911 as soon as it’s safe to do so. You want a police officer to come to the scene and create an official police report, which can help if you file any kind of claim in the future.
Seek Medical Care
Some people think they feel okay, so they skip the doctor, especially if the accident did not result in obvious injuries. However, right after a collision, adrenaline can cover up pain. Problems like whiplash, concussions, or even internal injuries may not become apparent to you for hours or even days.
If you see a doctor, they can run tests and catch some of these injuries sooner, which can help your recovery. Medical records are also important documentation if you decide to file a claim for compensation in the future.
Do Not Confront the Other Driver
No matter what happened, do not get out and argue with the other driver. People are unpredictable, and anyone who is engaging in dangerous road rage behaviors may also engage in other unsafe behaviors and could even be armed. Your focus should be on getting the police to the scene and keeping yourself safe.
These steps help protect you both physically and legally when you’re dealing with an aggressive driver.
Criminal Charges and Civil Claims After a Road Rage Incident
Road rage accidents can lead to criminal charges as well as civil claims in some cases. If the police respond to an incident and determine that the driver broke the law, they can arrest them and the prosecutor may decide to file charges. This is about punishing the driver and protecting the public.
A civil claim is about the injured party filing a lawsuit against the driver to recover compensation for damages and losses. It’s brought by you, not the state.
If you are injured because another driver behaved aggressively, a civil lawsuit or settlement can provide financial payment for your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. You have the right to pursue civil compensation no matter what happens with any criminal charges.
Even if no criminal charges are ever filed, or if they are and the defendant is acquitted, you may still have a strong civil claim.
If you’ve been injured because of road rage, our team can determine if you have the ability to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit in St. Louis, and what the best course of action is. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation to explore your options.