It’s common to see other drivers speeding down major roadways, weaving through traffic, or accelerating quickly out of anger. We often encounter drivers like this when going about our business. While it can be an unpleasant experience, it doesn’t have to turn into a catastrophe or fatal situation.
There are many ordinary drivers who lose their cool on the road at some point. These drivers may have not given themselves enough time to get to work or may be in a hurry to get somewhere. Traffic jams, slow drivers, and other inconveniences can cause them to overreact. They may also be having a bad day due to circumstances unrelated to driving.
If you encounter a driver like this, it’s best to take these precautions:
- Don’t take it personally. It can be tempting to want to snap back at an aggressive driver but doing so can only make matters worse. If a driver is acting rudely towards you, simply ignore it. This can de-escalate the situation.
- Let tailgaters pass. There is no sense in staying in front of a tailgater to prove a point. If you’re being aggressively tailgated by another driver, simply pull over and let them pass. Doing so can prevent an incident of road rage or a potential rear-end collision.
What if I’m being followed or confronted by another driver?
There are some drivers who simply don’t have any regard for the law and don’t care about who they hurt. If you inconvenience one of these drivers, they may engage in outright road rage. This could include:
- Throwing objects at you
- Purposely trying to run you off the road or ramming your car
- Aggressively tailgating you
- Following or chasing you
- Getting out to confront you
When encountering drivers like this, it’s best to keep your windows closed and doors locked, especially when stopped at intersections. If you are being followed or chased, call the police immediately or drive to the nearest police station.
What should I do if I was injured in a crash with an aggressive driver?
If you were hurt in a crash caused by an aggressive driver, it’s important that you seek prompt medical attention and speak to an experienced Maine car accident attorney. You may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, wage loss if you can’t work, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Your attorney may also seek punitive damages if malicious intent or gross negligence was the cause of your crash.
To learn more about your legal rights, contact Jabar LaLiberty & Dubord, LLC and schedule your free and confidential case consultation. Our law offices are located in Waterville and Portland.