SKIP TO CONTENTThere you were, minding your own business on the highway when, suddenly, an angry motorcyclist came flying at you out of nowhere. They swerved, cut you off, and maybe even shouted obscenities as they zipped past. It’s no surprise that you had an accident and are thinking about hiring a motorcycle road rage incident lawyer.
Below, Bryan Garrett, PLLC, explains what to do after a road rage accident involving a motorcyclist.
Road Rage vs. Aggressive Driving
Before going into the steps to take after a road rage incident, it’s important to know the differences between road rage and aggressive driving. That’s because road rage can carry harsher penalties, and you may be able to collect more compensation.
Aggressive driving includes actions such as swerving, braking too hard, flashing headlights at other drivers, and honking.
Road rage is a step above aggressive driving. It involves the motorcyclist intentionally making drivers fear for their safety. Hallmarks of road rage include:
- Yelling obscenities or making angry gestures at drivers
- Purposely bumping into vehicles
- Brandishing a weapon at drivers
- Forcing cars off the road
What To Do After a Road Rage Accident
Road rage accidents are quite different from normal car accidents because the motorcyclist may have intentionally meant to harm you. Here’s how to increase your chances of fully recovering your damages with the help of a motorcycle road rage incident lawyer.
Take Good Pictures and Video
If it’s safe to do so, take pictures of the accident scene. Take photos of your injuries, your car, the motorcyclist, road debris, etc. Video can also be extremely helpful, especially if the motorcyclist still acts aggressively after the crash.
Do not emerge from your car if you think the motorcyclist might harm you. Call the police and record their actions from inside the vehicle where it’s safe.
Call the Police
If other drivers spotted the motorcyclist acting aggressively, someone has likely already called the police. If they haven’t arrived yet, call them yourself. The police may arrest the motorcyclist and make a report regarding what happened. They will also talk to witnesses and investigate the scene.
See a Doctor
Seeing a doctor is important after any car accident — all the more so after a road rage incident. If the driver attacked you, you might have broken bones or a serious head injury. Have your injuries treated quickly so they don’t worsen. Seeking treatment also creates a paper trail, which will help your motorcycle road rage incident lawyer with proving fault.
Contact the Insurance Company
Because Oklahoma is an at-fault state, you’ll need to make a claim with the motorcyclist’s auto insurance company. The insurer will calculate your damages and negotiate for a settlement.
It’s not uncommon for at-fault drivers to flee after a road rage incident, and if the driver who hit you runs, you probably didn’t have the chance to ask for their insurance information. The police can give you this information after they track the driver down.
Call a Motorcycle Road Rage Incident Lawyer
Calling a motorcycle accident lawyer is a necessity after a road rage accident. They can help you build a case against the at-fault motorcyclist, determine liability, and negotiate with the insurance company for your personal injury claim. If the motorcyclist has no insurance, they can file a lawsuit and take them to court.
Hit by an Angry Driver? Call Bryan Garrett, PLLC
The vast majority of motorcyclists are peaceful, but there are always a few bad apples in the bunch. If an aggressive biker hit your car despite your defensive driving efforts, contact Bryan Garrett, PLLC, at (405) 839-8424 for a consultation with a motorcycle road rage incident lawyer.
