Keep a Post-auto Accident Plan in Your Glove Box

Few drivers have been in situations in which other motorists don't annoy them. While it's ideal if you can take a deep breath and avoid escalating the situation, you may sometimes be tempted to show your frustration for the other driver. Road rage is a serious concern — what might begin with an innocent mistake, such as cutting someone off, can lead to a verbal exchange and eventually a physical confrontation, as well as some manner of automotive collision. When you're in a road rage-caused car accident, you may face charges related to the accident, such as failure to stay in your lane and speeding. Other charges may also be a reality upon the police's investigation.

Assault

If your road rage incident has resulted in a physical confrontation, assault charges will be likely. As soon as you and the other driver pull over to the side of the road and get out to confront each other, it's easy for this argument to turn physical. A car accident of any type is serious enough, but when you add an assault charge to the mix, you've quickly made your situation even worse. In some cases, you may get charged with assault with a weapon if you retrieve something from your vehicle to use against your foe.

Open Container

Those who are drinking will commonly exhibit more lapses in judgment than those who aren't. You should never drink and drive, but if you do and end up in a road rage scenario, you're apt to see additional charges. For example, when a police officer responds to the scene, he or she may notice an open container of alcohol in your car. The officer will then tack on a charge of having an open container and will likely administer a field sobriety test — perhaps leading to yet another charge of driving under the influence.

Reckless Driving

A charge for reckless driving is also a reality when you're in a road rage incident. Before you ever get out of your car and turn the disagreement into a verbal or physical altercation, it's common to drive in a reckless and aggressive manner. For example, after being cut off, you might speed up, aggressively weave through traffic, and then cut in front of the other driver and slam on your brakes. Or, you might drive precariously close to him or her and pretend that you're going to ram the vehicle. An experienced car accident attorney is your best advocate after a road rage incident, but you should always do what you can to avoid finding yourself in such a situation.

Contact an attorney, like Teresa P Williams, for more help.