Road rage has become more common in recent years and can turn a minor traffic accident into a deadly encounter. Arrests are still being made in the road rage incident that occurred on the Henry Hudson Parkway in New York on September 29, 2013. The incident, which was caught on tape, involved a gang of motorcyclists beating the driver of an SUV. The bikers were travelling in a pack that included several off-duty police officers when the SUV struck the rear of a motorcycle that had pulled in front and then slowed down unexpectedly. The motorcyclists then surrounded the SUV being driven by Alexian Lien who had his wife and 2 year old daughter with him. Mr. Lien sped up to attempt to flee, hitting several motorcycles in the process. The bikers caught up and surrounded the SUV, pulled Mr. Lien from the vehicle and beat him mercilessly. Mr. Lien survived and was taken to the hospital while nine bikers have so far been arrested for their part in the assault.
The five things not to do when you are in a car accident
Being involved in a car accident is scary and it is often difficult to think straight. You may also be dealing with an adrenaline rush and pain from injuries suffered in the crash. A confrontation with the other driver can only make things worse. It is important that you get the medical attention you need and that the police assess what happened. The following should be avoided:
- Do not argue about how the accident occurred with the other driver or anyone else arriving on the scene; wait until the police arrive to take statements
- Do not stand in the roadway outside your car while waiting for the police and ambulance to arrive; remain on the sidewalk or in your car if it is in a safe location
- Do not move your vehicle following the accident unless it is dangerously blocking traffic or until directed to by police, and first take pictures documenting its location
- Do not refuse an ambulance if you are in any pain following the accident
- Do not give any statements at the scene or the days following the accident, other than to the police and medical personnel, until you have consulted with a Florida car accident attorney
A knowledgeable and experienced Florida car accident attorney should be the first person you talk to other than the police, your family, and your doctors when you are injured in a motor vehicle accident.