New Year’s Eve and Day are two of the busiest days in terms of car accidents, and that’s even before factoring in all of the normal things that drivers do that leads to a collision. Interstate 90 in Spokane sees a lot of these accidents, which are made worse when the other driver tries to run away.
A story from the Spokesman-Review detailed one such accident that left two people injured on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Washington State Patrol (WSP) officers responded to the scene of the accident, near the Argonne Road entrance of I-90 around 9:37 a.m. When they arrived, they found that two people in a Toyota Tacoma had been injured when they were rear-ended by a Ford pickup and pushed up the embankment in a “road rage” incident. The driver of the Ford pickup fled the scene, but was later identified as a 64-year-old man. He was then booked into Spokane County Jail after he turned himself in, and is facing a felony hit-and-run charge.
The right lane of I-90 was shut down for three hours while crews cleared the scene.
Can You File a Claim If You’re Injured in a Road Rage Accident?
As the story above shows, road rage can make an already difficult situation much worse. Not only does it lead to collisions–it also makes it much more likely that the person that hits you will be in such a condition that they leave the scene and make it difficult to even file a claim.
But even in a road rage incident, you have legal options. Namely, you can either file an insurance claim or a lawsuit and recover damages. But it’s important to protect your safety by doing the following things if you’re in one of these accidents:
- Stay calm – If you are being harassed by an aggressive driver, keep your emotions in check. Responding with anger can escalate the situation and make things worse.
- Don’t engage – Avoid making eye contact or reacting to the other driver’s behavior. Retaliating, honking, or using hand gestures can provoke further aggression. Instead, focus on driving safely.
- Create distance – Increase the space between your vehicle and the aggressive driver by slowing down or switching lanes. Let them pass and move away.
- Call 911 – If the other driver is threatening or following you, call 911. Provide important details, like their vehicle description, location, and direction they’re going in.
- Get to safety – If you feel unsafe, drive to a public area like a gas station, police station, or a busy parking lot where you can get help.
Although road rage situations can leave you feeling helpless and scared, these steps can help you avoid accidents. If an accident does happen, don’t confront the other driver. Instead, call 911 and let the police handle the situation. After that, our car accident lawyers at CCD Law are here to guide you through the claims process.
CCD Law Can Help You After a Road Rage Accident in Spokane
Road rage accidents in Spokane are both troubling and entirely preventable. While you aren’t legally required to hire a lawyer for a car accident, road rage incidents often involve severe injuries and emotional stress. Proving that another driver was “in the act” of road rage can also be challenging without proper evidence. That’s where our team’s experience and support can be crucial. CCD Law can help you by:
- Explaining your options and legal rights
- Figuring out who should pay for your damages, even when it’s complicated.
- Getting evidence like witness statements or videos to prove the other driver’s actions.
- Working with insurance companies to get you a fair settlement.
- Helping you through the legal process to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
We’re here to make things easier for you. If you’ve been hurt in a road rage accident in Spokane, contact us for a free consultation.
