Minor road accident. What could have I done differently?
So after reading many road rage situation, I finally met with a mild one.
This morning I was coming out of my street and just where it meets main cross there is a sharp 90 deg turn. There wasn't much traffic but I always take proper precautions while turning (Driving almost at 5kmph, look both side, honk). It's single lane road.
While crossing I have to cross right lane and come to left lane. While I was coming out slowt, many people stopped their vehicle to give me space. So right lane stopped moving and there were no cars on left lane, so I proceed to cross and come to my lane. But at that moment one cab came with full speed from opposite site (overtaking stopped vehicles in his lane and nicked my car bumper). His back door got scratched.
We both stopped on the side of road and came out of vehicle to assess the damage. Then he started shouting that it's my fault and so on. I knew I was not in wrong, I wasn't speeding, I wasn't on wrong side, etc. I didn't accept his blame. I have dashcam, so I asked him I can show that he hit an almost stopped car. He didn't accept it naturally.
Then I offered him that I have third party insurance, he can use it. He refused. I asked him to claim his insurance and if there's any additional amount I'll pay. He refused it.
He threatened me to come to police station. I gladly accepted. I also acted to call 112, and coincidentally a police van approached towards us in next 5 mins. It didn't stop, but I couldn see his terrified face when he saw police car. By the time many people gathered around and there was a good person who tried meditating by speaking kanadda to him. He said police might take money from both of us and take his side.
I didn't see point going to police station as he wasn't rude or threatening. I also didn't want to escalate it as there was no physical damage to any of us. In the end I gave him 1500 and we both went our way. He was asking for 4000. That person negotiated it.
I don't try to fight unnecessary with anyone. We all have so much stress already, why add to it? I believe it was a fair amount given all the stress and hassle it saved me from.
Do you think I could have done better?
I shouldn't have accepted the blame and should have started shouting first blaming him?
I should have gone to police station (I was ready, he was reluctant when I agreed)
Should have called 112.
Anything else?
PS: This is NOT a language war, the person helped me was a Kannadiga and very respectful.