Being followed, whether on foot or in your car, is an unsettling and frightening experience. It’s easy to dismiss the idea, thinking someone wouldn’t follow you because you’re just an ordinary person without celebrity or wealth. However, the reality is that many average individuals are targeted for various reasons. If you find yourself in this nerve-wracking situation, Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C. is here to help. With our expertise in legal matters, we can guide you through options to safeguard your rights and address any potential threats to your safety.
Below are actions you can take if you’re being followed in your car.
#1 - Verify that you’re being followed.
If you’re being followed by a road rager for accidentally cutting them off a few miles back, it will likely be easy to tell. However, if someone is truly attempting to stalk you, they may drive past you occasionally, then change lanes and fall behind you. Be aware of any vehicles that make all the same turns as you.
A good way to verify that someone is following you on a multi-lane road is by slowing down and moving over to the right lane. Start driving the speed limit, and see if the car behind you continues to follow you.
Another effective way to identify a stalker is to engage in odd behavior. If you are driving on the highway, take an exit, and then immediately get back on the highway. If the car is still behind you, there’s a good chance you’re being followed.
If you’re on the street, make four right (or left) turns to see if the other person mimics your actions. If you’re still being followed, someone may be stalking you.
#2 - Don’t panic.
It’s not a good idea to start speeding, try to make sudden turns, or hide in alleyways. The last thing you want to do is crash your vehicle while trying to evade a stalker. Remain calm and follow the steps below.
#3 - Call 911.
If you believe you are in danger, it’s in your best interest to call the police right away and alert them of the situation. If local authorities are the ones following you, they will disengage after you call the police. If another law enforcement agency is following you, the local police may pull them over. If a personal investigator, road-rager, or someone else is following you, the police will be the best people to handle the situation.
#4 - Drive to a public place, such as the police station.
Whichever public place you choose to go, be sure there are lots of people around. Go to a crowded restaurant or coffee shop and take a seat. Go to a shopping mall or big box store.
You have two advantages by doing this:
- You are shielded by the crowd
- You can observe your stalker, take down their description, and give it to the police
Perhaps the best public place to go in a situation like this is to the nearest police station. Park right up front and walk straight into the station. Your stalker will likely stop following you by this point, but it’s still a good idea to provide their description to the police.
#5 - Switch up your routine.
If driving to a crowded public place is not a readily available option, be sure you don’t go straight home, especially if you think your stalker intends to harm you. Take various routes home from day to day, if possible.
If the person following you knows your routine, it will throw them off if you go somewhere else that they don’t expect.
Prioritize Your Safety and Legal Options With Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C.
Some people might suggest following the person who is trailing you, but this approach can be risky and is not generally advisable. If the individual following you has harmful intentions, engaging with them could escalate the situation. Instead, your priority should be remaining calm and finding a safe location.
If you suspect someone is stalking you or you’ve been involved in an injury-sustaining crash while trying to evade a follower, the team at Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C. is here to help. Our experienced attorneys can guide you in taking legal action to protect your rights and hold the responsible party accountable. Whether you’ve suffered an injury or are grappling with the distress caused by stalking, we are committed to helping you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.
Contact our team at today to discuss the details of your case.