Falsely accused by a motorist; Advice?

Have any of you had someone falsely accuse you of damaging their car on your bike? I am ok, but had a woman chase me in her car saying I broke her tail light. I'm home now, I don't think she was able to follow me, but am not sure if there is something I should do. I didn't get a good look at her or notice the make/model/license plate # of her car.

I did try to talk to her at first, but realized quickly that wasn't going to do any good. I luckily was by a street that was backed up with a truck that I could get by and she couldn't so I headed east and then went home on a different northbound street.

I'm just a bit shaken and not sure if there's something I'm supposed to do. I wasn't injured or anything, and mostly I'm not thinking there is anything I can do about it. 

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Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on September 26, 2017 at 9:27am
You did the right thing.
Don't be intimidated by false accusations and put yourself in any physical danger.
Avoid trying to reason with psychotic road raging vehicle drivers.
Only once express firmly to the driver that you did not touch nor harm their vehicle.
State your innocence, "You must be mistaken!"
Then IGNORE and move on!
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on September 26, 2017 at 10:11am

Some people I know have had drivers either get out of the car and assault them (or attempt to assault them) or try to hit them with their cars. Sometimes it's better to escape and call it in. If there are witnesses, ask for their help, like asking them IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER to call 911 because you're being threatened.

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on September 26, 2017 at 10:11am
Geez clp, your response conflicts with your advice to a fellow cyclist yesterday.
Aren't you being a tad bit hypocritical? no . . .

Reply by clp yesterday

"Geez Brian, you're a daring guy!   I'd never be banging on people's cars just because I disapproved of their parking spot...you're likely to get shot!  After all, this is Murder Capital of the US!  And someone whose roof you bang might be packin'."

.
Permalink Reply by David Barish on September 26, 2017 at 11:12am

I think there is a difference between banging  on  somebody's car and not  running  away.  Staying  at the scene to  engage in conversation in an  even tone is a far cry from  banging on the car.  I  see that  as a middle  ground. That being said,  each rider  has to use their  own judgement as to whether sticking  around to discuss is  safe and  whether  leaving  is a best  option.  I like Anne's suggestion  of  a preemptive strike of reporting. If the driver is claiming  you  did something and  you  are certain you  did not do that  something call it in and be the level  headed adult on  the scene when  the authorities show up. 

Permalink Reply by mike w. on September 26, 2017 at 1:46pm

i gotta ask, clp, why were you calling "some girl" "fat?"

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on September 26, 2017 at 2:10pm
oh, wait mike, i would just like to say goodbye first. bye clp, it was fun. not . . .

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