In the case of an ALMOST accident, is it illegal to refuse to show ID?

Question

Okay today I was driving into a sub from the other side of the road (so I was directly perpendicular to the road). I didnt think anyone was coming, so I went ahead. Out of nowhere, a large van comes at me, and narrowly misses. I was a little bit into the road when this happened, and am pretty sure he saw me down the road. There was no one behind him, so I don't know why he didn't slow down.

I then pulled over inside the sub, and he comes out red faced and yells and swears. He takes down my plate number and I show him my license (he got my name). Then I ask him for ID, and he gets into his car and refuses. I say I'm not going to leave until he shows me ID, and he gets out, pushes me, and gets back in and speeds away (while flicking me off). As he was going down the road I memorized his license plate number.

Is it illegal to do what he did and not show ID? I went to the house I stopped in front of and got the information of a woman who saw the whole thing, and from what she saw he was a complete hothead who assaulted a minor (I'm 17, and the guy was over 50).

What should I do?? Should I go to the cops? Or should I just hope he doesn't do anything?

Answer 1

Call the police and report an assault then give them the license plate information.

Answer 2

It is legal to leave the scene of an accident if your physical safety is in jeopardy.

Answer 3

He was just a bully picking on someone he thought he could push around. If he had hit your car it would have been his fault so there is nothing to report you for.

Don't go giving your information to people whom you have not had a real accident with. It is not necessary to identify yourself at every hothead's request.

Answer 4

This is the case of Clueless Irresponsible Driver Meets Hothead.

No accident = nobody has to give information. If there had been an accident, it would have been at least partially if not totally your fault.  People driving down the road are not required to slow down to allow you to turn in front of them.

Your sorry driving does not give him license to push you, but with no injuries it's highly unlikely he'll be charged.

Consider yourself lucky.  

Answer 5

"?" and Fishguy are both right.

But I'd really take Fishguy's advice.  Now that you've given this a*hole your info, anything can happen!  Better to contact the police, give them your info and the guy's tag number, and see what they think.

At the very least, it will be on record and you'll know (or at least the police will know) who the person is, by name and address.

Don't give info out unless you're fairly sure the person you are dealing with is sane and reasonable!

Answer 6

I don't think anyone has to show ID if it wasn't an actuala accident..............but he pushed you and bullied you, causing a scene and that's illegal.  That's assault, battery, & disorderly conduct.