If you had signaled he may have just thought of something else to yell at you for. Using the law as a reason (inaccurately) just made him feel more justified.

If he did in fact brake hard at the last moment, as it seems he did according to your story, being further into the lane may have prevented this. Then he would have determined much sooner that he couldn't make it past you. Also, you'd have been on cleaner pavement, making signaling much easier and safer.

I like to signal in this situation when near a turn with a driver close behind, because letting them know I'm about to turn usually makes them decide to wait a few seconds and not make a risky pass. Then, after they treat me safely they get a friendly wave. This outcome is way more common than yelling. (though I had one of those last week)