15 Things You Didn t Know About Auto Accident Lawyers
What to Do If You Get in an Auto Accident
A car accident can result in devastating consequences. It can result in the loss of income and benefits, massive out-of-pocket costs, and severe injuries that require extensive treatment.
You can aid yourself and others by remaining secure if you're a victim of a car accident or a witness.
Avoid distractions
Distracted driving can have a major impact on both your safety and that of other drivers. Some of the most common distractions are texting, eating and grooming.
If distracted drivers are involved in an accident, it can cause serious injuries and even death for the people who are around them. This is because distracted driving may cause drivers to disregard dangers and unexpected issues right in front of them, or to ignore important road signs.
Distractions are anything that diverts drivers' attention away from the road and causes them to lose control of their vehicle. They can be visual, manual or cognitive and each has its own unique characteristics.
Visual distractions include things that distract drivers from the road. Examples include using a GPS or reading a signboard or rubbernecking a car accident. This can be dangerous, especially if the driver is driving at highway speeds and passing other vehicles or pedestrians.
Manual distractions can also be dangerous, especially when drivers aren't paying attention to the road and cannot react quickly enough. Driving while eating is a huge distraction as can switching the radio station or looking to something behind the car.
Cognitive distractions are a less visible but equally deadly category of distractions. These distractions can include calling, singing or pondering an emotionally charged event. They could also be indicators of drowsiness which can make it hard for a driver stay focused on the road.
The best way to stay clear of distractions while driving is to set boundaries and practice attentive driving. This can be accomplished by living by example and setting rules to restrict screen time.
It's important that we remember that everyone is at risk for being distracted while driving, and it's not just teens or drivers who are just starting out. Even pets, older people and drivers who are tired are all distractions while driving.
You can also encourage them to put their mobile phone on "do not disturb" mode and switch it off when they are driving. You can also encourage them to put their cell phone on "do not distract" mode and turn off the device when they're behind the wheel.
Staying Away
Maintaining a safe distance from vehicle in the front of you is one of the most important things you can do for your car's safety. This can prevent collisions, and also safeguard you and those who are around you from injury or death.
There are numerous methods to ensure you're traveling at the right distance. You can make use of the 3-second calculation to determine if you are following too closely.
The 3-second rule is based on the fact that you require approximately three seconds to react when a vehicle suddenly brakes. If you are too close to the car in front of you, it could be difficult to stop safely.
This is especially true of truck drivers, who need ample space to safely brake as they approach an end. Many accidents involving semis and big rigs are caused by drivers who fail to follow this road rule and could result in serious injuries or even fatalities for everyone involved.
In addition to using the three-second rule, it is possible to also measure your distance to follow by finding an object fixed in the ground and calculating the time it takes you to arrive at the same point after the vehicle ahead of you passes it. This can be done by watching the car accident injury attorneys near me in advance pass an overhead sign, a tree or any other roadside markers.
Once you've figured out how long it takes your car to reach that spot after the other car passes it, you can begin counting again. Start counting 1-1,000, 2-1,000, and finally, 3-1,000, until you reach three seconds between you and the car in front of you.
If you're not able achieve three seconds, then increase your following distance gradually until you are there. It may mean slowed down to avoid a collision however, the effort worth it.
The most common rear-end collisions occur when drivers are too close to the vehicle in front. By increasing your following distance and utilizing the 3-second rule, you will be able to prevent these crashes as well as other collisions that could cause serious damage to your vehicle and those attorney near me car accident you.
Avoiding Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are among the most frequent auto accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rear-end collisions are responsible for more than a third of all accidents and cause 2,000 deaths annually in the United States.
While front-end collisions are more fatal, rear-end collisions can be still a significant cause of injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions can also lead to a range of soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash.
These accidents can leave drivers with significant pain and discomfort in the back, shoulder and neck areas. They often require physical therapy, medical bills, and lost wages to heal from.
Keep your distance from other cars to avoid an accident. This means that you must follow behind them at a reasonable speed and not tailgate them.
If you drive too close, it can increase the chance of a rear-end collision as you won't have enough time to be able to recognize and react to dangers, like slow or stopped traffic in ahead of you. The National Safety Council recommends a minimum of three seconds of follow-through for passenger cars, and even more for larger vehicles.
When weather or road conditions are bad, rear-end collisions are more risky. If you're driving in extreme snow or rain for instance you must increase your following distance and use extra care.
Check your rear-view-mirror frequently to avoid a rear-end collision. This will depend on the volume of the road ahead of you. This will allow you to discern if a motorist behind you has reduced speed or applied the brakes.
Another great habit to keep is to use your turn signals when changing lanes or leaving parking lots. This helps the driver behind you see your car accident lawyers near me and can prevent them from swerving out of lane to cause a collision with you.
Always ensure that children are in the back of the vehicle when you travel with them. This will prevent children from bouncing around in the vehicle, or becoming confused and distracted while you are driving.
It is also a good idea to not use your phone while driving and refrain from using it to distract you. Talking on the phone or texting can lead to rear-end collisions.
Keep Your Engine Running
The engine in your car is one of the most important parts for you as a driver, but it can be a hassle. In the event of an accident, you may notice that your car's engine doesn't start when you turn the key.
This is not a problem that's easy to diagnose and fix, so it's best to bring your car for a routine check-up immediately after the check engine light turns on. The lights will indicate you if your vehicle is experiencing an issue in the area of battery temperature, temperature alternator or in any other area.
If you're having trouble starting your lawyer car accidents (next page) after a minor accident, it could be the result of a tripped inertial switch that shuts off power to the vehicle's fuel pump. This switch is intended to stop your top rated car accident attorney from burning in the case of a collision, however, it could also cause damage to your engine if tripped.
Another reason why you may not be able to start your engine following an accident is that the crash could have caused your vehicle's transmission to stop working properly. In this instance you'll have to seek the help of an expert mechanic to determine the cause of the issue, and then fix it before you can begin your vehicle again.
Even if your car is equipped with an engine that's healthy is still necessary to run it every once in intervals to ensure it's properly lubricated and running. This can be accomplished by turning the engine and letting it warm up for 30 seconds or for a few minutes.
This is the time to check all the belts, hoses and air cleaners in your vehicle to ensure they're working correctly. This will increase your fuel mileage and keep your vehicle operating smoothly.
This is also a great way to ensure that your tires are inflated properly. Properly inflated tires will allow them to take on the road more effectively and reduce the risk of a blowout or any other damage.
