10 Life Lessons We Can Take From Auto Accident Lawyers
What to Do If You Get in an Auto Accident
A car wreck attorney near me accident can have devastating consequences. It could result in loss of income and benefits, large cost out of pocket, and severe injuries that require extensive treatment.
You can aid yourself and others by staying protected if you're the victim of a car crash or a witness to one.
Avoid distractions
If you're distracted while driving, it could be a major risk to your safety and that of others. Some of the most common distractions include eating, texting and grooming.
Distracted drivers could cause serious injuries or death to those in their vicinity. This is because distracted driving can cause drivers to disregard dangers and unexpected complications that are in front of them or miss important road warning signs.
Distractions could be anything that diverts a driver's attention away from the road, causing them to lose control. They can be either visual as well as cognitive, manual or both and each has its own unique characteristics.
Visual distractions are the things that distract drivers' attention from the road, such as using a GPS or looking at the billboard, or even rubbernecking in an accident. This can be very dangerous particularly when the driver is driving at highway speeds or they are passing other vehicles or pedestrians.
Manual distractions can be dangerous, especially when drivers aren't paying attention to the road and do not react quickly enough. Drinking while driving or changing the radio station, or reaching for something in the backseat can be extremely distracting.
Cognitive distractions are a less obvious but equally deadly type of distractions. These can be distractions like conversations on a cell phone, singing or thinking about an emotionally charged event. They can also be signs of drowsiness which can make it difficult for drivers to stay focused on the road.
Set boundaries and practice an attentive driving to avoid distractions while driving. This can be done by modeling behavior and setting rules to limit screen time.
It's important to keep in mind that everyone is at risk for being distracted while driving, and it's certainly not just teens or drivers who are just starting out. Even pets, elderly people and drowsy motorists are all distractions while driving.
You can also ask them to put their phone on "do not disturb" mode and switch it off when they are behind the wheel. You can also suggest to your friend to turn off their mobile and put it on "do-not-disturb" mode while they drive.
Beware of Your Distance
Maintaining a safe distance from vehicle in front of you is one of the best car crash attorney ways to ensure your car's safety. This can help prevent a collision, and ensure that you are protected and the people near you from injury and death.
There are several methods to ensure you're following the correct distance. You can apply the 3-second formula to determine if you are following too closely.
The 3-second rule is based on the fact that you need about three seconds to react if another vehicle brakes suddenly. If you are too close to the car ahead of you, it could be difficult to stop safely.
This is especially the case for truck drivers, who require plenty of space to safely stop when approaching a traffic stop. Many accidents involving semis or large rigs happen because drivers fail to observe this rule of the road and could result in serious injuries, or even death for everyone involved.
In addition to the three-second rule, you can also measure your distance to follow by locating a fixed object and counting the time it takes you to reach the exact point after the vehicle in front of you passes it. You can do this by locating an overhead road sign, tree, or any other roadside marker, and watching the vehicle in front of you pass it.
Once you've figured out how long it takes for your car accident attorney near me to arrive at the spot after the other driver has passed it, begin counting again. Begin counting 1-1,000, 2-1,000 and then 31,000 until you have a gap of three seconds between you and the car in front.
If you're unable to reach three seconds, increase your following distance gradually until you are there. It could require you to slow down to avoid a collision but the extra effort is worth it.
The most frequent rear-end collisions happen when drivers follow too closely the vehicle in front. By increasing your following distance and following the 3-second rule, you will be able to avoid these crashes as well as other collisions that could cause serious damage to your car and those near you.
Avoiding Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions rank among the most frequent auto accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that they account for about a third of all crashes, and they result in about 2,000 deaths every year in the United States.
Although front-end collisions can be more hazardous, rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions can also lead to a variety of soft-tissue injuries, including whiplash.
These accidents can cause drivers to experience significant discomfort and pain 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 pursuing them at an appropriate speed, and not tailgating them.
Driving too closely can increase the chance of a rear-end collision as you will not have enough time to be able to recognize and react to potential hazards, such as slower or stopped traffic ahead of you. The National Safety Council recommends that passengers maintain a three second minimum following distance and larger vehicles more.
Rear-end collisions can be extremely dangerous when road or weather conditions are adverse. If you are driving in heavy snow or rain for instance you should extend your following distance and use extra care.
Be sure to check your rear view mirror regularly to avoid a rear end collision. This depends on how busy the road is in front of you. This will allow you to determine whether the driver behind you is slowing down or applying the brakes.
Another good practice is to use your turn signals when changing lanes or taking a car out of parking spaces. This can help the driver in front of you see your car and can prevent them from swerving out of lane to hit you.
Always keep children in the back of the car when you are traveling with them. This will prevent them from moving around the vehicle, or becoming confused and distracting while you are driving.
It's also a good car accident attorney idea to put your phone away and avoid using it while driving. Texting or talking on the phone can be a major cause of rear-end collisions.
Keep Your Engine Running
The engine in your car is one of the most crucial components for you as a driver, but it can be frustrating. If you're involved in an accident, the engine of your car may not start immediately after you turn the key or press START.
The issue isn't easy to fix or diagnose So you must bring your car accident lawyer best in as soon as the light is on. The lights will be alerted the car if it has an issue in the area of battery temperature, temperature alternator or any other area.
If you are having difficulties starting your vehicle following an accident of a minor nature, it could be due to a malfunctioning switch that cuts off fuel pump's power. This is designed to prevent your car from catching fire in the event of a crash but it can also cause damage to your engine if activated.
Another reason you might not be in a position to start your engine after an accident is that the collision could have caused your vehicle's transmission to stop functioning properly. In this instance you'll have to seek assistance from a mechanic to determine the cause of the issue and fix it before you can begin your car again.
Even if you own a healthy car, it is important to run the engine now and then to ensure that it's properly lubricated. This can be achieved by switching the engine on with a gentle touch and waiting for it to warm for 30 seconds.
It is a good idea to use this time to check all the hoses, belts and air cleaners in your vehicle to make sure they're functioning properly. This will increase your fuel mileage and help keep your vehicle operating smoothly.
It's also a great method to ensure that your tires are at the right pressure. When your tires are properly inflated, they will ensure that they grip the road better and reduce the chances of a tire blowout or other damage.