20 Things Only The Most Devoted Auto Accident Lawyers Fans Should Know
What to Do If You Get in an Auto Accident
A car accident can be a devastating event. It can result in the loss of income and benefits, large out-of-pocket costs, and severe injuries that require extensive treatment.
You can aid yourself and others by being secure if you're the victim of a car crash or a witness.
Beware of Distractions
Distracted driving can have a significant impact on your safety and that of other drivers. Eating, texting, or grooming are just a few of the most common distractions.
If distracted drivers are involved in an accident, it may cause serious injuries and death for those in their vicinity. Drivers who are distracted might ignore road signs and hazards or miss unexpected complications.
Distractions are any activity that diverts a driver's attention away from the road and causes them to lose control of their vehicle. They could be visual or cognitive, and each has their own distinctive characteristics.
Visual distractions are the things that distract drivers' eyes from the road, such as using a GPS, looking at the billboard, or even rubbernecking in an accident. This could be very dangerous, especially when the driver is driving at highway speeds or they are driving by pedestrians or other vehicles.
Manual distractions can be harmful, especially when drivers aren't paying attention to the road and cannot react quickly enough. While driving, eating can be very distracting as can switching the radio station, or reaching for something in the back of the car.
Cognitive distractions can be just as harmful as other distractions. These distractions include calling or singing, or pondering an emotionally charged event. They can also be signs of drowsiness that can make it difficult for a driver to focus on the road.
The best way to stay clear of distractions while driving is to set boundaries and practice attentive driving. You can do this by establishing rules and following by example.
It's important to be aware that everyone is at risk of being a distracted driver, and it's not just teenagers or new drivers. Older people, drivers who are drowsy and even pets can be potential distractions while driving.
If you have a loved one who is prone to distraction while driving, make sure to speak with them about the importance of keeping their focus on the road, and how to prevent this from happening. You can also suggest to your friend to shut off their phone and put it on "do-not-disturb" mode when they drive.
Keep Your Distance
Maintaining an appropriate distance from the vehicle in front of you is one of the best things you can do for your car's safety. This can help avoid a collision, and ensure that you are protected and the people who are around you from injury or death.
There are many ways to ensure you're following the correct distance while driving. One approach is to employ the 3-second rule, which is a an easy calculation that will assist you in determining whether you're following too closely.
The 3-second rule is based on fact that it takes approximately three seconds for you to react when another car stops suddenly. If you're too close to the vehicle in the direction of you and you're not close enough, you won't have enough time to stop safely before a collision occurs.
This is especially true of truck drivers, who require ample space to safely brake when they are approaching the stop. Many accidents involving semis or large trucks occur due to drivers failing to observe this rule of the road and can result in serious injuries, or even death for everyone involved.
In addition to the three-second rule, you may also measure your following distance mentally by locating an object fixed and calculating how long it takes you to get to the same spot after the vehicle in front of you crosses it. You can do this by finding an overhead road sign, tree, or other roadside marker and watching the vehicle in front of you drive by it.
Once you've determined the time it takes your car to reach that spot after the other driver passes it, continue counting. Begin counting 1-1,000, 2-1,000 and then 3,001 until you get to a three-second gap between you and the vehicle ahead.
If you can't reach three seconds in one row, gradually increase the distance you're following until you do. This could mean slowing down to avoid collision but it's worth the effort.
The most common rear-end collisions occur when drivers follow the vehicle in front of them too closely. You can avoid these collisions as well as others by increasing the distance you follow.
Avoiding Rear End Collisions
Rear-end collisions comprise among the most common types of auto accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that they account for almost a third of all crashes and cause approximately 2,000 deaths per year in the United States.
While front-end collisions are more deadly, rear-end collisions are still a major cause of injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions can lead to a variety of soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash.
These injuries can cause drivers to experience significant discomfort and pain in the neck, shoulder, and back areas. They usually require physical therapy, medical bills and lost wages to recover from.
The best way to avoid a rear-end collision is to stay away from other vehicles. This means you should be following them at a reasonable speed and not to tailgate them.
Being too fast can increase the likelihood of a rear-end collision as you won't have the time to be able to recognize and react to hazards, like slower or stopped traffic the front of you. The National Safety Council recommends a minimum of three seconds of following distance for vehicles that are primarily passenger vehicles, and more for larger vehicles.
Rear-end collisions are particularly dangerous when weather or road conditions are challenging. If you're driving during heavy snow or rain, for instance, increase your distance to follow.
Check your rear-view-mirror frequently to avoid a rear-end collision. This will depend on the volume of the road is in front of you. This will allow you to identify if the driver in front of you has reduced speed or applied the brakes.
Another good habit to adopt is to use your turn signals when changing lanes or taking a car out of parking lots. This will allow the driver behind you see your vehicle and prevent them from swerving into their vehicle to avoid hitting you.
If you're travelling in a vehicle with children, always make sure you keep them in the back of the vehicle. This will prevent them from bouncing around the vehicle or becoming confused and distracted while you are driving.
automotive accident lawyer near me is also a great idea to put your phone away and avoid using it while driving. Talking or texting on the phone can be a key contributor to rear-end collisions.
Keep Your Engine Running
The engine in your car could be among the most important parts for you as a driver, however it can be also one of the most difficult parts. In the event of an accident you may discover that your car's engine will not start when you turn the key.
This isn't a issue that is easy to identify and solve, so it's best to bring your car to a service center when the check engine light turns on. The lights will let you know if there's a problem with the alternator, battery, temperature or other areas of your car that require attention.
If you're having trouble starting your vehicle after a minor accident, it could be due to a tripped switch that shuts off the power to the fuel pump. This is designed to shield your car from catching fire in the event of an impact, but it can also cause damage to the engine if it is shut off.
It's possible that you are unable to start your car following an accident, because your vehicle's engine transmission has stopped working properly. In this instance you'll need assistance from an expert mechanic to determine what caused the issue and then fix it before you start your car again.
Even if you own an engine that is in good condition it is essential to run the engine every often to make sure that it is properly lubricated. This can be done by turning off the engine and letting it warm for 30 seconds or more.
When you do this, you're gaining the chance to check all of your vehicle's belts, hoses, air cleaners, and other components to ensure they're in good operating condition. This will boost your gas mileage and ensure that your vehicle is running smoothly.
It's also a great way to make sure your tires have the proper pressure. When your tires are properly inflated, it will ensure that they can grip the road better and lessen the risk of blowouts or other damage.