10 Locations Where You Can Find Auto Accident Lawyers
What to Do If You Get in an Auto Accident
A car crash can be a devastating event. It could result in loss of income, benefits and significant expenses out of pocket.
You can assist yourself and others by being safe if you are the victim of a car accident or witness to one.
Beware of Distractions
If you're distracted while driving, it could have a dramatic impact on your safety and the safety of others. Some of the most common distractions are eating, texting, and grooming.
Distracted drivers could cause serious injuries or death to the people who are around them. Drivers who are distracted could ignore road signs and dangers or fail to notice unexpected issues.
Distractions could be anything that distracts a driver's focus from the road which causes them to lose control. They can be either visual or manual, and each is unique in its own way.
Visual distractions can be anything that divert a driver's attention from the road. Examples include using a GPS or reading a signboard or even rubbernecking a car accident. This can be very risky particularly if the driver is driving at highway speeds or when they are traveling by other vehicles or pedestrians.
Manual distractions can be harmful, especially when drivers aren't paying attention to the road and cannot react quickly enough. Eating while driving switching the radio station or reaching for something in the back of the car can be very distracting.
Cognitive distractions are a lesser-known but just as deadly category of distractions. They could include using the phone or singing, or even thinking about a stressful situation. They could also be a sign of drowsiness. This can make it difficult for a driver to remain focused on the road.
Set boundaries and practice an attentive driving to avoid distractions while driving. This can be accomplished by modeling behavior and establishing rules that restrict screen time.
It's important to be aware that everyone is at risk for being a distracted driver, and it's not just teenagers or drivers who are just starting out. Older drivers, sleepy drivers and even pets can all be potential distractions when driving.
If you have a friend or relative who is susceptible to distracted driving, make sure to talk to them about the importance of keeping their eyes on the road, and how to avoid this happening. You can also help them to put their mobile phone in "do not disturb" mode and then turn off the device when they're behind the wheel.
Staying Away
One of the most important ways to keep your car safe when driving is to keep an appropriate distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. This can help prevent a collision and protect your passengers and yourself from harm or death.
There are auto accident attorney of ways to make sure that you're taking the right distance when driving. You can apply the 3-second formula to determine if you are following too closely.
The 3-second rule is based upon the fact that it takes about three seconds to react if another vehicle brakes suddenly. If you are too close to the car ahead of you, it will be difficult to stop safely.
This is particularly true of truck drivers, who require plenty of space to safely brake when approaching an end. Many accidents involving semis as well as large rigs are caused by drivers who fail to observe this rule of the road which can cause serious injuries or even fatalities for all involved.
You can also calculate the distance you need to follow a vehicle by counting the time it takes you to reach a particular location after the vehicle in the front has passed by it. You can do this by locating an overhead road sign, a tree, or any other roadside marker, and observing the car in front of you pass it.
Once you've figured out how long it takes for your vehicle to get there after the other driver has passed it, start counting again. Begin counting 1-1,000, 2-1,000 and then 3-1,000 until you attain 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 get there. This may mean slowed down to avoid a crash however it's well worth the effort.
The most frequent rear-end collisions occur when drivers are too close to the vehicle in front. You can avoid collisions as well as others by extending your distance of following.
Avoiding Rear End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are among the most frequent auto accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that they are responsible for nearly 1/3 of all accidents that result in about 2,000 deaths every year in the United States.
While front-end collisions are more hazardous, rear-end collisions still cause significant injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions can also lead to a myriad of soft-tissue injuries, such as whiplash.
These injuries can cause significant discomfort in the back, neck and shoulder areas. They often require physical therapy, medical bills and lost wages to recover from.
Keep your distance from other vehicles to avoid an accident. This means following behind them at the appropriate speed and never tailgating them.
If you drive too close, it can increase the chance of a rear-end collision because you may not have enough time to react to dangers, such as slower or stopped traffic ahead of you. The National Safety Council recommends that motorists maintain a three-second minimum following distance, and larger vehicles even more.
When the weather or road conditions are poor rear-end collisions are much more dangerous. When driving in severe rain or snow, for example you should increase the distance you follow and take extra care.
You should regularly check your rear-view mirror to avoid a rear end collision. This will depend on how crowded the traffic is in front of you. This will let you know whether the driver in front of you is accelerating or applying the brakes.
Use your turn signals to change lanes or pull out of a parking lot. This will allow drivers behind you be aware of your vehicle and prevent them from swerving into their lane in order to hit you.
Always ensure that your children are in the back of the vehicle while traveling with them. This will stop children from running around the vehicle or becoming disoriented and distracted while driving.
It is an excellent idea to avoid using your phone when driving and not use it to distract yourself. Texting or talking on the phone can be a significant cause of rear-end collisions.
Maintaining Your Engine
The engine in your car is among the most vital components for you as a driver However, it can be a hassle. If you're involved in an auto accident, your vehicle's engine may not start immediately after you turn the key or press START.
The issue isn't easy to determine or fix Therefore, you should bring your car in as soon as the light comes on. The lights will alert you if your vehicle is experiencing problems in the areas of temperature, battery, alternator or any other area.
If you're having trouble getting your car started after a minor crash it could be because of a tripped inertial control which shuts off power to your vehicle's fuel pump. This is designed to prevent your car from catching fire in the event of a crash however, it could also cause damage to the engine if it is shut off.
Another reason you might not be in a position to start your engine following an accident is that the crash could have caused your car's transmission to stop functioning properly. In this case you'll require a professional in order to find out what caused the issue and fix it.
Even if your car is equipped with an engine that's healthy is still necessary to check it every once in intervals to ensure it's properly lubricated and running. This can be done by turning the engine and letting it warm for about 30 minutes or more.
It is a good idea to use this time to examine all belts, hoses, and air cleaners in your vehicle to ensure they're operating properly. This will improve your gas mileage and ensure that your vehicle is running smoothly.
This is a great way to ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Properly inflated tires will allow them to take on the road more effectively and decrease the chance of a tire blowout or other damage.