Here's A Little-Known Fact Regarding Auto Accident Lawyers
What to Do If You Get in an Auto Accident
A car crash can have devastating effects. It can cause loss of income and benefits, substantial cost out of pocket, and severe injuries that require extensive treatment.
If you're a victim of an auto accident or a bystander who's watching one, there are numerous actions you can take to keep yourself safe and help others.
Beware of Distractions
Distracted driving has a huge impact on your safety and the safety of others. Some of the most common distractions include eating, texting and grooming.
If distracted drivers are involved in an accident, it could result in serious injuries and death for the people who are around them. Drivers who are distracted could disregard road signs and hazards or overlook unexpected problems.
Distractions can refer to anything that diverts the driver's attention away from the road which causes them to lose control. They can be physical as well as cognitive, manual or both and each has its own distinctive characteristics.
Visual distractions include things that distract a driver's focus from the road. Examples include using a GPS or looking at a signboard or rubbernecking in a car accident. This could be risky particularly when a driver is traveling at highway speeds while passing other vehicles or pedestrians.
Manual distractions can also be harmful, especially when drivers aren't paying attention to the road and cannot react quickly enough. Food while driving can be extremely distracting, as can changing the radio station or reaching for something in the back of the car.
Cognitive distractions can be just as harmful as other distractions. They could include using the phone or singing, or even thinking about a stressful situation. They could also be indicators of drowsiness which can make it difficult for a driver to remain focused on the road.
Set boundaries and practice an attentive drive to be aware of distractions while driving. This can be done by living by example and establishing rules that restrict the amount of time you spend on your screen.
automobile accident attorneys that we remember that everyone is at risk of being a distracted driver and it's not only teens or new drivers. Even pets, older people and motorists who are sleepy can cause distractions while driving.
If you know someone who is prone to distraction while driving, make sure to talk with them about the importance of keeping their attention on the road, and how to prevent this from happening. You can also advise them to put their mobile phone in "do not distract" mode and turn off when they're behind the wheel.
Keep Your Distance
One of the most important actions you can take to ensure your car's safety when driving is to keep an appropriate distance between yourself and any vehicle in front of you. This will prevent the possibility of a collision, and also protect yourself and others around you from harm or death.
There are several ways to ensure that you're driving at the correct distance. You can make use of the 3-second calculation to determine if you are following too closely.
The 3-second rule is based upon the fact that you need about three seconds to react when another vehicle abruptly brakes. If you're too close to the vehicle in the distance and you're not close enough, you won't have enough time to stop without causing a crash.
This is especially the case for truck drivers, who need plenty of space to stop safely when they approach an intersection. This rule of the road is often neglected by drivers, resulting in serious injuries, and sometimes deaths.
In addition to the three-second rule, you may also determine your distance following by locating an object fixed and calculating the time it takes you to get to the same location after the vehicle in front of you has passed it. This can be accomplished by watching the car in advance as it passes an overhead sign, tree or any other roadside markers.
Once you've figured out how long it takes for your car to get there after the other driver passes it, start counting again. Count 1-1,000; 2-1,000; and finally, 3-1,000 until you've reached the gap of three seconds between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
If you're unable reach three seconds in a row, gradually increase your following distance until you do. It could require slowing down to avoid the risk of crashing but it's definitely worth the effort.
The most common rear-end collisions occur when drivers follow the vehicle in front of them too closely. By increasing your following distance and using the 3-second rule, you will be able to avoid these accidents and other collisions that can cause serious damage to your vehicle and the people surrounding you.
Avoiding Rear End Collisions
Rear-end collisions comprise among the most common types of auto accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rear-end collisions account to more than a third of all accidents and cause around 2,000 deaths per year in the United States.
Although front-end collisions are far more risky, rear-end collisions are still a significant cause for injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions may also lead to a variety of soft-tissue injuries, including whiplash.
These injuries can cause severe discomfort in the neck, back and shoulder regions. They often require physical therapy, medical bills, and lost wages to recover from.
The best method to avoid a rear-end collision is to stay away from other vehicles. This means that you must follow behind them at a safe speed and not be a tailgater.
You could increase the chances of rear-end collisions by driving too close. This is due to the fact that you won't have enough time to react to hazards such as slower or stopped traffic. The National Safety Council recommends that passenger cars maintain a three-second minimum following distance, and larger vehicles even more.
Rear-end collisions can be especially risky when weather or road conditions are adverse. If you're driving through heavy snow or rain for example, increase your following distance.
To avoid a rear-end collision, check your rear-view mirror regularly, depending on how congested the traffic is in front of you. This will allow you to identify if the driver in front of you has been slowing down or has applied the brakes.
Another good habit to adopt is to use your turn signals when changing lanes or leaving a parking lot. This will enable drivers behind you see your car and stop them from swerving into your direction to hit you.
If you're in a car with children, ensure that they are in the back seat of the vehicle. This will prevent them from running around the vehicle, or becoming disoriented and distracted while driving.
It is also a great idea to put your phone away and not use it while driving. Talking or texting on the phone can be a key cause of rear-end collisions.
Making sure your engine is running
The engine in your car is one of the most crucial components for you as a driver, but it can be a hassle. In the case of an accident, you may discover that your car's engine will not start when you turn the key.
This isn't an issue that's easy to diagnose and repair, so it's recommended to take your vehicle to a service center immediately after the check engine light turns on. The lights will let you know that there's an issue with the alternator, battery or temperature, or any other part of your car that need attention.
If you're experiencing difficulty getting your car to start after an accident, it could be the result of a malfunctioning inertial switch which shuts off power to your vehicle's fuel pump. This is designed to protect your car from lighting on fire in the event of an impact however, it could also cause damage to your engine if shut off.
It's possible that you are unable to start your car following an accident because your vehicle's engine's transmission has stopped working properly. In this instance you'll have to talk to a mechanic in order to find out what caused the problem and then fix it.
Even if you own an excellent car, it is important to run the engine every now and then to ensure that it's properly lubricated. This can be accomplished by turning the engine and letting it warm for about 30 seconds or so.
You can use this time to inspect all hoses, belts and air cleaners in your vehicle to make sure they are working properly. This will improve your gas mileage as well as ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly.
It's also a great way to ensure your tires are at the right pressure. If your tires are properly inflated, they will ensure that they grip the road better and reduce the chances of blowouts or other damage.