What to Do If You Get in an Auto Accident
A car crash can be a devastating incident. It can result in a loss of income, benefits and significant expenses out of pocket.
If you're a victim of an auto accident or a bystander who's witnessing one, there are several ways to ensure your safety and assist others.
Avoiding Distractions
If you're distracted while driving, it could affect your safety as well as the safety of others. The most frequent distractions include eating, texting, and grooming.
If distracted drivers are involved in an accident, it could result in serious injuries and deaths for those in their vicinity. Drivers who are distracted could ignore road signs or hazards or miss out on unexpected dangers.
Distractions can refer to anything that distracts a driver's attention from the road, causing them to lose control. They can be both visual and cognitive, and each has distinct characteristics.
Visual distractions are things that distract a driver's attention from the road. Examples include using a GPS or watching a signboard or rubbernecking a car accident. This can be very risky particularly when the driver is driving at a high speed or when they are driving by pedestrians or other vehicles.
Manual distractions are also dangerous, especially when drivers fail to pay attention to the road or cannot react quickly. Driving while eating is a huge distraction as can switching the radio station or looking for something in the back of the car.
Cognitive distractions can be just as dangerous as other distractions. automobile accident lawyers near me can include using a mobile phone or singing, or pondering an emotionally charged scenario. They could also be indicators of drowsiness, which can make it difficult for drivers to stay focused on the road.
Set boundaries and practice an attentive drive to be aware of distractions while driving. This can be accomplished by living by example and establishing rules that limit the time spent on screens.
It's important to remember that everyone is at risk for being a distracted driver and it's not only teens or drivers who are new. Older drivers, tired drivers and even pets can be potential distractions when driving.
If you know someone who is prone to distracted driving, make sure to talk with them about the importance of keeping their eyes to the road and how to avoid this happening. You can also encourage your friend to turn off their phone and put it on "do-not-disturb" mode when they drive.
Keep Your Distance
Maintaining a safe distance from vehicle in the front of you is one of the best ways to ensure your car's safety. This will prevent a collision and shield your passengers and yourself from injury or death.
There are many ways to make sure you're following the right distance when driving. One approach is to employ the 3-second rule. It's a simple calculation that can assist you in determining whether you're following too closely.
The 3-second rule is based upon the fact that you need around three seconds to react when a vehicle suddenly brakes. If you are too close to the car ahead of you, it could be difficult to stop safely.
This is especially true of truck drivers, who need ample space to safely brake when they are approaching a stop. This road safety rule is often ignored by drivers, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
In addition to using the three-second rule, you may also measure your following distance by locating a fixed object and counting how long it takes for you to reach the same location after the vehicle in front of you crosses it. This can be done by watching the car in advance pass an overhead sign, a tree or any other roadside markers.
Once you've established how long it takes for your vehicle to get there when the other vehicle passes it, begin counting again. Count 1-1,000; 2-1,000; and then 3-1,000 until you have reached the gap of three seconds between you and the car in front of you.
If you're not able to reach three seconds, increase your following distance gradually until you get there. This could mean slowing down to avoid the risk of crashing however it's well worth the extra effort.
The most common rear-end collisions happen when drivers follow too closely the vehicle in front of them. You can avoid these collisions and others by increasing the distance you follow.
Avoiding Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are among the most frequent types of car accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that they constitute more than three-quarters of all crashes, and they result in approximately 2,000 deaths per year in the United States.
Although front-end collisions are far more risky, rear-end collisions are still a major cause of injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions may also cause whiplash-like injuries to soft tissues, for example.
These accidents can cause drivers to suffer severe discomfort and pain in their neck, shoulder and back areas. These injuries are often accompanied by physical therapy, medical costs and lost wages in order to heal.
The best way to avoid rear-end collisions is to keep a safe distance from other vehicles. This means following behind them at an appropriate speed, and not following them.
You increase the risk of rear-end collisions by driving too close. This is because you don't have enough time to react to potential hazards like slower or stopped traffic. The National Safety Council recommends that passenger cars maintain a three-second minimum distance of following distance, and larger vehicles even more.
Rear-end collisions can be particularly risky when weather or road conditions are threatening. If you are driving in heavy rain or snow, for example you should extend your following distance and use extra care.
Make sure to check your rear-view mirror frequently to avoid a rear-end collision. This will depend on how crowded the traffic is in front of you. This will help you determine whether the driver in front of you is accelerating or applying the brakes.
Another good practice is to use your turn signals when changing lanes or leaving parking lots. This will help the driver behind you see your car and can assist them in avoiding a swerve out of lane to cause a collision with you.
If you're in a vehicle with children, you must ensure that they are in the back of the vehicle. This will stop them from bouncing about the vehicle, or becoming confused and distracted while driving.
It is also a great idea to put your phone away and avoid using it while driving. Texting or talking on the phone could be a major contributor to rear-end collisions.
Keep Your Engine Running
The engine in your car is among the most vital components for you as a motorist however it can also be a hassle. If you're involved in an accident, your vehicle's engine may not start immediately after you turn the key or press START.
This isn't a problem which is simple to identify and resolve, so it's advisable to take your vehicle in for a checkup as soon as the check engine light turns on. The lights will let you know that there's an issue with the battery, alternator, temperature or other areas of your car that require attention.
If you have difficulties starting your vehicle following an accident of a minor nature it could be due to a tripped switch that shuts off the power to the fuel pump. This switch is intended to prevent your vehicle from burning in the event of a collision, but it can also damage your engine if it's tripped.
Another reason you might not be capable of starting your engine after an accident is that the crash could have caused your vehicle's transmission to stop working properly. In this situation you'll have to talk to a mechanic to determine the cause of the issue and fix it.
Even if you have a well-maintained car it is vital to rev the engine every periodically to ensure it's properly lubricated. This can be achieved by turning the engine on slowly and waiting for it to warm for 30 seconds.
This is the time to check all the belts, hoses and air cleaners in your vehicle to ensure they're working correctly. This will improve your gas mileage as well as ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly.
This is also a great way to ensure that your tires are inflated properly. If your tires are properly inflated, it will ensure that they be more stable on the road and reduce the chances of an accident involving a blowout of your tire or other damage.