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.
You can help yourself and others by remaining secure if you're a victim of a car crash or witness to one.
Beware of Distractions
If you're distracted when driving, it can affect your safety as well as the safety of others. The most frequent distractions are eating, texting and grooming.
If distracted drivers are involved in an accident, it can result in serious injuries and deaths for those around them. Drivers who are distracted can disregard road signs and hazards or overlook unexpected problems.
Distractions are any activity that diverts a driver's attention away from the road and causes them to lose control of their vehicle. They can be visual as well as cognitive, manual or both and each is unique in its own way.
Visual distractions can distract drivers' eyes from the road, such as using a GPS or the billboard, or even rubbernecking in an accident. This can be dangerous, especially if the driver is driving at highway speeds and is passing other vehicles or pedestrians.
Manual distractions can be risky, particularly when drivers aren't paying attention to the road or react quickly. Drinking while driving switching the radio station, and reaching for something in the backseat could all be very distracting.
Cognitive distractions can be just as harmful as other distractions. They can be caused by talking on the phone, singing or thinking about a personal issue. These are also signs of drowsiness that can make it hard to keep a driver's attention on the road.
Set boundaries and practice attentive drive to avoid distractions while driving. auto accident lawyer no injury can be done by living by example and setting rules that limit the amount of time you spend on your screen.
It's important that we remember that everyone is at risk of being distracted by a driver, and it's not only teens or drivers who are just starting out. Older drivers, tired drivers and even pets can be distractions for drivers.
If you have a friend or relative who is susceptible to distraction while driving, make sure to speak with them about the importance of keeping their attention on the road, and how to prevent this from happening. You can also encourage your friend to switch off their phone and turn it on "do-not-disturb" mode while they are driving.
Keep Your Distance
One of the most important ways to keep your car safe while driving is to maintain an appropriate distance between yourself and any vehicle that is ahead of you. This can help avoid a collision, and protect yourself and others who are around you from injury or death.
There are numerous ways you can ensure that you're traveling at the right distance. One option is to utilize the 3-second rule, which is a an easy calculation that can aid you in determining if you're following too closely.
The 3-second rule is based on fact that it takes three seconds for you to react when another car stops abruptly. If you are too close to the car in front of you, it could be difficult to stop safely.
This is particularly true for truck drivers, who need ample space to safely brake when approaching the stop. This road safety rule is often ignored by drivers, which can result in serious injuries and fatalities.
You can also measure the distance required to follow a vehicle by measuring the time it takes to reach a particular point after the vehicle in the front has passed by it. This can be accomplished by watching the car in advance as it passes an overhead sign, a tree or other roadside markers.
Recount. Once you have determined the time it will take for your car to reach the spot after another car has passed, start counting. Count 1-1,000, 2-1,000, and then 31,000 until you reach a three-second gap between you and the vehicle ahead.
If you're not able achieve three seconds, then increase your following distance gradually until you are there. It may require you to slow down to avoid a collision but the extra effort is worth it.
The most common rear-end collisions occur when drivers follow the vehicle ahead of them too closely. You can avoid collisions and others by increasing your following distance.
Avoiding Rear End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are amongst the most common types of auto accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that they are responsible for more than 1/3 of all accidents and cause an estimated 2,000 deaths per year in the United States.
While front-end collisions are more risky, rear-end collisions are still a significant cause for injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions are also prone to a variety of soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash.
These injuries can cause significant discomfort in the neck, back and shoulder areas. These injuries usually require physical therapy, medical costs and lost wages in order to recover.
Keep your distance from other cars to avoid an accident. This means following behind them at an appropriate speed and not speeding up to them.
There is a higher chance of rear-end collisions if you're driving too close. This is because you don't have enough time to react to potential hazards such as slower or stopped traffic. The National Safety Council recommends that passengers maintain a three second minimum distance to follow and larger vehicles more.
When the weather or road conditions are not ideal, rear-end collisions are more risky. If you're driving in heavy snow or rain, for instance, you may need to increase your distance to follow.
Check your rear-view-mirror frequently to avoid a rear-end collision. This depends on how busy the traffic is in front of you. This will help you determine if a driver behind you has been slowing down or has applied the brakes.
Another good practice is to use your turn signals when changing lanes or pulling out of a parking lot. This will help the driver behind you to see your car and help prevent them from swerving out of their lane in order to strike you.
If you're in a vehicle with children, always make sure you keep them in the back seat of the vehicle. This will keep them from bouncing around the vehicle or becoming confused and distracted while you are driving.
It's also a good idea to put your phone away and avoid using it while driving. Texting or talking on the phone can be a key contributing factor in rear-end collisions.
Keep Your Engine Running
The engine in your car is one of the most important parts for you as a motorist however, it can also be a hassle. If you're involved in an accident, your vehicle's engine might not begin after you turn the key or press START.
The issue is difficult to identify or fix therefore, you should take your vehicle to the mechanic as soon as the light is on. The lights will inform you that there's an issue with the battery, alternator and temperature, as well as other parts of your car that need attention.
If you're having difficulty starting your vehicle following an accident of a minor nature, it could be due to a malfunctioning switch that cuts fuel pump's power. This is intended to safeguard your car from catching fire in the event of an impact but it can also cause damage to your engine should it be tripped.
Another reason why you may not be able to start your engine after an auto accident is that the collision may have caused your vehicle's transmission to stop functioning properly. In this situation, you will have to seek out a mechanic in order to find out what caused the issue and then fix it.
Even if you have an engine that is in good condition it is crucial to check the engine every now and then to ensure that it is properly lubricated. This can be done by switching the engine on with a gentle touch and waiting for it to warm for 30 seconds.
When you do this, you're gaining the chance to check all of your vehicle's hoses, belts, air cleaners, and other components to ensure they are in good working order. This will improve your gas mileage and ensure that your vehicle is operating smoothly.
It's also a great way to ensure that your tires are inflated to the correct pressure. When your tires are properly inflated, they will ensure that they be more stable on the road and lessen the risk of a tire blowout or other damage.