What to Do If You Get in an Auto Accident
A car accident can have devastating consequences. It can result in the loss of income and benefits, large out-of-pocket expenses, and serious injuries which require extensive treatment.
You can aid yourself and others by staying protected if you're the victim of a car accident or a witness.
Beware of Distractions
If you're distracted while driving, it can cause a huge impact on your safety and the safety of others. 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 near them. This is because distracted driving may cause drivers to disregard dangers and unexpected issues right in front of them, or to overlook important road signs.
Distractions can refer to anything that diverts the driver's attention from driving, causing them to lose control. They can be visual or manual and each is unique in its own way.
Visual distractions are things that distract a driver's focus from the road. Examples include using a GPS or looking at a signboard, or rubbernecking an accident. It can be dangerous, especially when a driver is traveling at highway speeds and passing other vehicles or pedestrians.
Manual distractions can be risky, particularly when drivers don't pay attention to the road, or do not react quickly. Driving while eating can be very distracting as can switching the radio station or searching for something behind the vehicle.
Cognitive distractions are not as obvious but equally dangerous category of distractions. They can involve conversations on a cell phone or singing or pondering an emotionally charged event. They can also be signs of drowsiness, which could make it difficult for a driver to focus on the road.
Set up good boundaries and practice attentive drive to be aware of distractions while driving. This can be accomplished by modeling behavior and setting rules to limit the amount of time you spend on your screen.
It's important to be aware that everyone is at risk of being a distracted driver, and it's not just teens or drivers who are new. Even pets, elderly people and drowsy motorists could be distractions while driving.
You can also encourage them to put their cell phone on "do not disturb" mode and then turn it off when they are behind the wheel. You can also advise them to put their mobile phone on "do not disturb" mode and then turn off when they're driving.
Keep Your Distance
Maintaining a safe distance to the vehicle in the front of you is one of the most important things you can do for your vehicle's safety. This can help prevent a collision and shield yourself and others around you from injury or death.
There are many ways to make sure you're following the correct distance while driving. One option is to utilize the 3-second rule, which is a a simple calculation that can aid you in determining if you're following too closely.
The 3-second rule is based on the fact that it takes three seconds to react when a vehicle stops suddenly. If you're too close to the vehicle in front of you then you won't have the time to stop safely before a collision occurs.
This is particularly applicable to truck drivers who require plenty of room to stop safely when they approach the traffic stop. This road safety rule is often neglected by drivers, resulting in serious injuries, and sometimes deaths.
In addition to the three-second rule you can also determine your distance following by finding a fixed object and counting the time it takes you to reach the same location after the vehicle in front of you passes it. You can do this by finding an overhead road sign, tree, or any other roadside marker, and watching the car in front of you drive by it.
auto accident lawyer los angeles counting. Once you've decided the time it will take your vehicle to reach the spot after another driver has passed, start counting. You'll be counting 1-1,000, 2-1,000 and then 3,001 until you've reached three seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you.
If you're not able to get three seconds in a row and you're not able to do that, gradually increase the distance you're following until you can. This could mean slowing down to avoid the risk of crashing but it's definitely worth the extra effort.
The most frequent rear-end collisions happen when drivers are too close to the vehicle in front. By increasing the distance you follow and using the 3-second rule, you will be able to avoid these accidents and other collisions that could cause serious damage to your car and those around you.
Avoiding Rear End Collisions
Rear-end collisions rank as the most frequent auto accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that they account for more than one third of all crashes and result in about 2,000 deaths every year in the United States.
While front-end collisions are more fatal, rear end collisions can cause serious injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions can also result in 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 typically require physical therapy, medical expenses and lost wages to recover.
Keep your distance from other cars to avoid an accident. This means following behind them at the appropriate speed and never tailgating them.
Being too fast can increase the likelihood of a rear-end collision because you won't have enough time to see and respond to hazards, like slow or stopped traffic the area in front of you. The National Safety Council recommends that motorists maintain a three-second minimum distance of following distance, and larger vehicles even more.
When weather or road conditions are hazardous rear-end collisions can be more risky. If you're driving during heavy snow or rain for instance, increase the distance you follow.
To avoid the possibility of a rear-end crash, make sure to check your rearview mirror frequently depending on how congested the traffic ahead of you. This will let you know whether the driver in front of you is slowing down or applying the brakes.
Another good habit to have is to use your turn signals when changing lanes or leaving parking spaces. This will help the driver in front of you see your vehicle and prevent them from swerving into their vehicle to avoid hitting you.
If you're traveling in a vehicle with children, you must make sure you keep them in the back seat of the vehicle. This will stop them from running around the vehicle or becoming disoriented and distracting while you are driving.
It is recommended to keep your phone off the road while you are driving and not use it to distract yourself. Talking on the phone, or texting could lead 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 frustrating. If you're involved in an auto accident, your vehicle's engine might not start after you turn the key or press START.
This isn't a problem that's simple to spot and repair, so it's recommended to take your vehicle for a routine check-up immediately after the check engine light comes on. The lights will let you know when there's a problem with the alternator, battery or temperature, or any other part of your car that require attention.
If you're having trouble getting your car started after a minor accident it could be the result of a tripped inertial switch that shuts off power to the vehicle's fuel pump. This is intended to safeguard your car from catching fire in the event of a collision however, it could also cause damage to your engine if it gets shut off.
Another reason why you may not be able to start your engine following an accident is that the crash may have caused your vehicle's transmission to stop functioning properly. In this scenario, you'll need to seek assistance from an expert mechanic to determine what caused the issue and fix it before you start your vehicle again.
Even if you have an engine that is in good condition it is vital to check the engine every often to make sure it's properly lubricated. This can be done by turning off the engine and letting it warm for about 30 seconds or more.
When you do this, you're taking an opportunity to examine all of your vehicle's hoses and belts, air cleaners and other parts to ensure they are in good functioning order. This will increase your gas mileage and ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly.
It's also a great method to ensure your tires have the proper pressure. When your tires are properly inflated, they will ensure that they can grip the road better and decrease the risk of an accident involving a blowout of your tire or other damage.