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, significant cost out of pocket, and severe injuries that require a lengthy treatment.
You can assist yourself and others by staying protected if you're the victim of a car crash or a witness to one.
Avoid distractions
Distracted driving has a huge impact on your safety as well as that of other drivers. The most frequent distractions include eating, texting, and grooming.
Distracted drivers could cause serious injuries or even death to the people around them. Drivers who are distracted can ignore road signs and hazards or fail to notice unexpected issues.
Distractions are any activity that diverts the driver's attention from the road and causes them to lose control of their vehicle. They can be visual or manual and each has its own distinct characteristics.
Visual distractions can be anything that distract drivers from the road. Examples include using a GPS or reading a signboard or rubbernecking in a car accident. It can be dangerous particularly when the driver is driving at highway speeds while passing other vehicles or pedestrians.
Manual distractions can also be extremely harmful, particularly when drivers aren't paying attention to the road and are unable to react quickly enough. Food while driving can be very distracting or even changing the radio station, or reaching for something behind the vehicle.
Cognitive distractions can be just as dangerous as other distractions. These distractions include calling, singing or pondering an emotionally charged situation. They can also be a sign of drowsiness, which can make it difficult for drivers to concentrate on the road.
The best way to stay clear of distracting behavior while driving is to set boundaries and practice attentive driving. This can be done by modeling behavior and establishing rules to limit the amount of time you spend on your screen.
It's important that we remember that everyone is at risk for being a distracted driver, and it's not just teenagers or drivers who are new. Even pets, older individuals and motorists who are sleepy could be distractions while driving.
If you have a friend or relative who is susceptible to distraction while driving, make sure to talk to them about the importance of keeping their focus on the road, and how to prevent this from happening. You can also advise them to put their cell phone in "do not distract" mode and then turn off the phone when they are behind the wheel.
Beware of Your Distance
One of the most important actions you can take to keep your car safe while driving is to maintain an appropriate distance between yourself and any vehicle ahead of you. This can help avoid a collision and safeguard you and those near you from injury and death.
There are several ways to make sure you're following the correct distance. One method is to apply the 3-second rule. It's a an easy calculation that can assist you in determining whether you're following too closely.
The 3-second rule is based upon the fact that you require around three seconds to react when a vehicle suddenly brakes. If you are too close to the vehicle in front of you, it could be difficult to stop safely.
This is especially true for truck drivers, who need plenty of space to brake safely as they approach the stop. This rule of the road is often ignored by drivers, which can result in serious injuries, and sometimes deaths.
In addition to the three-second rule, it is possible to also determine your following distance mentally by finding an object fixed and calculating the time it takes you to arrive at the same location after the vehicle in front of you crosses it. This can be accomplished by watching the car in advance as it passes an overhead sign, tree or other roadside markers.
Repeat the count. Once you have determined the time it will take your car to reach that location after another vehicle has passed, begin counting. You'll be counting 1-1,000, 2-1,000 and finally, 3-1,000 until you have reached three seconds gap between you and the car ahead of you.
If you're unable reach three seconds, you can increase your following distance gradually until you get there. This may involve slowing down to avoid the risk of crashing however it's well worth the effort.
The most common rear-end collisions happen when drivers are too close to the vehicle in front of them. You can avoid these collisions by increasing your following distance.
Avoiding Rear End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are as the most frequent auto accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end collisions account for almost a third of all accidents and cause 2,000 deaths annually in the United States.
While front-end collisions can be more deadly, rear end collisions can still cause serious injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions may also cause soft-tissue injuries like whiplash.
These injuries can cause severe pain in the back, neck and shoulder regions. They usually require physical therapy, medical bills, and lost wages to recover from.
Keep your distance from other vehicles to avoid an accident. This means that you must be following them at a safe speed and not tailgate them.
Being too fast can increase your risk of a rear-end crash because you won't have enough time to be able to recognize and react to dangers, like slow or stopped traffic in front of you. The National Safety Council recommends that passenger cars maintain a three-second minimum distance to follow, and larger vehicles even more.
Rear-end collisions can be particularly dangerous when road or weather conditions are hazardous. If you're driving in extreme snow or rain, for example you should extend the distance you follow and take extra care.
Make sure to check your rear-view mirror frequently to avoid a rear-end collision. This will depend on how full the traffic is ahead of you. This will help you discern if a motorist behind you has slowed down or applied the brakes.
Use your turn signals to switch lanes or pull from a parking lot. This helps the driver behind you be aware of your vehicle and aid in stopping them from swerving out of lane to cause a collision with you.
Always keep children in the back of the vehicle when you are traveling with them. This will prevent children from moving around in the vehicle or becoming disoriented and distracting while you are driving.
It is also a great idea to put your phone away and not use it while driving. Disturbing conversations on the phone or texting can 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 a hassle. If you're involved in an auto accident, the engine of your car might not start after you turn the key or press START.
This isn't a issue that's easy to diagnose and solve, so it's best to bring your car for a routine check-up as soon as the check engine light turns on. The lights will be alerted if your car has issues in the areas of battery, temperature, alternator or any other area.
If you're experiencing difficulty getting your car started after an accident that was minor, it could be because of a tripped inertial control that cuts off power to the vehicle's fuel pump. This is designed to prevent your vehicle from lighting on fire in the event of an accident, but it can also cause damage to your engine should it be damaged if it is tripped.
You might not be able to start your car following an accident because your vehicle's engine transmission has stopped working properly. In this instance you'll need assistance from an expert mechanic to pinpoint the cause of the issue and fix it before you are able to start your vehicle once more.
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's properly lubricated. miami auto accident attorney can be achieved by turning the engine on slowly and allow it to warm for 30 seconds.
You can take this opportunity to check all the belts, hoses, and air cleaners in your vehicle to make sure they're operating properly. This will increase your gas mileage and ensure that your vehicle is running smoothly.
It's also a great method to make sure your tires have the correct pressure. Properly filled tires will allow them to be more effective on the road and reduce the risk of a blowout, or any other damage.