What to Do If You Get in an Auto Accident
A car accident can result in devastating effects. It could result in loss of income and benefits, large out-of-pocket costs, and severe injuries that require a long-term treatment.
Whether you're the victim of an auto accident or who is watching one, there are several things you can do to ensure your safety and aid others.
Beware of Distractions
If you're distracted when driving, it could affect your safety as well as that of others. The most frequent distractions include texting, eating and grooming.
If distracted drivers are involved in an accident, it may cause serious injuries and deaths for those in their vicinity. Drivers who are distracted might ignore road signs and hazards or fail to notice unexpected issues.
Distractions are anything that diverts drivers' attention away from the road and causes them to lose control of their vehicle. They can be either visual or manual, and each type has its own unique characteristics.
Visual distractions are the things that distract drivers' eyes from the road, for example, using a GPS, looking at a billboard, or rubbernecking during an accident. This could be very dangerous particularly when the driver is travelling at highway speeds or when they are passing other vehicles or pedestrians.
Manual distractions can be dangerous, particularly if drivers do not pay attention to the road or react quickly. While driving, eating is a huge distraction or even changing the radio station or looking for something behind the vehicle.
Cognitive distractions can be as harmful as other distractions. automobile injury attorneys can include calling or singing, or pondering an emotionally charged scenario. They can also be a sign of drowsiness. This can make it difficult for drivers to concentrate on the road.
The best way to avoid distracting behavior while driving is to set good boundaries and practice attentive driving. You can accomplish this by setting rules and leading by example.
It is important to remember that distracted driving poses a risk for everyone not just teenagers and new drivers. Older drivers, sleepy drivers and even pets can be distractions for drivers.
If you have a friend or relative who is susceptible to distraction while driving, be sure to talk with them about the importance of keeping their eyes to the road and how to prevent this from happening. You can also encourage them to put their cell phone on "do not distract" mode and turn off when they're driving.
Keep Your Distance
One of the most important things you can do to ensure your car is safe while driving is to maintain a safe distance between you and any vehicle in front of you. This will help avoid a collision and protect you and those around you from injury or death.
There are numerous methods to ensure you're driving at the right distance. One option is to utilize the 3-second rule. It's a simple calculation that can help you determine if you're following too closely.
The 3-second rule is based upon the fact that it takes approximately three seconds to react when a vehicle brakes suddenly. If you're too close to the vehicle in front of you then you won't have the time to stop without causing a crash.
This is particularly applicable to truck drivers who require plenty space to stop safely at a traffic stop. This rule of the road is often ignored by drivers, resulting in serious injuries and even deaths.
In addition to the three-second rule, you may also measure your distance to follow by locating an object fixed in the ground and calculating how long it takes for you to arrive at the same spot after the vehicle in front of you crosses it. You can do this by finding an overhead road sign, tree or any other roadside marker, and watching the vehicle in front of you drive by it.
Once you've determined the time it takes your car to get there when the other vehicle passes it, start counting again. Count 1-1,000; 2-1,000; and then 31,000, until you reach three seconds of gap between you and the car in front of you.
If you're not able to reach three seconds, you can increase your following distance gradually until you are there. It could require slowing down to avoid a crash however it's well worth the effort.
The most common rear-end collisions happen when drivers follow the vehicle ahead of them too closely. You can avoid collisions by increasing your following distance.
Avoiding Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of auto accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that they are responsible for almost three-quarters of all crashes and cause approximately 2,000 deaths per year in the United States.
While front-end collisions are much more risky, rear-end collisions are still a significant cause for injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions can also cause whiplash-like injuries to soft tissues, for example.
These accidents can leave drivers with significant discomfort and pain in the neck, shoulder and back areas. They may require physical therapy, medical bills, and lost wages to recover from.
The best way to avoid a rear-end collision is to stay away from other vehicles. This means that you should follow behind them at an appropriate speed, and not tailgating them.
If you drive too close, it can increase the likelihood of a rear-end collision because you may not have enough time to see and respond to hazards, like slower or stopped traffic the 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 especially dangerous when road or weather conditions are adverse. If you are driving in heavy snow or rain, for example you should extend the distance you follow and take extra care.
To avoid the possibility of a rear-end crash, make sure to check your rear-view mirror often depending on how crowded the traffic ahead of you. This will allow you to determine whether the car in front of you is accelerating or applying the brakes.
Another good habit to have is to use your turn signals when changing lanes or leaving a parking lot. This lets the driver behind you be aware of your vehicle and assist them in avoiding a swerve out of their lane to hit you.
If you're in a vehicle with children, ensure that you keep them in the back of the vehicle. This will prevent them from moving around the vehicle, or becoming disoriented and distracted while driving.
It is also a good idea to keep your phone away while you are driving and refrain from using it to distract yourself. Talking or texting on the phone can be a significant contributing factor in rear-end collisions.
Keep Your Engine Running
The engine in your car is among the most important parts for you as a motorist however, it can also be a hassle. If you're involved in an accident, the engine of your car might not begin after you turn the key or press START.
This isn't an issue that's easy to diagnose and repair, so it's recommended to bring your car to a service center at the moment the check engine light turns on. The lights will be alerted when your car is experiencing an issue in the area of temperature, battery, alternator or any other area.
If you're experiencing difficulty getting your car started after a minor accident it could be the result of a tripped inertial control that cuts power to the vehicle's fuel pump. This is designed to shield your vehicle from lighting on fire in the event of a collision however it can also cause damage to your engine if activated.
Another reason you might not be capable of starting your engine following an accident is that the collision could have caused your car's transmission to cease functioning properly. In this situation you'll need assistance from an expert mechanic to determine what caused the issue and then fix it before you are able to start your vehicle again.
Even if you own a healthy car, it is important to run the engine periodically to ensure that it's properly lubricated. This can be done by turning the engine on slowly and letting it warm for 30 minutes.
You can take this opportunity to inspect all hoses, belts and air cleaners in your vehicle to make sure they're functioning properly. This will help improve your fuel efficiency and also ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly.
It's also a great way to make sure your tires are at the right pressure. If your tires are properly inflated, it will ensure that they be more stable on the road and decrease the risk of a tire blowout or any other damage.