What to Do If You Get in an Auto Accident
A car accident can have devastating effects. It can cause loss of income, benefits and significant expenses out of pocket.
You can assist yourself and others by remaining safe if you are the victim of a car crash or a witness to one.
Avoid Distractions
If you are distracted while driving, it could have a dramatic impact on your safety and that of others. Food, texting, and grooming are some of the most frequent distractions.
If distracted drivers are involved in an accident, it could result in serious injuries and even death for the people who are around them. Drivers who are distracted can ignore road signs and dangers or miss out on unexpected dangers.
Distractions are anything that diverts drivers' attention away from the road and causes them to lose control of their vehicle. They could be visual or cognitive, and each has distinct characteristics.
Visual distractions include things that distract drivers from the road. Examples include using a GPS or reading a signboard or rubbernecking an accident. This can be very risky particularly if the driver is driving at highway speeds or when they are walking or passing pedestrians.
Manual distractions can be extremely harmful, particularly when drivers aren't paying attention to the road and cannot react quickly enough. Eating while driving changing the radio station or reaching for something in the back of the car can be extremely distracting.
Cognitive distractions can be as dangerous as other distractions. They could be a result of talking on the phone or a song, or thinking about a personal issue. These are also signs of drowsiness that can make it hard for drivers to stay focused on the road.
Set boundaries and practice attentive driving to avoid distractions while driving. This can be accomplished by living by example and establishing rules that limit the time spent on screens.
It is important to remember that distracted driving poses a risk for all drivers not just teenagers and drivers who are new. Older drivers, tired drivers and even pets can be distractions for drivers.
You can also suggest to them to set their cell phone on "do not disturb" mode and turn it off when they are behind the wheel. It is also a good idea to encourage them to put their cell phone in "do not disturb" mode and then turn off when they're behind the wheel.
Beware of Your Distance
One of the most important actions you can take to ensure the safety of your vehicle when driving is to keep a safe distance between yourself and any vehicle ahead of you. This will prevent the possibility of a collision, and also protect your passengers and yourself from injury or even death.
There are many ways to make sure you're following the correct distance when driving. One way is to use the 3-second rule. It's an easy calculation that can aid in determining if you're following too closely.
The 3-second rule is based on the fact that it takes three seconds for you to react when a car stops abruptly. If you are too close to the car in front of you, it could be difficult to stop safely.
This is especially relevant for truck drivers who require plenty space to stop safely when they approach an intersection. Many accidents involving semis or large rigs occur because drivers fail to follow this rule of the road which can cause serious injuries or even fatalities for all involved.
In addition to using the three-second rule, you may also measure your distance following by finding a fixed object and counting the time it takes you to get to the same point after the vehicle in front of you passes it. This can be accomplished by watching the car in advance pass an overhead sign, a tree or other roadside marker.
Once you've figured out how long it takes your car to reach that spot after the other driver has passed it, start counting again. Start counting 1-1,000, 2-1,000 and then 3,001 until you attain a gap of three seconds between you and the vehicle in front.
If you're unable achieve three seconds, then increase your following distance gradually until you are there. It could require slowing down to avoid a crash but it's worth the effort.
The most common rear-end collisions occur when drivers are too close to the vehicle in front. You can avoid collisions and other accidents by increasing the distance you follow.
Avoiding Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are as the most frequent auto accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that they represent more than three-quarters of all crashes that result in around 2,000 deaths each year in the United States.
While front-end collisions are more hazardous, rear-end collisions still cause significant injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions can lead to a range of soft tissue injuries, including whiplash.
These injuries can cause severe discomfort in the neck, back and shoulder regions. They often require physical therapy, medical bills and lost wages to recover from.
The best method to avoid rear-end collisions is to keep your distance from other vehicles. This means you should follow behind them at a reasonable speed and not to tailgate them.
You increase the risk of rear-end collisions when driving too close. This is because you won't be able to have enough time to respond to dangers like slower or stopped traffic. The National Safety Council recommends that drivers maintain a three-second minimum distance to follow, and larger vehicles even more.
If the weather or road conditions are poor, rear-end collisions are more risky. If you're driving through heavy snow or rain for instance, you should increase your distance to follow.
Make sure to check your rear-view mirror frequently to avoid a rear-end collision. This will depend on how crowded the traffic is ahead of you. This will let you know if the driver behind you is slowing down or applying the brakes.
Another good practice is to use your turn signals when changing lanes or getting out of parking spaces. This lets the driver behind you to see your car and prevent them from swerving out of their lane to cause a collision with you.
If you're travelling in a vehicle with children, you must make sure you keep them in the back seat of the vehicle. This will help prevent them from bouncing around the car or becoming confused and distracted while you are driving.
It is also a great idea to put your phone away and not use it while driving. Talking or texting on the phone can be a key contributor to rear-end collisions.
Keep Your Engine Running
The engine in your car is among the most crucial components for you as a driver however, it can also be a hassle. In the case of an accident, you may notice that your car's engine will not start when you turn the key.
This isn't a problem that's simple to spot and resolve, so it's advisable to bring your car for a routine check-up immediately after the check engine light comes on. The lights will inform you if there's a problem with the alternator, battery or temperature, or any other part of your vehicle that require attention.
If you're experiencing difficulty starting your car after a minor accident, it could be the result of a malfunctioning inertial sensor that cuts off power to the vehicle's fuel pump. chicago auto accident attorney is intended to keep your car from burning in the event of a collision but it can also damage your engine if tripped.
Another reason why you may not be not able to start your car after an auto accident is that the crash may have caused your vehicle's transmission to stop working properly. In this scenario, you will require a professional to determine what caused the issue and then fix it.
Even if your car is equipped with an engine that's in good shape however, it's important to run it once in a while to make sure it's properly lubricated and running. This can be achieved by turning the engine on slowly and let it warm for 30 minutes.
You can use this time to check all the hoses, belts and air cleaners in your vehicle to ensure they are working properly. This will improve your gas mileage and keep your vehicle operating smoothly.
This is also a great technique to ensure your tires are properly inflated. Properly inflated tires will enable them to better grip the road and reduce the risk of a blowout, or any other damage.