What to Do If You Get in an Auto Accident
A car accident could be a devastation. It could result in loss of income and benefits, massive out-of-pocket costs, and severe injuries that require a lengthy treatment.
If you're the victim of an auto accident or who is witnessing one, there are a variety of ways you can protect yourself and help others.
Avoid distractions
If you are distracted while driving, it could cause a huge impact on your safety as well as that of others. Some of the most common distractions are eating, texting and grooming.
Distracted drivers can cause serious injuries or even death to the people in their vicinity. This is because distracted driving could cause drivers to disregard dangers and unexpected issues in front of them or to miss important road signs.
Distractions are anything that takes the driver's attention from the road and causes them to lose control of their vehicle. They can be either visual or cognitive, and each has distinctive characteristics.
Visual distractions refer to things that distract a driver's attention from the road. Examples include using a GPS or reading a signboard or even rubbernecking a car accident. This can be very dangerous, especially when the driver is traveling at highway speeds or when they are passing other vehicles or pedestrians.
Manual distractions can also be very harmful, especially when drivers are not paying attention to the road and are unable to react quickly enough. Drinking while driving, changing the radio station, or reaching for something in the backseat could all be very distracting.
Cognitive distractions can be as harmful as other distractions. They can include using the phone or a song, or thinking about a personal issue. They could also be a sign of drowsiness, which can make it difficult for a driver to focus on the road.
The best way to stay clear of distractions while driving is to establish boundaries and practice attentive driving. This can be accomplished by living by example and setting rules to restrict screen time.
It's important that we remember that everyone is at risk of being a distracted driver, and it's not just teens or new drivers. Even pets, older people and drowsy motorists can be distractions when driving.
You can also advise them to put their cell phone on "do not disturb" mode and turn it off when they are driving. You can also advise your friend to switch off their mobile and put it on "do-not-disturb" mode when they are driving.
Staying Away
Maintaining a safe distance to the vehicle in the direction of you is one of the most important ways to ensure your car's safety. This can help prevent a collision and protect the people around you from injury or even death.
There are several methods to ensure that you're keeping the correct distance when driving. One way is to use the 3-second rule. It's a a simple calculation that can aid you in determining if you're following too closely.
The 3-second rule is based upon the fact that you require approximately three seconds to react when a vehicle suddenly brakes. If you're too close to the vehicle in the direction of you and you're not close enough, you won't have enough time to stop safely in case a collision happens.
This is especially relevant for truck drivers who require plenty space to stop safely before approaching a traffic stop. Many accidents involving semis as well as large rigs are caused by drivers who fail to follow this rule of the road, which can lead to grave injuries or even deaths for everyone involved.
In addition to using the three-second rule you can also measure your following distance mentally by locating an object that is fixed and then calculating how long it takes you to arrive at the same spot after the vehicle ahead of you passes it. This can be accomplished by watching the car in advance of an overhead sign, a tree or any other roadside markers.
Once you've determined how long it takes your car to reach that spot after the other car passes it, begin counting again. Start counting 1-1,000, 2-1,000 and then 3-1,000 until reach a three-second gap between you and the vehicle in front.
If you're not able to get to three seconds, increase your following distance gradually until you are there. It might require you to slow down to avoid a collision, however, the effort worth it.
The most common rear-end collisions occur when drivers follow the vehicle ahead of them too closely. By increasing the distance you follow and following the 3-second rule, you will be able to avoid these collisions and other collisions which could cause serious damage to your vehicle and those around you.
Avoiding Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions comprise among the most common types of automobile accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that they are responsible for nearly three-quarters of all crashes and cause approximately 2,000 deaths per year in the United States.
Although front-end collisions are far more risky, rear-end collisions are still a major cause of injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions may also lead to a variety of soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash.
These accidents can leave drivers with significant discomfort and pain in the neck, shoulder and back areas. These injuries are often accompanied by physical therapy, medical expenses and lost wages in order to recover.
The best way to avoid rear-end collisions is to keep a safe distance from other vehicles. This means following behind them at an appropriate speed, and not slowing down.
Being too fast can increase the likelihood of a rear-end crash because you may not have enough time to notice and react to dangers, such as slower or stopped traffic the front of you. The National Safety Council recommends a minimum three-second following distance for passenger cars, and greater for larger vehicles.
Rear-end collisions are particularly dangerous when road or weather conditions are challenging. If you're driving in extreme snow or rain, for example, you should increase your following distance and take extra care.
Check your rear-view-mirror frequently to avoid a rear-end collision. This will depend on the volume of the traffic is ahead of you. This will help you determine if a driver behind you has stopped or applied the brakes.
Use your turn signals to switch lanes or pull from a parking lot. This will enable drivers behind you see your vehicle and prevent them from swerving in their path to hit you.
Always ensure that your children are in the back of the vehicle when you are traveling with them. This will prevent children from running around the vehicle, 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. Texting or talking on the phone could be a major contributing factor in rear-end collisions.
Keep Your Engine Running
The engine in your car may be among the most crucial components for you as a driver, however it could be also one of the most frustrating components. If you are involved in an accident, your vehicle's engine might not start until you turn the key or press START.
This isn't a issue which is simple to identify and repair, so it's recommended to bring your car for a routine check-up as soon as the check engine light turns on. The lights will alert the car if it has a problem in the areas of battery, temperature, alternator, or any other aspect.
If auto accident attorney colorado springs experiencing difficulty starting your car following a minor accident it could be the result of a malfunctioning inertial switch that cuts off power to the vehicle's fuel pump. This switch is designed to stop your car from catching fire in the event of a collision, however, it could also cause damage to your engine if tripped.
Another reason why you may not be able to start your engine after an accident is that the crash may have caused your vehicle's transmission to cease functioning properly. In this situation you'll have to talk to a mechanic to determine what caused the issue and fix it.
Even if your vehicle has a healthy engine but it's still essential to run it once in intervals to ensure that it's lubricated properly and is working. This can be accomplished by switching the engine on with a gentle touch and waiting for it to warm for 30 minutes.
This is the time to examine all hoses, belts and air cleaners in your vehicle to ensure they're working correctly. This will boost your gas mileage and help keep your vehicle operating smoothly.
It's also a great way to ensure that your tires have the proper pressure. If your tires are properly inflated, it will ensure that they grip the road better and lessen the risk of a tire blowout or other damage.