What Is Auto Accident Lawyers And Why You Should Care
What to Do If You Get in an Auto Accident
A car accident can be a devastating event. It can cause loss of income and benefits, significant cost out of pocket, and severe injuries which require extensive treatment.
If you're the victim of an auto accident or who's witnessing one, there are many actions you can take to protect yourself and help others.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving can have a major impact on your safety as well as the safety of others. Some of the most common distractions include eating, texting and grooming.
If distracted drivers are involved in an accident, it can result in serious injuries and death for the people around them. This is because distracted driving could cause drivers to overlook dangers and unexpected problems right in front of them, or to overlook important road warning signs.
auto accident lawyers in chicago refer to anything that diverts a driver's attention away from the road and causes them to lose control of their vehicle. They can be both visual and cognitive, and each comes with distinct characteristics.
Visual distractions can be anything that divert a driver's attention from the road. Examples include using a GPS or looking at a signboard or even rubbernecking a car accident. This could be very dangerous especially when the driver is travelling at highway speeds or when they are driving by pedestrians or other vehicles.
Manual distractions are also dangerous, especially when drivers fail to pay attention to the road or react quickly. Driving while eating can be extremely distracting or even changing the radio station, or reaching to something behind the car.
Cognitive distractions are a lesser-known but equally deadly type of distractions. These distractions include using a mobile phone or singing, or pondering an emotionally charged scenario. They could also be a sign of drowsiness that can make it difficult for drivers to concentrate on the road.
Set boundaries and practice an attentive driving to keep your eyes off the road. You can do this by establishing rules and living by example.
It's important to be aware that everyone is at risk of being distracted while driving, and it's not just teenagers or drivers who are just starting out. Older drivers, sleepy drivers and even pets can be distractions for drivers.
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 encourage them to put their cell phone on "do not disturb" mode and turn off the phone when they are driving.
Keeping Your Distance
Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you is among of the best things you can do to ensure your car's safety. This can prevent collisions, and also protect you and others around you from injury and death.
There are a variety of ways to ensure you're following the correct distance while driving. One approach is to employ the 3-second rule. It's a a simple calculation that can assist you in determining whether you're following too closely.
The 3-second rule is based on the fact that it takes around three seconds to respond when another vehicle abruptly brakes. If you are too close to the car in front of you, it could be difficult to stop safely.
This is particularly relevant for truck drivers who require plenty of room to stop safely before approaching the traffic stop. This road safety rule is often ignored by drivers, which can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
In addition to using the three-second rule you can also measure your distance to follow by locating an object fixed in the ground and calculating the time it takes you to get to the same location after the vehicle in front of you has passed it. This can be done by watching the car the direction of an overhead sign, tree or other roadside marker.
Recount. Once you have determined how long it will take your vehicle to arrive at that location after another vehicle has passed, begin counting. Count 1-1,000; 2-1,000; and then 3-1,000 until you have reached three seconds of gap between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
If you're unable to complete three seconds in one row and you're not able to do that, gradually increase your following distance until you reach. This may involve slowing down to avoid an accident however it's well worth the extra effort.
The most common rear-end collisions occur when drivers are too close to the vehicle in front of them. By increasing the distance you follow and using the 3-second rule, you can avoid these crashes and other collisions that can cause serious damage to your car and the people surrounding you.
Avoiding Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are among the most frequent types of car accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that they constitute nearly 1/3 of all accidents, and they result in around 2,000 deaths each year in the United States.
While front-end collisions are much more dangerous, rear-end collisions are still a significant 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 cause drivers to experience significant discomfort and pain in the neck, shoulder, and back areas. They often require physical therapy, medical bills, and lost wages to heal from.
The best method to avoid rear-end collisions is to keep a distance from other vehicles. This means that you must follow behind the vehicles at a safe speed and not lag behind them.
Driving too closely can increase the likelihood of a rear-end crash because you won't have the time to notice and react to dangers, such as slower or stopped traffic in the front of you. The National Safety Council recommends that passenger cars maintain a three-second minimum following distance and larger vehicles more.
Rear-end collisions are particularly dangerous when road or weather conditions are challenging. If you're driving through heavy rain or snow for example, increase your following distance.
Make sure to check your rear-view mirror frequently to avoid a rear end collision. This will depend on the volume of the road ahead of you. This will let you know whether the driver behind you is accelerating or applying the brakes.
Use your turn signals to change lanes or get away from a lot. This will help drivers behind you be aware of your vehicle and prevent them from swerving into your direction to hit you.
If you're in a car 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 vehicle or becoming disoriented and distracted while driving.
It's also a good idea to put your phone away and avoid using it while driving. Talking or texting on your phone could be a major contributor to rear-end collisions.
Keeping Your Engine Running
The engine in your car is one of the most vital components for you as a driver however it can also be frustrating. In the event of an accident you might find that your car's engine will not start when you turn the key.
This isn't a issue which is simple to identify and resolve, so it's advisable to bring your car to a mechanic immediately after the check engine light comes on. The lights will let you know in the event of a problem with the alternator, battery, temperature or other areas of your car that require attention.
If you're experiencing difficulty getting your car started after an accident it could be because of a malfunctioning inertial switch that cuts off power to the vehicle's fuel pump. This is designed to protect your vehicle from catching on fire in the event of a collision, but it can also cause damage to your engine if it gets shut off.
You may not be able start your car following an accident due to the fact that your vehicle's engine transmission has stopped functioning properly. In this situation, you will need to consult a mechanic in order to find out what caused the issue and then fix it.
Even if you have an engine that is in good condition, it is important to run the engine once or twice to ensure that it is properly lubricated. This can be accomplished by switching the engine on with a gentle touch and waiting for it to warm for 30 minutes.
When you do this, you're taking the chance to check all of your vehicle's belts, hoses, air cleaners, and other components to make sure they're in good functioning order. This will increase your gas mileage and ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly.
This is also a great technique to ensure your tires are properly inflated. When your tires are properly inflated, they will ensure that they grip the road better and decrease the chance of an accident involving a blowout of your tire or other damage.