Rising Accident Cases: What You Should Be Careful About

Car accidents around the US cost more than $800 billion a year. They result in thousands of deaths and millions of injury cases, a lot of which are permanent. Despite the fact that there have been immense advancements on the technological front to improve car safety through equipment like assistive braking and guided cruise control, but the element of human error still remains. This includes negligence and distracted driving among other things.

Individuals have to realize that while on the road they have a moral and civic responsibility towards others as well as themselves. Protecting your life and that of those around you is your legal and ethical requirement while driving. Here are a few things that you should be careful about in this regard.

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Tips to Avoid a Car Accident

Stay Attentive to Your Surroundings
There is a common notion that one of the basic assumptions while driving a car is to think you’re the only person who can see. Motorcyclists, pedestrians and other people like skateboarders etc. will come charging into your path creating a risk for massive collisions. This is the reason you have to be extra careful while on the road. Check your rear-view mirrors regularly especially when making a turn or pulling over. Also check for on-coming traffic before opening your car door in the middle of a road. Use turn signals at all times and make sure you’re brake lights are functioning properly.

Be Responsible
Negligent driving is one of the most common causes for accidents around the US. Similarly distractions are also a major factor that contributes towards sometimes fatal accidents. Recent increases in usage of social media platforms like SnapChat, Facebook Live YouTube have been misused by people while driving. This is a step up from the traditional texting while driving. However, this has only compounded the risks immensely. The authorities advise you to avoid these practices to make the roads and highways safer for yourself and others.

Follow the Rules
It is said that ignorance of law is now excuse. Ignorance might be not knowing the law or wishfully ignoring it. Both these conditions can result in catastrophic consequences. Running red lights, overtaking out of place, traveling the wrong way or traveling in the wrong lane etc. are just a few examples of law breaking that can detrimental for you and other people as well. Saving a few minutes of your time can leave you in big trouble with more mess to clean up than you expected.

What to Do if You're in a Motor Vehicle Collision

After a car crash, there are a lot of things to keep in mind, but your safety and the safety of others involved in the collision are critical. Here are some actionable things to do after an accident:

1. Make sure you, and your car are in a safe area to avoid a collision with additional drivers.
2. If you or anyone has been injured, call 911 to get medical attention.
3. When safe and if possible, take pictures and/or video of the scene and the surrounding areas and make note if there are any potential surveillance cameras.
4. Try to get witness information.
5. Contact a personal injury lawyer immediately
   

Call a Car Accident Lawyer Serving San Bernardino and Riverside

While you should be careful about the rights of others and your own while on the road, you also have to keep your car in top shape and ensure you have all the safety features that the law requires. However, if you do get into an accident, make sure you’re prepared. Have a first aid kit on board and contacts for your insurance company and contact one of our listed car accident lawyers. Our listed attorneys offer free consultations and can answer your questions & advise you on the best course of action regarding your specific circumstances.