Driving is the way most people get around in America, but as you may already know, it’s definitely not the safest mode of transport. Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of injury, but many people are not prepared if the worst happens. In an ideal world no one would ever have to deal with a car accident, but it is a fact of life and something to be aware of if you hold a drivers license. Almost as important as knowing what to do after a car accident is knowing what not to do. By following this guide you will be able to deal with the situation and get on with your life.
What causes car accidents?
Car accidents happen for many different reasons. We hear a lot about drunk drivers being involved in accidents and it’s true that this is one very tragic cause. But road traffic accidents happen for many other reasons; one of the most common being pure negligence on the part of the driver. These days, it seems that people are multitasking more than ever before. Texting, talking on the phone, scheduling appointments and eating a sandwich, all while fixing makeup and changing lanes on the freeway are regular occurrences. It’s an absolute recipe for disaster. Negligence causes injuries and death on the road and if you are a victim of a car accident in which the other driver was negligent, you might be eligible for compensation.
Other causes of car accidents include poorly maintained roads and inclement weather. If the driving conditions are dangerous, it’s wisest to stay off the roads. Some sections of road are not well-maintained and this can cause drivers to have problems. Rain and snow causes roads to become slippery and vehicles to collide.
Finally, improperly maintained vehicles can be dangerous. Oftentimes vehicles with non-functional turn signals, brake lights or even brakes themselves can cause collisions.
How to avoid car accidents
So how can car accidents and the stress and danger that goes with them, be avoided? First of all, many accidents can be avoided simply by being more aware while driving. This means putting away the cell phone and focusing only on the road ahead. It can even be distracting to have a conversation going on while you’re driving, so to reduce the risk as much as possible, focus on driving safely and your reaction time will be much better if you need to avoid a sticky situation.
It is also important to be aware of the road and weather conditions and to modify your driving accordingly. If the road is very narrow and winding, slow down and honk your horn when rounding tight corners. Trying to speed around bends is a recipe for disaster.
How to deal with a car accident
If an accident happens to you, gather as many details about the incident as you can. It’s important to take photo documentation and get personal details about all parties involved. If the other driver was at fault, you might be eligible for car accident personal injury compensation. It is important to follow through with this because a car accident can result in lots of stress and pricy medical bills that you don’t want to be responsible for if the collision was due to the negligence of someone else.