First of all, car accidents cause millions of injuries every year in the United States. In fact, over 250,000 of these injuries come from accidents in Florida. So, safety and avoiding a car accident should be a top priority for every driver. But how do we avoid a car accident?
Well, the best way to avoid a car accident is to know what to watch for. So, we have put together some tips to help you avoid a car crash.
Tips for Avoiding a Car Accident
Granted, every driver should drive responsibly. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Luckily, knowing some of the basic causes can help you take precautions and avoid an accident. So, here are six tips to help keep you safe and avoid an accident.
- Always Drive Sober – Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol continues to a factor in auto accidents. Additionally, in 2010 Florida had 17,748 alcohol-related crashes.
- Don’t Drive Distracted – Activities that take your hands off the wheel and eyes off the road put you at risk of an accident.
- Know Your Car – Granted, this seems obvious. But, everyone should know how their car operates. For instance, knowing how to adjust your seatbelt and mirrors are vital for your safety. As well as, knowing how your car handles in different weather conditions will help keep you safe.
- Maintain Your Car – Keeping up with routine maintenance will not only keep your car running but it will help keep you safe. Because brakes and tires are essential to your car’s handling. And, your safety on the road.
- Avoid Driving While Tired – Driving when you’re tired produces effects like the effects of alcohol. Furthermore, the National Sleep Foundation found driving after being awake for 18 straight hours has effects equal to a .05 BAC. Considering, the BAC limit in Florida is .08% or more you want to avoid driving without sleep.
- Don’t Drive Upset or Angry – Stress can turn even the most courteous driver into an aggressive one. Aggressive driving contributes to 5 million car accidents each year. And, these are some aggressive driving habits: rolling stops, speeding through yellow lights, not yielding the right of way, preventing a merge, honking the horn, failing to signal, tailgating, or weaving through traffic. Being mindful of these behaviors will help you drive safer.
Types of Car Accidents
Next, when it comes to car accidents there are many likely causes. And, a variety of different types of accidents that could occur. But, here are four of the most common auto accidents.
- Rear-end Collision – Often the result of following too closely or distracted driving. A rear-end collision is the most common accident.
- Side-Impact Collision – Also called “t-boned” side-impact collisions happen when the front of a car strikes the side of another car. These generally happen when a driver runs a red light or stop sign.
- Head-on Collision – This occurs when the front-end of your car hits an object. As a result, this is one of the deadliest auto accidents.
- Multi-vehicle Collision – These accidents occur when three or more vehicles collide. Like, a head-on collision these accidents are severe or even deadly. This is due to the multiple impacts that happen during the crash.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Finally, you should protect yourself after an auto accident. As a matter of fact, most people don’t know what to do after an accident. Thus, these tips can help anyone involved in an auto accident.
- Stop and Check for Injuries – In all honesty, you should never leave an accident. Because they will charge you with a crime. Instead, check yourself and passengers for injuries. Then, check on the other driver if possible. But, if you have injuries call 911 and don’t move.
- Get to Safety – Next, if your car is drivable move it the side of the road out of traffic. Additionally, if you cannot drive the car, put on your hazard signals and you move to the side of the road.
- Call the Police – Always call the police when in an auto accident. They will file an accident report. More importantly, you will need this report when you file your claim.
- Exchange Information – Even though they do not have insurance, you will need their contact and vehicle details. Furthermore, you should get the contact information from any witnesses.
- Document the Details – You will need to write down the other driver’s vehicle information, time and location of the accident, and the officer’s name with a badge number. Also, try to document any details that may help when you file your claim.
- Take Pictures – Additionally, take pictures of the accident scene. Include photos of the damage to each car, the license plate of the other driver, and traffic signs.
- Report to Insurance Company – As I have said, it is important to report a crash as soon as possible. Besides, reporting the accident keeps you from breaking the terms of your policy. Not to mention, you need to let them know so you can use your MedPay coverage. Because MedPay requires you to submit all medical bills through the insurance company.
- Contact an Auto Accident Attorney – Actually, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney after an accident. Because an auto accident attorney can use their knowledge of relevant laws to help protect your rights. As well as, handling all the paperwork and filing deadlines. Thus, allowing you to focus on recovering and getting your life back to normal.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
