Sure, car accidents are “accidents,” but do you know the common causes behind them? Most car accidents are a result of speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, failing to yield the right of way, tailgating, and blowing through red lights and stop signs.
One of the best things you can do to prevent your chances of being in a car accident is to be a good driver. To help you reduce the risk of a collision do this:
- Slow down when conditions indicate you should, for example, when it’s raining, when there’s ice on the road, when there’s traffic, debris in the road, construction, etc.
- Avoid driving when you’re angry (road rage is dangerous) and be courteous to other drivers.
- Don’t follow other cars to closely. Instead, always maintain a safe following distance.
- Before you enter an intersection, look both ways.
- Whenever you change lanes, don’t forget to use your signals to alert other drivers of your intentions.
- Stop at red lights.
- Stop at stop signs.
- Never drive if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
- Do not drive if you’re impaired by drugs or medications.
What if I am in a Crash?
You can be the best driver on the road but that can’t always protect you from other drivers’ mistakes. If you are in a crash, check to see if anyone was hurt and if so, call 911 right away so an ambulance can be dispatched to the scene. Next, move your car out of the road to a safe place then exchange the following information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident:
- Contact info (name, phone number, and home address)
- Driver’s license information
- License plate information
- Insurance information
- Vehicle Identification (VIN) numbers
After an accident, it’s best to contact the police so they can arrive at the scene and file a police report. Always call the police when someone is injured or killed, when the vehicles cannot be moved because of the degree of damage when you suspect the other driver is intoxicated, when the other driver doesn’t have auto insurance, or when one of the drivers flees the scene of the accident (hit and run).
Next: In a Car Accident? Take This Advice!
To file a car accident claim, contact the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC.