From going to work to picking up kids from school to grocery shopping and driving for leisure, cars are everywhere. And even though laws have been put in place to safeguard drivers, there’s still always a risk of getting into an accident.
As a driver, you should do what you can to prioritize road safety for yourself and others. You should also be knowledgeable about what to do if an accident occurs. This particular guide has been created to help prevent car accidents and be prepared for legalities after an accident.
How to Prevent Road Accidents?
There are a bunch of road safety tips that can be followed to prevent the likelihood of road accidents during your regular trips. These tips are for what to do before you drive and what to do during it.
What to Do Before Driving?
Here’s what you be aware of before you turn on the ignition to be on your way.
Buckle Up
You should buckle up before you start exiting any driveway. Seatbelts play a vital role in saving lives. Also, don’t unbuckle even if you think you’re alone on the road.
Quick Checks
Do a quick check of your car before you head on out for the day. You should ensure that the brakes and the indicators work properly. Take a look at the tires. Do not ignore an issue. Get your car to the mechanic as soon as possible or handle it yourself (depending on your skill level). Well-maintained cars help reduce the risk of accidents.
Check-In with Yourself
Before you begin the drive, take a few seconds to check-in with yourself. Are you feeling well enough to make the drive you’re supposed to? Feeling exhausted or drowsy while driving increases the risk of accidents.
What to Do While Driving?
With you sitting behind the steering wheel, let’s go over the safety tips for how you should behave while driving.
Adhere to Traffic Laws
This is a no-brainer. You should follow the traffic laws while driving. Some of the laws include respecting speed limits, proper signals while making turns, understanding proper signage, yielding to other vehicles, and being aware of the road’s conditions.
Don’t be Distracted
Being the driver comes with certain responsibilities. A major responsibility is safety. Do not focus on sending a text while driving. If you really have to answer a call, you should use a hands-free device. Stay away from adjusting the radio every other second.
If you are traveling with family and friends, try not to get too involved in any lively conversations that might be happening. Your job is to ensure the safety of everyone inside the vehicle as well as other cars around you.
What to Do During an Accident Aftermath?
An accident can be an extremely traumatizing event, both mentally and physically. Depending on the severity, an accident can leave you with lifelong consequences. Being aware of how to act during a car crash aftermath can assist with legal proceedings.
Check for Injuries
You have to ensure everyone is doing okay. Immediately check for possible injuries and call medical assistance. Types of car accident injuries can include whiplash, internal injuries, broken bones, and more.
Call the Authorities
You should call the police to not only lend a hand in handling the aftermath but to also aid with creating an official record.
Information Exchange
Don’t forget to exchange information. Share names, phone numbers, addresses, license plates, and insurance policy numbers.
Documentation
Take pictures or video of the accident scene. Include medical records (including expenses) and the police report.
Legal Advice
Learn about your rights. Hire a car accident lawyer to help you understand legal proceedings depending on the area the accident took in. The statute of limitations and insurance policies can vary across States.
Let’s take Georgia as an example. You basically have 2 years to file a lawsuit. You’re legally obligated to report the accident if it results in damages over $500. Not doing so could mean legal trouble for yourself.
Compared to that, you only have one year from the time of the accident to file a lawsuit in Tennessee. It’s also a “fault State”, allowing you to gain compensation from the other driver and their insurance company.
However, the sooner you act the better. An expert Smyrna car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal waters of road accident laws in Tennessee to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Road safety tips exist for a reason. Ensuring you don’t get distracted while driving and follow traffic laws can help greatly reduce the risk of accidents on the road. As a driver, it’s your job to follow traffic laws. However, if an accident does occur, knowing how to act can aid with safety and the ensuing legal proceedings.