Attorney-Suggested Tips to Avoid Auto Accidents
Knowing what to do after a car accident is critical to help you protect your rights to compensation and hold at-fault parties accountable for their negligent behavior. Still, avoiding auto accidents altogether is the ultimate goal. To that end, here are some practical tips from the personal injury lawyers at Schiff & Associates:
Avoid Distractions
Any experienced car accident lawyer will tell you that distractions are some of the most common contributing factors to vehicle crashes. They can take the form of looking at your smartphone, changing the radio station, or even speaking to other passengers. External environmental factors can also divert your attention from the road.
No matter how they appear to you, you must remain mindful of distractions and focused on staying safe. Put your phone down and use hands-free communication features if you need to make a call. Even a small adjustment like that can have a great impact on your road safety.
Follow Speed Limits and Other Traffic Laws
The speed limits for every road you drive on are each set based on extensive research. Exceeding them can increase your risk of an accident and shift the liability to you in the event of a crash. As such, make sure you pay attention to the posted speed limits along your entire commute.
You should also brush up on other state and local traffic laws so that you can avoid tickets and reduce your risk of a crash overall.
Slow Down When Driving in Bad Weather
Posted speed limits may display the maximum allowed speeds, but these are under ideal conditions. If you are driving in heavy rain, snowfall, or strong winds, it’s best to adjust your speed based on the severity of the weather and your skill level. If conditions worsen and you don’t feel safe on the road, pull over to a secure location.
A car accident attorney can help you fight for fair compensation following a weather-related crash. When another driver fails to adapt to bad weather conditions, it constitutes a form of negligence, which gives you the right to file a claim.
Keep Your Vehicle in Great Condition
Maintaining your vehicle decreases the risks of equipment failure and makes it easier for you to drive safely. For example, your tires and brakes play an important role in stopping or slowing down; if your brakes or tires are in poor condition, it may take longer to stop.
You also need to inspect your lighting so that other drivers can see your vehicle. Brake lights let cars behind you know that they need to stop, and your turn signals alert others that you are going to be slowing down to change direction. If any of these features aren’t working, someone could easily rear-end your car.
Watch for Other Drivers
One of the best ways to avoid an accident is to remain aware of what other drivers are doing. If you observe someone speeding or weaving in and out of traffic, keep an eye on them and try to distance yourself from them in case they make a wrong move that could cause an accident.
Book a Free Consultation With a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Despite your best efforts, a negligent driver can still collide with your vehicle and cause harm to you and your passengers. The good news, though, is that you can still pursue compensation and hold at-fault parties accountable for the pain and suffering they caused. If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle crash, schedule a free consultation with Schiff & Associates today.