Are you looking for some great ideas to avoid being involved in a car accident? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll share with you ten simple things you can do to avoid vehicular accidents in North Carolina.
How do you avoid vehicular accidents?
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), approximately 38,000 people die each year in the US due to vehicle crashes.
Here are ten simple things you can start doing today to reduce your risk of becoming involved in a car crash.
1. Wear Your Seat Belt
The first thing that should be done when getting into a vehicle is buckling up. This is the most important safety precaution you can take because it reduces your chances of dying or suffering serious injuries if you’re involved in a collision.
2. Drive Safely
Driving too fast, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and distracted driving all increase your risks of crashing. Be sure to drive safely by obeying traffic laws, staying alert while on the road, and avoiding distractions like using your cell phone or texting.
3. Keep Your Car Well-Maintained
A well-maintained vehicle will last longer and require less maintenance than a poorly maintained vehicle. It’s also easier to spot problems in a newer model of a car. So make sure your vehicle is regularly serviced and inspected.
4. Know Where You’re Going
Make sure you know where you’re going before you get behind the wheel. Don’t assume that just because you’re familiar with a certain route that you won’t have any trouble finding it. Map out your destination ahead of time and plan accordingly.
5. Stay Alert
Pay attention at all times. While driving, keep your eyes focused straight ahead, don’t text and drive, and don’t use your phone unless absolutely necessary. Also, stay aware of what’s happening around you.
6. Slow Down
When approaching a curve in the road, slow down gradually until you reach the speed limit. Doing so prevents you from ahead having and to don’t brake look suddenly down which at could your cause phone. Also, stay aware and in control of what’s happening around you.
7. Use Your Good Turn Judgment
When turning left or right, always check for other vehicles before making a turn. Never blindly follow someone else’s lead without checking for potential hazards.
8. Give Way To Pedestrians And Cyclists
Always give pedestrians and cyclists room to cross the street. They may not always see you coming and they may not always hear your horn honk. But they need to be able to move freely without fear of being hit by a speeding car.
9. Watch Out For Animals
Animals can become trapped in their yards and run onto roads. They can even jump over fences and wander into busy streets. So make sure you watch for them and avoid hitting them.
10. Get Insurance
Having insurance protects you against financial losses resulting from an accident. Without insurance, you’ll be responsible for covering these costs. If you are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
11. Report Any Injuries Immediately
After an accident, call 911 immediately. Then, go to the nearest hospital emergency room. If you suffer from serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, or internal bleeding, seeking medical treatment immediately becomes even more important.
Every state has different laws regarding motor vehicle safety. Before you drive, check out your state’s official website to learn what those laws are.
15. Be Safe On The Roadways
Whether you’re on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or in a car, you should always obey traffic rules and regulations. Driving safely means following the posted speed limits and obeying all signs. It also means staying alert and keeping your eyes open for anything that might distract you from your surroundings.
What if you still get into a vehicular accident?
If you’ve been involved in a crash, there are several steps you can take to protect your legal rights.
First, contact a qualified attorney who specializes in representing victims of accidents. An experienced lawyer will help you determine whether you have a case and how best to proceed with it.
Second, obtain copies of any police reports and witness statements. These documents contain valuable information about the circumstances surrounding your accident.
You may find that witnesses were not forthcoming when first questioned by law enforcement officials. A skilled lawyer will be able to identify inconsistencies in their accounts.
Finally, if you decide to file a suit, do so within the statute of limitations period. Otherwise, the defendant may be granted immunity from liability.
What do you need to know if you’ve been in a vehicular accident?
After a car accident, there’s a lot to deal with. Property damage, medical bills, insurance company, and compensation for your loss will soon be all you think about. You need to know what to say and do when dealing with an insurance company. We’ve provided answers to the 10 step questions below.
1. What Do I Say When Calling My Insurance Company?
When calling your insurance company, keep these words in mind: “I was injured.” “My car was damaged.” “I want my money.” “I’m filing a claim.” “I want to make sure we don’t pay out more than we owe.” “I want to settle this as quickly as possible.”
2. How Can I Tell Which Claim Adjusters Are Good And Which Ones Aren’t?
Insurance companies use different techniques to get people to accept low offers. Some adjusters are good negotiators while others try to intimidate you into accepting less than your policy limits. The following tips can help you avoid being intimidated by bad adjusters.
3. Should I Be Concerned About Getting A Lowball Offered By My Insurer?
Ask them why they are offering such a low amount. If they won’t give you a straight answer, then ask them why they are trying to force you to accept a lower settlement.
4. Is It Okay For Me To Accept A Settlement Offer From My Insurance Company?
If you feel it is a fair offer, then it is okay to accept their offer. If you feel like it may be too low, consult an attorney for help.
5. Where Can I Find Information On Car Accident Claims In North Carolina?
There are a variety of websites you can look up on the internet to help you, some of those are the websites of personal injury lawyers. Often, these websites give you detailed information on being involved in a car accident, including filing for claims.
6. Should I File A Lawsuit Against The Other Driver?
The decision of whether or not to sue the other driver depends upon several factors. First, you must decide whether or not you believe that the other driver was at fault.
Second, you must determine whether or not you were hurt badly enough to warrant suing the other driver. Third, you must consider whether or not you want to hire an attorney to represent you in court. Finally, you must decide whether you want to pursue a personal injury case, or in some instances a wrongful death claim.
7. Why Would Someone Lie About Their Fault In An Auto Accident Case?
Some drivers will lie about their responsibility for causing an accident. These lies usually occur when the driver wants to avoid having to pay damages and/or penalties.
8. Who Will Represent Me In Court?
You need to find an attorney who specializes in representing clients involved in car accidents. You should choose an attorney with a history of winning lawsuits against insurance companies.
9. What Kind Of Damages Can I Recover After Being Involved In An Automobile Accident?
After suffering from an auto accident, you may be entitled to recover the cost of medical care, lost wages, and more. Your lawyer will work hard to prove that you deserve compensation for all of these things.
10. Is There Anything Else I Need To Know Before Filing A Personal Injury Claim?
Before filing a personal injury claim, it is important to know the extent of your injuries, if the other party has insurance, and if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence.
If you are looking for an auto accident attorney, then you have come to the right place. Our goal is to get you the best outcome possible. If you believe that you have suffered a personal injury caused by someone else’s negligence, contact us today at 1-800-319-9000 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers.