Car accidents happen daily. While collisions cannot be fully eliminated, everyone can make efforts to lower their risk by being aware and taking necessary actions.
Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, do not drive while fatigued or under the influence, and adjust your driving habits according to weather conditions. Seek medical assistance following any accidents.
What Caused the Crash?
Car accidents are frightening experiences, with injuries often having devastating repercussions. Luckily, there are ways you can help avoid car accidents and reduce injury risk.
Driver error is typically to blame for most car accidents, from distracted driving to drinking and driving. There are other common factors as well such as weather/road conditions/vehicle malfunctions/inexperienced drivers causing car crashes.
Even minor accidents can cause severe injuries. From broken bones to brain trauma, they range in severity. Furthermore, some injuries may not become evident until after the crash has taken place – for example, whiplash and concussion symptoms don’t always manifest immediately after impact. It is therefore imperative that victims seek medical attention immediately following an incident in order to ensure their injuries are properly documented by insurance and also protected against possible personal injury lawsuits.
Who Was at Fault?
Typically in car accident cases, those responsible must cover any associated damages such as medical bills and vehicle repairs. When deciding fault, judges or juries take into account a variety of evidence including witness testimonies and police reports as well as opinions of experts like doctors and accident reconstructionists.
Evidence such as driving records may also help police and insurance companies assess fault. For instance, in a head-on collision scenario, speed and compliance with applicable traffic rules can indicate who was at fault; other factors like road conditions, weather, cell phone use distraction, witness testimony can all play an integral role. It is always advisable to contact any eyewitnesses that might have seen what occurred at the scene of an accident so you can communicate directly with them about their experiences at this critical time.
What Happened After the Crash?
After being involved in a car accident, according to a car accident lawyer, it can be very distressing and disorienting. Concerns such as injuries to yourself and others involved as well as car repair costs or hospital bills should remain top of mind; remain calm if injuries occurred and prioritize getting all necessary medical treatment as quickly as possible.
If the police arrive on scene, talk with them and answer all their questions. Take note of their name and badge number so you can obtain a copy of their report as soon as it becomes available.
Pay careful attention to any pain or symptoms experienced immediately following a crash and report them, even if they seem minor. You may need to prove the severity of these injuries for an insurance claim to receive compensation; additionally, keep copies of receipts and documents related to this incident for future reference.
What Can You Do?
Attention is key in avoiding car accidents. Don’t get distracted while eating or reading; follow the vehicle in front of you too closely as any momentary lapse of focus could result in rear-ending them and leading to collision.
Maintain a safe distance between cars, especially during poor weather. Avoid abrupt steering wheel movement or abrupt brake applications which could cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
If you are involved in an accident, always remain at the scene until police arrive – failing to do so can result in fines or even suspension of your license. Also important: It is imperative that any traffic incidents or crashes that result in death or over $1000 damage be reported immediately to authorities; our New York car accident lawyers can assist with this reporting if needed for insurance claims filing purposes.