How to Protect Yourself From an Accident
Car accidents happen every day, and not all of them are avoidable. However, there are certain strategies you can use to prevent collisions and save lives. If you’re driving on the interstate and want to take preventative measures to avoid an accident, here are some tips to consider.
- Focus on the road. It’s easy to become distracted when on the road. You may want to change the station on the radio. You may see another accident on the road and are curious about what happened. Your phone may go off and you want to know who’s calling. However, it is crucial to keep your eyes on the road. One look away and you could suffer extreme injuries. Take care of anything that could be a distraction before you begin driving, and don’t make any adjustments until you’ve arrived at your destination.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol. The use of drugs and alcohol can severely impair your reaction speed, judgment, and other brain functions. If you were to be pulled over while intoxicated, you could face strict penalties. More importantly, however, you could get involved in a serious accident that could leave others dead. If you’ve been drinking, either stay away from the wheel or have a friend or taxi drive you where you need to go.
- Avoid driving too close. Rear-end collisions happen most often due to the trailing driver driving too close. They may be unable to stop or slow down their vehicle in time, causing a collision. To prevent this, practice the “three-second rule.” This rule states that you should leave three seconds of space between your vehicle and the one in front. Should something happen, you’ll have enough time to react.
Keep in mind, not every collision can be avoided. You may be practicing the three-second rule and still find yourself rear-ended by another vehicle.
What to Do After a Collision
If you find yourself in a collision and are unsure of what to do, here are some recommended steps to take.
- Remain calm. This is much easier said than done but attempt to remain calm if you’re involved in a collision. The situation can be overwhelming, especially if others are injured as a result, but if you can remain calm, you’ll have an easier time continuing with the following steps.
- Contact the police. You’ll need to report the accident as soon as possible. The police will be responsible for creating a detailed report of what happened, and they’ll need your cooperation to do so. As soon as it’s safe to do so, call the police to inform them of the situation, and they’ll work with you on the rest.
- Take photos. Take some time to photograph the scene, including the damage to the vehicles and nearby property. By having photographic evidence, you may be able to prove your claim easier down the line.
- Contact an attorney. This step is crucial to your situation. The legal system in California can be complicated to navigate, especially on your own. Also, you may be unaware of your rights and how to fight for compensation. Once the police have created a report and everyone is safe, speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Hiring an attorney after a collision on the interstate is one of the most important decisions you can make. Should someone become injured or die from a collision, like what happened recently, you’ll need an attorney by your side. An attorney can address any questions or concerns you have while building a case for you. If you live in or near Placer County and find yourself in an accident similar to this one, we can help.
Get Experienced Placer County Legal Help
At Kreeger Law Firm, we have years of experience working with clients who have been involved in car accidents, including tragic interstate collisions. These accidents can happen to anyone at any time, and your life can be altered within a second. It’s because of this that we will work diligently with you to protect your rights and achieve the best solution possible.
If you’re looking for legal representation in or near Placer County, contact our team today to schedule a consultation with a Sacramento car accident attorney. Collisions are serious, and we’re ready to assist you with any concerns you have.
