Unfortunately, not all drivers practice safe driving, endangering themselves, other motorists, and pedestrians. When a car operator speeds, disregards safety signals, or otherwise drives dangerously, severe harm and damage can result to other individuals and their property.
With the large number of vehicles on the road, collisions are likely to occur at some point in every driver’s lifetime. As such, drivers should understand the five best practices to prevent car accident injuries. If you were injured in a vehicle wreck, it is a good idea to reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer for assistance.
Wear a Seatbelt
Everyone hears about the importance of safety equipment in a car, such as a seatbelt. However, even after continuous studies and tests, people still fail to utilize seatbelts while operating vehicles. Seatbelts save lives and help prevent serious injuries, especially in severe car accidents. No matter how far an individual is driving or if an individual is simply sitting in the car, it is crucial that they are wearing a seatbelt at all times.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the seatbelt is properly adjusted and sitting correctly across an individual’s body. A seasoned car crash attorney understands the importance of a vehicle’s safety equipment in preventing severe injuries.
Regular Maintenance of the Vehicle
In some car crashes, the accident might have been caused by or the injuries might be exacerbated by a poorly maintained vehicle. It is important to perform the necessary maintenance on the vehicle to ensure that the car is operating correctly. Some of the common maintenance that should be completed routinely include:
- Oil changes
- Checking and maintaining tire pressure
- Rotating tires
- Checking the battery life
- Replacing brake pad
- Replacing front and back wiper blades
Vehicle wrecks caused by defective parts can also be grounds for a personal injury claim against the car manufacturer.
Always Pay Attention While Driving
A clear-cut way of ensuring that injuries do not occur in a car accident is to avoid the crash altogether. When drivers keep their focus entirely on the road and their surroundings, they are more aware of the actions of other motorists and less likely to get into a wreck. Most times, severe car accidents happen because of distracted driving by at least one of the drivers involved.
While vigilant driving cannot 100 percent guarantee you will avoid a collision, remaining fully attentive while driving could help prevent some crashes. If injuries do occur, a dedicated attorney could help fight for fair compensation.
Do Not Operate a Vehicle While Impaired
State law penalizes drivers that operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to Indiana Code § 9-30-5. Even if an individual consumes only one drink, it might impair the driver’s judgment or reaction time just enough to cause an accident. The main danger of alcohol or drug consumption is that the individual oftentimes does not realize that they are impaired. If an individual suffers injuries due to an impaired driver, a well-versed lawyer could evaluate a claim to determine all potential compensation.
Drive at the Speed Limit Posted on the Roadway
Speeding drivers are not only more likely to be involved in a collision, but they are also prone to more severe injuries. The dangers of speeding are obvious and increase significantly when other drivers follow the speed limit. Speeding is a criminal offense under state law and could also represent a negligent act in a civil lawsuit, which a proficient car crash injury attorney could help investigate.
Why Contact a Car Accident Attorney?
Car crashes can result in potentially life-threatening injuries to all parties involved. Although car accidents are not wholly preventable, there are precautions that could help prevent crashes and catastrophic injuries. A well-practiced lawyer could help determine your options for recovery if you sustain severe injuries due to another driver’s negligence. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about your legal options.
