Getting into a car accident is always devastating. You may be left reeling with trauma even if you don’t suffer a personal injury. The effects can still linger with you psychologically whether or not your vehicle has been damaged as well.
When you get behind the wheel, you try to be as safe as possible. This is good practice to keep yourself and other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe. Of course, you can’t predict how others will behave while driving.
Documenting After an Accident
In the event that you do get into a car accident that renders you injured, it’s important to take certain essential steps. Follow these guidelines to document what happened after a personal injury accident:
- Exchange information
Exchange information with the other driver and keep the conversation minimal. You need to exchange full names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license, license plate numbers, and insurance information. Avoid apologizing even if it feels natural and casual as it can be used against you and misconstrued as admitting fault.
- Take pictures
Take pictures of the scene, including the road, skid marks, and the vehicles involved.
- Get witness statements
Talk with witnesses who saw the crash and get their statements either in writing or by recording them with your smartphone. Make sure to get their full names and phone numbers as well.
- Keep a diary
It’s a good idea to keep a personal diary or journal of your symptoms after you suffer a personal injury. You can also keep your medical bills and information on your treatment with it to present as evidence when you meet with a personal injury attorney.
Avoid Distractions
Many car accidents occur as a result of distracted driving. Eliminate your distractions as much as possible to keep your focus fully on the road. You should only use your cell phone hands-free and through your car’s connectivity system. Avoid fiddling with your stereo or GPS unless you come to a complete stop. Even eating and drinking can lead to distraction.
Be Alert at All Times
Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. All of your mirrors should be adjusted properly, but you should always check twice before switching lanes and when entering highways. Take particular notice of other drivers’ blind spots and avoid them as much as possible.
Avoid the Left Lane on Vehicle
The left lane is the fastest on the highway. It’s also the lane in which the majority of car accidents occur. In most cases, this happens because many drivers travel at too fast a speed in the left lane. Others may speed and continuously swerve in and out of lanes but ultimately end up there, which can easily lead to a crash. If you stay in the middle or right lane, you are less likely to get involved in an accident.
Limit Nighttime Driving on Vehicle
While it’s not always possible, limiting your nighttime driving can help you avoid a potential car accident. Visibility is lower in the dark, which makes it easier for collisions to occur. Even worse, reckless drivers, including drag racers, tend to be out after midnight.
Don’t Assume Other Drivers are Cautious
You should never assume that other drivers are going to be safe on the road. It’s better to assume that you’re the only safe driver because that keeps your guard up. Remember, drunk drivers aren’t the only ones who do the wrong things behind the wheel.
Keep Your Vehicle in Good Condition
Keeping your vehicle in good condition is absolutely essential. Get a regular annual tuneup from your auto mechanic to ensure that it runs well. If you need new tires, an oil change, or a new transmission, get them so that your car runs normally on the road. It can prevent a potential accident.
These tips can help keep you safe on the road and can give you an edge in avoiding a car accident. If you do get in an accident and are left injured, you need an experienced attorney on your side to guide you through your injury claim.
