Safe drivers focus on staying aware of road conditions and driving defenselessly. You can review these four steps to take to prevent a car accident in California to protect your health.
Our team at the Simmrin Law Group understands the importance of avoiding an accident. However, we can also step in to help after a collision. You can count on a Los Angeles car accident lawyer to help you seek compensation in this situation.
Discuss safe driving practices or get help with a personal injury claim by calling or completing our online contact form.
Step One: Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Keeping a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you represents one of the best ways to reduce the odds of an accident. The California Driver’s Handbook recommends following the three-second rule.
This rule means you should leave at least three seconds of travel time between you and the next closest vehicle at a minimum. You should increase your following distance if you’re driving in poor weather, have someone tailgating you, or you’re following a motorcycle.
Step Two: Maintain a Safe Speed
Increasing your speed while driving can increase your odds of getting into an accident. Driving at a safe speed gives you more time to react to changes in traffic or hazards on the road, such as:
- A vehicle suddenly pulling out in front of you
- Something falling off of a vehicle in your path
- Pedestrians or bikers moving into your path of travel
Following the speed limit can help you drive safely. However, you may need to drive under the speed limit in some situations. For example, driving experts recommend reducing your speed in poor weather.
Step Three: Stay Aware While Behind the Wheel
It’s essential to keep your focus on the road when driving in California. Looking away for even a few seconds can result in an accident, as conditions often change rapidly on the road.
In addition to reducing the odds of an accident, you can protect yourself from legal charges by avoiding distractions behind the wheel. California has many laws cracking down on distracted driving.
Can You Check Your Phone While Driving?
Many drivers keep their cell phones with them at all times, especially while driving. You may want to use your phone for directions, music, or to make a call behind the wheel.
However, cell phone usage presents one of the biggest distractions for drivers. Using a cell phone takes your eyes and mind off the road and may take your hands off the wheel, so it’s essential that you avoid using your phone to prevent car accidents.
In fact, you can face charges for some forms of cell phone usage while driving. You should only use your device in a hands-free method while behind the wheel.
Step Four: Always Check Your Blind Spots
Drivers need to stay aware of their blind spots and check them frequently when driving. Most vehicles have blind spots on either side. Larger vehicles may have blind spots behind the rear bumper and in front of their hood.
You should check your blind spots before changing lanes, turning, or backing up. Staying aware of other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians around you can help you avoid car accidents in California.
What Should You Do in the Event of a Car Accident?
Even drivers who take all possible steps to prevent collisions can end up in accidents. You cannot control what other drivers do, and some people operate their vehicles in dangerous and reckless ways.
If someone strikes you, you may qualify for compensation to cover the losses caused by the accident. We recommend that you immediately take steps to protect your claim by reporting the accident to the police and seeking medical attention for your injuries.
It’s also important to contact a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer for help in this situation. A lawyer can answer your questions, help with the insurance company, and investigate what happened to bring you funds for your:
- Medical bills
- Lost pay
- Property repairs
- Pain and suffering
Our team focuses on showing that someone else caused your collision and the steps you took to avoid an accident. We can help with an insurance claim for compensation or a personal injury lawsuit.
Go Over Steps to Take to Prevent a Car Accident
These four steps to take to prevent a car accident can help you stay safe on the roads in California. However, if an accident happens, you can contact our team at the Simmrin Law Group for help building a legal claim for compensation.
Learn more about how to take care of insurance negotiations or file a lawsuit by calling or completing our online contact form.