How to Protect Your Family in the Event of a Car Accident
As humans, we experience a variety of painful, frustrating, and heartbreaking moments throughout our lifetime – but nothing compares to the injury of a loved one. Despite more than a decade of activism, car accidents steal the lives of thousands of men, women, and children across the country each year. Millions more are injured.
To lessen the chances of your family becoming another sad statistic, take a few minutes to read about accident prevention and engagement. It’s also important to understand what legal options are available to yourself and your loved ones if your vehicle was struck by a distracted or careless driver.
Accident Prevention
There are many ways to protect your family on the roadway. Some helpful tips include:
- Never Trust Other Drivers – Smart driving begins with the understanding that not all drivers are focused on the road. Keep an eye out for automobiles running red lights, pull into traffic slowly, and remain aware of your blind spots.
- Reduce Distractions – You should already know to avoid driving and texting at all costs. In addition, never drive while drowsy, find something to keep your children entertained without constant assistance, and keep at least one hand on the wheel.
- Slow Down – Hundreds of accidents can be avoided when drivers simply choose to follow the speed limit and slow down in residential areas. Deceleration decreases the risk of pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, and collisions.
- Keep Your Vehicle Healthy – Just like your children, your vehicle should visit an appropriate doctor regularly. Oil changes, general maintenance, and routine check-ups are essential to the safety of yourself, your family, and other drivers on the road.
- Never Drive Angrily – Too many accidents are associated with road rage. If another driver is tailgating, driving recklessly, or otherwise disturbing your trip, remain calm and slow down. You’ll find rage often evaporates when the offending driver disappears beyond the horizon.
Steps to Take Following an Accident
If you’ve been involved in a dangerous accident, follow these steps to protect yourself and your family:
- Step #1: Remove your vehicle from the roadway. If you cannot move your vehicle, remove your family members from the roadway and wait on the shoulder. You should never, under any circumstances, leave the scene of an accident.
- Step #2: Contact first responders, including EMTs and police officers. While you wait for them to arrive, help other victims. Do not move anyone with pressure in their back or neck. This could be a sign of spinal cord damage, which is worsened by immediate movement.
- Step #3: Keep a record of all medical bills, diagnoses, and police reports. You may need these documents later, should you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact an Experienced Texas Personal Injury Attorney for Representation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact an experienced Texas personal injury attorney for assistance and representation. Call the Elissa I. Henry Law Firm at (512) 766-4529. Our team can – and will – fight for the compensation you deserve.
