You could drive your entire life and never once become an auto accident victim.
On the other hand, you could drive for many decades and unfortunately have your fair share of fender benders and even worse.
So, will your driving habits and those of others on the road, make you free of accidents during your lifetime or someone that sees one too many mishaps?
In many instances, it simply comes down to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Meantime, some accidents seem that they were just meant to be, especially when one or more drivers are not properly operating their vehicles.
No matter what the circumstances may be, do your best to avoid an accident, but be sure not to get stuck in reverse if you unfortunately are in one.
Where Will Your Driving Habits Take You?
Given all the miles you are likely to cover over your lifetime, it is imperative that you drive as safely as possible.
Sure, even the best drivers sometimes end up in accidents, but you can cut down on the odds of that driver being you on several fronts.
First, it is important for you to always practice safe driving from the moment you leave your home until you return to it.
Avoid the following:
- Driving at unsafe speeds (especially in bad road conditions). That also means not following other drivers too closely. Simply put, reckless driving can be detrimental in more ways than one;
- Distracting yourself while behind the wheel with the radio, eating or drinking, applying makeup or shaving (yes, some guys do try and use an electric razor and drive at the same time), texting or talking on a phone with your hands, reaching for items on the passenger seat;
- Being behind the wheel while tired or sick. How many times have you driven when not having gotten a full night’s sleep? When you do this, you risk not only your own life, but those of others on the road;
- Driving while in a hurry. Instead of leaving at the last minute for work or another destination, give yourself plenty of time.
Don’t Delay Seeking Legal Help
While you should be practicing the above-mentioned driving tips, you can still end up in a fender bender or much worse.
In the event you are in an accident, make sure after taking care of yourself medically if need be (and looking after anyone else that may have been injured) you record all the necessary information and photos of the event.
One gaffe that drivers oftentimes make is they will admit fault before having all the facts in front of them (see more below).
This is where a car accident lawyer in Atlanta (if you reside in that part of the country) or elsewhere can prove beneficial.
Get with him or her following the accident to review what happened, who might have been at fault, what the estimated damages to the vehicles are (along with any injuries to the drivers etc.) and more.
A lawyer can help you weave through all the information, hopefully giving you sound legal advice so that you come out ahead.
Most importantly, never admit just after an accident that it was your fault.
Keep in mind that emotions and thinking are both challenged right after someone has been involved in a mishap. Saying something when not entirely thinking straight could end up costing you in more ways than one, including financially.
Legal help is also important because of how just one accident can impact you in so many different ways.
First, your driving record can be negatively impacted if you are found to be at fault for an accident (points can be applied to your driver’s license).
Secondly, your auto insurance rates could jump (sometimes significantly) if you are found to be at fault for an accident.
Lastly, you could end up with hefty financial bills if your case ends up going to civil court.
Having the right legal representation on board will give you a fighting chance following an accident, something you oftentimes require.
If you’ve been in an accident, don’t drive in reverse when it comes to your right to legal representation.