Stay Safe on the Road This Holiday Season: Tips from a Car Accident Lawyer
Posted on December 19, 2019 Written By: iadminlaw
The holiday season is officially upon us… and with it, many Americans will be making travel plans. Southern California is an in-demand travel spot, not least for its desirable climate. If you’re heading this way over the holidays, we welcome you with open arms. And, we encourage you to do everything in your power to stay safe on the road.
Indeed, Southern California has a lot going for it. One downside to being in Los Angeles or Orange County, though, is the sheer density of traffic. All the hustle and bustle makes accidents all too common.
In this post, our car accident lawyers will provide some tips for minimizing your risk. And, in the event that you are in an accident, we’ll also share some advice on what you should do in the aftermath.
Staying Safe on the Road: Our Car Accident Lawyers Offer Their Tips
Here’s how our SoCal car accident lawyers recommend staying safe on the road this holiday season.
- Take care of your car. One important consideration is the status of your vehicle. Make sure you keep up with routine maintenance, which will ensure your car is operating at peak safety. As one old saying puts it, you have to take care of your car for it to take care of you! Some specific suggestions include:
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended psi level
- Ensure your tires are rotated at least a couple times per year
- Keep up with routine oil changes
- Make sure all your engine fluids are topped off
- If you notice any unusual sounds from the brake or the engine, schedule an inspection at a trusted service center
- Pick the right times to travel. Don’t get behind the wheel unless you’re fresh and alert. Ideally, that means driving mostly during daylight, and only after getting a decent night’s rest.
- Follow the rules of the road. Yes, when you’re fighting through tough traffic, it can be tempting to ignore posted signs and speed limits but remember that the rules exist to keep everyone safe.
- Avoid driving while distracted. Texting, social media, eating, applying makeup, even talking on the phone… all of these activities are highly discouraged when you’re operating a vehicle. Keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road, and your mind on what you’re doing.
According to our Los Angeles car accident lawyers, following these tips can help you minimize the risk of accident and injury. Even the safest drivers can sometimes get into an accident, though, often through no fault of your own. What should you do when that happens?
What to Do After a Car Accident
According to our car accident lawyers, these are the best steps to take in the aftermath of a highway accident.
- Make sure everyone’s okay. If you can, take stock of any injuries sustained by you or your passengers. If anyone is badly hurt, call for an ambulance right away.
- Move your vehicle. If you are able to safely do so, move your vehicle out of the road and onto the shoulder.
- Call the police. It’s always important to have the police come out to survey the scene and file a report. Don’t leave the scene until the police have taken your statement.
- Gather information. Talk to the other driver and collect his or her name, contact information, and insurance information. Share your information if asked.
- Don’t apologize or admit fault. Even if you think you caused the accident, it’s best not to say so. Let the police make their own determination.
- Document the scene. To the best of your ability, take photos of the damaged areas, write down any notes, etc. Don’t assume you’ll remember all the details later.
- Speak with a car accident lawyer. It’s always best to call an attorney who can walk you through the insurance claims process, maximizing your odds of getting the full monetary compensation to which you are due.
- Seek medical evaluation. Even if you don’t think you were injured, it’s always smart to confirm it with a medical professional.
These are some basic suggestions from our car accident lawyers; by following these guidelines, we hope you’ll be able to successfully navigate the disorienting aftermath of a car accident.
What About Rideshare or Scooter Accidents?
It’s important to note that not everyone gets around in their own vehicle. During the holidays, in particular, SoCal is busy with rideshare vehicles as well as scooter riders.
Rideshare platforms are invaluable, but there’s no guarantee that they are safe. You can get into an accident any time you’re in a moving vehicle. If you’re injured as a rideshare passenger, you’ll want to hire a car accident lawyer who specializes in such cases, and who can help you determine how to have your claim processed.
Similarly, scooters can often wind up involved in accidents. If you’re riding a scooter and are hit by a car, or if you accidentally drive your scooter into a pedestrian, you’ll want to have an attorney in your corner. We invite you to reach out to us with any questions.
Talk to a SoCal Car Accident Lawyer
We sincerely hope you won’t have any need for a car accident lawyer over the holiday season… but if you do, don’t hesitate to contact I Accident Lawyer. Our team will be available to serve you at any time!
Some reasons to choose our car accident lawyers include:
- We only represent people who have been injured in accidents
- We have a sterling reputation in the SoCal area
- We are available to consult on your case 24/7
- We always fight for our clients to get the maximum monetary compensation
- We have experience with rideshare accident cases
- We won’t bill you until we win your case
Stay safe over the holiday season… but if you do need legal assistance, we’re here for you. To speak with a seasoned and experienced car accident lawyer, contact our team at I Accident Lawyer today.
