We spend a great deal of time discussing what you should do if you are injured in a car accident. If you are involved in a car accident, you must remain at the scene of the accident, seek medical attention, and contact a New Orleans car accident lawyer as soon as possible. However, we do not spend very much time discussing how you can avoid a car accident.
Controlling What Other Drivers Do Behind The Wheel Of A Vehicle
It is impossible to control what another person does when he or she is operating a motor vehicle. Even though every driver has the duty to operate a vehicle in a manner that protects others from injury, many drivers act recklessly and carelessly behind the wheel. Their actions put themselves and others at risk.
When a negligent driver causes a crash, that driver is responsible for the damages resulting from the accident. Examples of damages you may be entitled to receive when another driver causes a crash include:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses, including long-term medical care
- Past, present, and future lost income, including loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Long-term personal care, travel expenses, and other out-of-pocket expenses
- Medications and medical equipment
- Emotional suffering, physical pain, and mental anguish
- Disfigurement, disability, and scarring
While you cannot control the actions of other drivers, you can take steps to avoid causing an accident and reduce your risk of being in a traffic accident.
Controlling What I Do As A Responsible Driver
As a responsible driver, take the following steps to reduce your risk of being in a traffic accident:
- Take care of your health. Have routine medical checkups to ensure you do not have a medical condition that could impair your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
- Conduct regular maintenance on your vehicle. A well-maintained vehicle is a safer vehicle than a vehicle that is neglected. Properly inflate tires, replace worn windshield wipers, replace worn out bulbs, and maintain the brakes. The time and money you invest in maintaining your vehicle is a small fracture of the financial loss you experience after a car accident.
- Put down the cell phone and other devices when driving. Take the pledge to be distraction-free while driving. Keeping your entire focus on the road ahead of you can help you avoid causing a traffic accident as well as help you avoid a collision.
- Do not drive while impaired. Never drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including over-the-counter medications that can make you drowsy. Pledge to never drive while impaired includes never driving while you are fatigued or drowsy.
- Allow additional time to arrive at your destination. Leaving a few minutes early reduces stress and cuts down on the urge to exceed the speed limit and drive aggressively.
By focusing on what you can do to improve your driving and be more responsible behind the wheel, you can reduce your risk of being injured in a traffic accident.
Have You Been Injured In A NoLA Accident?
If you have been injured in a car accident, you need a New Orleans car accident attorney who understands Louisiana’s personal injury laws and how to protect your right to a fair settlement for your injuries.
Call our NoLA injury attorneys today for a free legal consultation. Contact Attorney Fred Olinde at The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to speak with a friendly associate.