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Legal Help: Getting Hurt on the Street


Top Tips To Avoid Auto Accidents

If you have been in a car accident in the past, you probably needed a car accident lawyer's help to deal with the aftermath. Although a skilled attorney (like those at Klafter & Mason LLC) can certainly help you get your life back on track after an accident, it would be even better if you never had to deal with all the accident at all. Other people may be crazy drivers, but that doesn't mean you can't do something to combat that. Below, you can read the top tips to help you avoid auto accidents.

Check Your Vehicle

Accidents that are caused by mechanical failure of the vehicle can actually be avoided in some cases. One simple way to stay on top of your vehicle's safety is having the major mechanical systems serviced at all the manufacturer recommended intervals. There is no reason to allow a problem like faulty brakes to cause an accident when it could be avoided with a simple service appointment.

Defensive Driving

When you practice defensive driving, you are able to give yourself some extra protection from those dangerous aggressive drivers that cause a full one-third of traffic accidents today.

There are several ways to practice defensive driving:

  • The Three Second Rule: To avoid collisions when the driver in front of you slams on the brakes suddenly, practice the three second rule. To do so, choose a point well ahead of you, like a sign.  When the driver ahead of you passes that point, count out three seconds, using the "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three" count. You should pass the pre-determined point after you reach the end of your count. Should you drive past that point early, you are following too closely, and it's an indication that you should slow down.
  • Be Aware of Surroundings: As mentioned above, not tailgating is important, but you also need to be aware of the cars on your other sides. This includes the cars on either side of you, the cars in back of you, and those in the opposite lanes. Take quick glances periodically, just to make sure that you know exactly what is around you.
  • Avoid Distracted Driving: 44 states have laws against text messaging while driving, and a growing number of those states bans talking on the phone without hands-free devices. Even if your state doesn't have these laws enacted yet, it is wise to avoid cellular phone use while you're on the road. No phone call or message is worth risking an accident.

The safe driving tips discussed above can make a big difference in the way that you approach the road. With the right driving safety practices and a little luck, you won't ever have to deal with a painful accident recovery.

About Me

Legal Help: Getting Hurt on the Street

I never gave a lot of thought to needing a lawyer until I was injured while walking down a sidewalk. The accident happened when a biker decided to use the sidewalk instead of the street, and plowed into me as he turned a corner. What followed was a lesson in what is involved with pedestrian accidents. I found a traffic attorney who took my case, and she was able to obtain a settlement that covered the legal fees and my medical bills. If you have been injured through the negligence of another party, you do need legal representation. Keep reading and I'll share how I found the right lawyer and what we did to ensure that my rights were fully protected in a court of law.

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