The best thing to do regarding a car accident is to avoid it. But sometimes, we have the misfortune of being involved in a crash. When a car accidents happens, the priority is to survive the impact. This article explores some techniques to increase your chances of surviving a car crash. Additionally, we will discuss some strategies that may help you avoid an accident and what you should do in the event of an accident.
If an accident occurs, you need an attorney that knows their stuff. You need outstanding representation and an attorney with decades of experience getting results for their clients, and you can get all of that at an acclaimed California injury law firm.
Our firm has collected over $500 million in damages for our clients in San Francisco, Riverside, Sacramento, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sherman Oaks, and across California. We get our clients results. Call us today to consult with a qualified California accident attorney.
What to Do Before a Car Accident
Be Careful While Driving in the Fast Lane
The left lane on a highway is also known as the fast lane. Cars in the fast lane typically move much quicker than the cars in other lanes, and cars may even be driving over the speed limit. Drivers also use the fast lane to pass vehicles in the right lane.
When using the fast lane, it is crucial to maintain the same speed as the drivers around you not to cause an accident. If you are uncomfortable with the higher rate, you should consider not using the fast lane.
Slow drivers should avoid the fast lane. Slow drivers tend to disrupt traffic flow, which leads to accidents. California is known for having heavy traffic. That is why everyone must drive carefully, and a part of being a careful driver is not disrupting the flow of traffic.
Call our legal team if you have been involved in an accident in California. Let the skilled attorneys at Arash Law led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. with decades of experience helping clients obtain the money they deserve after an accident work for you.
Be Careful of Your Blind Spot
Every vehicle has a blind spot! Some are larger than others. Be aware of your blind spots. A blind spot is an area where a person’s vision is blocked. Blind spots are created when you change lanes.
They can also occur when you are reversing your car or turning. Do your best to avoid blind spots by turning your head to look at your blind spots and checking your rearview and side mirrors.
Stay in Control of the Steering Wheel
Stay in control of the steering wheel if it is possible. Remaining in control of the vehicle as much as possible will help minimize damage. If you can prevent the car from going to one side or the other, you may avoid tragedy striking other drivers.
Be Up to Date on Vehicle Maintenance
A great way to stop an accident from happening is to maintain your vehicle well. You should get the recommended maintenance on your car at the correct frequency. Be sure to get regular oil changes, get your brakes checked, and do all other care required to keep your vehicle running smoothly. These habits may keep your car running longer and may prevent you from dealing with a wreck because of a vehicle malfunction.
Look Several Cars Ahead
Not only do you want to pay attention to what the car right in front of you is doing, but make sure to scan even a few cars further. Doing so leaves you with more time to do a quick stop if needed without rear-ending the vehicle in front. Being aware of the cars ahead of you gives you enough time to react.
Always Wear Your Seat Belt
Every state has a seat belt law. You and all your passengers must always wear a seat belt while driving your car. Seat belt laws were put in place to protect drivers and passengers from tragic losses and injury.
According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, in 2017, 14,955 lives were saved after a car crash because the drivers and passengers used a seat belt. Using a seat belt is the best way to survive a car accident.
Many vehicles are equipped with both airbags and seat belts. Both devices were created to keep you safe, but they are not used separately. Be sure that your airbags and your seat belts are both maintained well.
If you are pregnant, you must properly wear your seat belt to protect yourself and your unborn child. Properly wearing your seat belt gives you and your child the best chance of survival if you are in a car accident.
Drive the Safest Car That Is in Your Price Range
Different types of cars have different safety ratings. Keep in mind that older cars do not have the same safety features as newer models. Manufacturers did not have to adhere to the same safety standards as today’s cars, and technology hadn’t advanced as much. If you own an older car, you may not have the same protection as someone with a newer vehicle. It would be best if you kept this in mind.
You should know what your car’s limits are in that same thought. Older cars may not be able to accelerate smoothly. Like a Smart Car, small cars may not be able to take the same type of blow a Hummer can take.
You should know some basic things about your vehicle, like the condition of your brakes and how much tread your tires have before you operate your car. Knowing these things can help you avoid a car crash before it happens.
Put Away Flying Objects
Seemingly harmless objects can become dangerous flying projectile objects when going at a high rate of speed. Being hit with a projectile during an accident can cause a fatality. Be sure to fasten down everyday things that can move around while driving to ensure you and your passengers’ safety. You may not have thought of the following as potential projectiles, but they can be dangerous:
- Rocks or pebbles picked up after a visit to the park
- Sports equipment
- Canned goods or fruit from your trip to the grocery store
- An overnight bag
- Your laptop or tablet
- Unsecured passengers and pets
For the safest trip, stow items like the above ones in your trunk or the wells of the seats. If you are driving a Minivan or SUV, you may want to secure these types of items using a cargo cover or net.
With the help of Arash Khorsandi’s reliable legal team at Arash Law, you will have all the information you need to take care of your family and yourself after a car crash. Call us today if you have been in a car accident, and let us get you the compensation you deserve.
What Goes Into a Car Crash Survival Kit?
We hope that you are never involved in an accident, but you should always be prepared. Another step to take is to always have a car crash survival kit in your car. Some items that you should have in your kit include:
- A seat belt cutter
- A glass breaker
- A pocket knife
- A fire extinguisher
- Comprehensive first aid kit
- A blanket
- A flashlight
- Flares
- Your cell phone
The above items help whether you are in your car or are using a ridesharing app. Carrying a pocketknife while riding in an Uber or Lyft can replace the seat belt cutter you keep in your vehicle. Some pocket knives even have an attachment on the pommel that can act as a glass breaker.
Use your cell phone to call 911 if you are involved in a car crash that is severe enough to cause injury. Be sure to dial 911 as soon as you are safe- it is your priority. Getting help as quickly as possible can help your chances of survival after a car crash.
After you have been treated for your injuries, call us. We are passionate about helping people affected by damages caused by a car accident get their lives back.
Our firm has decades of experience getting clients the compensation they need to return to normal. We have won $500 million in settlements for our clients. We are here to help.
What to Do During a Car Accident
Remain or Regain Control of the Vehicle
Maximize steering wheel control. Your hands should be at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock while driving to give you maximum control of the vehicle. If your car starts to skid, steer in the direction of the skid. Do not brake or accelerate until your tires regain traction. Always keep a firm grip on the wheel and stay calm.
Avoid Any Sudden Movements
Respond quickly and smoothly to potential accidents. Avoid jerking your steering wheel or slamming on the brakes unless necessary. Any sudden movements during a car accident could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Aim for the Object That Will Do the Least Amount of Damage
If you cannot avoid impact, do your best to steer toward an area that will likely cause the least amount of damage. If you can, drive away from oncoming traffic. Turn toward the bushes if they are around, but big trees may be more dangerous to hit than other objects.
It may even be possible for new road signs to snap off when struck. Avoid colliding with other vehicles or running into immovable objects like concrete barriers.
What to Do After a Car Accident
If you cannot avoid a car crash, reacting is very important. The moments after a car accident can be vital to saving your life and the lives of your passengers. Take a look at the following ideas for reacting to a car crash after it happens:
Remain Calm
It may be easier said than done but staying calm after an accident could save your life. An overly emotional response to an accident causes even more problems. Panic can cause your reaction time to be slowed down. If you do not have your wits about you and cannot react, you may not be able to reduce your damages.
Panic can cause you to lose the ability to regain control of the wheel, you may not think to swerve out of the way to avoid other cars and further damage, and you can even have a panic attack. Again, although it is easier said than done, do your best to remain calm after an accident.
Slow Down
Press on the brakes. Try to slow your car down as quickly as possible after an accident. A high rate of speed can be the most dangerous factor in an accident. The faster your vehicle is going, the more potential for injury to yourself and damage to your car.
While it is most often best that you slow down after an accident, speeding up can be a good idea in some situations. Suppose you can increase your speed to get out of the way, then speeding up is the right choice.
Stay In Your Normal Driving Position
If you hunch, duck, or change your normal driving position in any way, your injuries can be worse. Vehicle safety systems are designed to protect a driver during an accident if they are in the normal driving position of 9 o’clock and 3′ o’clock.
Changing the standard driving position can cause your head to hit the steering wheel, your head can crash into the dashboard, and you can be in the way of the airbags as they deploy. Moving your arms in front of your steering wheel could also make your arms vulnerable to the airbags. It is best to stay upright and hold the steering wheel for the best protection.
When to Exit the Vehicle
Even after a crash, your vehicle may be the safest place to be. A crash can involve multiple vehicles over an extended period. After the impact:
- Assess the situation.
- Ensure that it is safe to leave your car.
- Leave your car if it is secure.
- Evaluate the risk of fire. Batteries and gas tanks are at risk of catching fire after an accident.
- Move to a safe distance and call for an ambulance and other first responders.
Then check if your passengers are okay. If one of your passengers or another driver is unconscious or severely injured, call 911 immediately for emergency assistance. If someone is severely injured, do not move them unless some immediate danger is present. Moving an injured person can cause more damage.
After everyone involved in the accident is safe, call us. Arash Law and the team are led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. has decades of experience helping victims of car accidents get the justice they deserve. After an accident, you have a lot on your mind. In the meantime, focus on getting your life back to normal and healing from any injuries you may have sustained.
It can be overwhelming to collect evidence for a lawsuit or even understand what compensation you are entitled to after an accident. Let an award-winning California accident law firm work for you.
Call Us Today to Speak with a California Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been hurt in a car accident, you should call our office as soon as you can. We know what it takes to get injured victims the compensation they deserve and will never collect legal fees unless we win your case.
We serve clients in San Francisco, Riverside, Sacramento, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sherman Oaks, and throughout California. We have collected over 200 million dollars for clients across the state. Call our office today or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.
