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5 Things to Remember When You Head Out on the Road

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2018 Hyundai Accent

When you head out the door onto the open road, you expose yourself to risks. Here are five important things to remember.

Know Your Rights

You have a right to compensation for medical, emotional, and property losses when victimized by another’s negligent, reckless, or intentional act. It’s your first obligation to focus on your recovery. If injured or disabled, it’s in your best interest to speak to an attorney. With a professional’s help, you can plan a strategy around your specific needs.

Know the Risks

You need to know that the frequency and seriousness of vehicular accidents, including motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians, have increased:

  • The Safety Resource Center said, “The United States Census Bureau calculates 12.2 percent of car accidents are the responsibility of teen drivers while 7.5 percent of accidents are caused by drivers over 65.” These numbers turn the tables on some stereotypes; still, they leave 80% of drivers exposed to accident and injury.
  • Not to frighten you, but Fortune reports that the 2016 numbers “from the National Safety Council estimate that as many as 40,000 people died in motor vehicles crashes last year, a 6% rise from 2015.” And, that’s an increase over the prior year.
  • And, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says, “In 2015 there was an increase of 105,000 people injured in motor vehicle crashes over 2014.” According to the Centers for Disease Control in October 2014, “Americans spend more than 1 million days in the hospital each year from crash injuries.” Of those injured, injuries added up to $18 billion in medical costs and $33 billion in work lost over a lifetime.

Eliminate Chance

You can manage or eliminate some risks when you head out onto the open road by refusing to do the following:

  • Driving while texting
  • Driving under the influence
  • Driving despite fatigue
  • Driving too fast for road conditions
  • Driving long distances at night.

Maintain Your Vehicle

You owe it to yourself and passengers to keep your vehicle in good shape. Safety requires regular checkups, routine maintenance, and good tires. Each of these can influence your performance on the road and reduce the likelihood of serious consequences. Such conscientiousness offers defense against claims of wanton recklessness.

Safety First

You should know what to do in the event of an accident. You must look after your injuries and your passengers. You should look after the safety of others involved in an accident. And, you should cooperate politely with police. But, before admitting any fault, you must contact an accomplished auto accident attorney.

Who to call?

Personal medical and property recovery is your right by law. But, because that right belongs to all parties involved in the accident, you want to know who you’re going to call when you head out onto the open road. Think about carrying a list in your wallet with the name and number of your emergency contact, your favorite roadside assistance, your insurance claims number, and the contact info for your accident attorney.

This is a collaborative post.