When you’re involved in an auto accident you probably are very upset. It is a good idea to know ahead of time what you should do in case you’re in a car crash. There are dozens of reasons for car accidents, but some are more common than others.
Many car accidents might be avoided if drivers just used common sense. Unfortunately, often people leave behind common sense when they are in the driver’s seat.
Some common causes of car accidents are:
How long it takes a car to stop depends upon the:
Highway safety engineers have developed general guidelines regarding stopping times which have become standardized over the years. According to these rules, if a street is dry the average driver of a car or light truck with relatively good tires can safely break at a rate of 15 feet per second.
In these circumstances, if someone is driving on the freeway at 60 miles per hour, it would take a total of 6.87 seconds (including a one second delay for the driver to react) to stop. The stopping distance would be 302.28 feet, just a bit over the length of a football field.
Negligence or distracted driving accounts for many road accidents. Some examples of driver negligence include:
Documenting the incident is important. If you are injured, seeing a doctor first is most important. This not only ensures you get the proper treatment; it serves as documentation of your injuries as a result of the crash.
While you are at the crash scene, if you can, it is important to take a picture of the crash with your cell phone and be sure to get a photo of the other car’s license number. Also exchange relevant information with the other driver such as contact phone number and address, insurance information, and so forth. Also, you should try to get names and contact information of witnesses to the accidents. You also should contact the police, who will write up a report that will contribute to your documentation information.
It is important to contact a Reno personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. He or she can begin the process of protecting your interests and seeing that you are appropriately compensated for your pain and suffering, medical and rehabilitation costs, and loss of wages in the present and the future if applicable.
Matthew L. Sharp is a Reno personal injury lawyer who is dedicated to helping his clients be compensated for the wrongdoing of other persons. If you or someone you love is injured in a car accident caused by another’s negligence, contact The Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp today.