Preparing for an auto accident in San Francisco, California, is the most critical safety factor for you and your family if the worst happens and you’re involved in an accident. Let’s face it, nobody wants to be in an accident, but the statistics tell us it’s very likely. A plan will help you stay safe and guide you when things are chaotic. This blog post will outline the most essential issues you should plan for before a vehicle accident in San Francisco.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Drivers can prepare for a car accident by learning about their auto policies. For example, they may know what types of damages are covered and what out-of-the-pocket costs might be incurred. A driver’s auto insurer should be able to review this information and other pertinent provisions in the contract.
Drivers should be familiar with their insurance providers’ claim processes, so they don’t get surprised by unexpected questions when filing a claim. They might also learn what the insurance companies want to know about an accident.
Collision insurance covers damages to the car, such as dents, scratches, and broken windows. If another driver hits your car, it could cause damage to your vehicle. This coverage doesn’t pay out unless you’re hit by another person’s car.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays out money if someone is driving recklessly and causing an accident. For example, if you are involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, they might not have enough liability insurance to cover the cost of repairing your car. In this case, uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage would provide compensation for your losses.
Ensure you understand how much collision and uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance you have purchased. You don’t want to buy too little or too much because you’ll pay extra fees to your insurer.
Make Important Information Easy to Find
Some car accidents cause injury. If someone is injured, they might be unable to tell first responders where they live or what medications they take. Therefore, people should carry information about these things in their glove box. They can also include the name of a person who knows them best, such as a spouse, parent, child, sibling, friend, or doctor.
- A list of current prescriptions
- Insurance company and phone number
- Name of Primary Care Physician (PCP)
- A list of medical conditions
If this content is easily accessible by emergency personnel, they may be able to provide better care for people who’ve been injured in an auto crash.
Know What Facts to Gather
A cell phone can be helpful if you’re involved in an automobile crash. It can help collect essential details about what happened and how best to proceed. You may even want to take pictures of the scene and collect evidence such as broken bottles, tire tracks, etc. If there is any damage to the car, be sure to note where the accident occurred and contact the insurance provider immediately. If you’re unsure whether to call the police, just call them and ask for help.
Witnesses may provide valuable information after a car accident. They could give you information regarding the driver’s behavior, speed, and whether they were distracted. A witness may also be able to identify the type of vehicle involved. In some cases, witnesses may even be able to identify the person responsible for causing the accident.
Basic Preparations for Car Accidents
If you are ever involved in a car crash, here are some basic preparations you should make ahead of time.
1. Keep Proof of Your Insurance Handy
Keep proof of your auto insurance policy handy. Ask someone else to write down the information if you don’t have it. You’ll want to provide this information to the police officer investigating the crash.
2. Make Sure Your Insurance Has A Phone Number To Call
Ensure your insurance has a phone number to call to report a collision. This way, you won’t have to wait hours trying to reach customer service.
3. Get a Cell Phone Charger For The Car
You might think getting a car charger for your smartphone is unnecessary, but having one in your vehicle could save your life. If your phone runs out of power during a traffic jam, you won’t be able to use your GPS app to navigate home safely. And if your battery dies, you’ll be stranded without directions.
Preventing & Minimizing Accidents
A lot of people don’t know what it takes to prevent accidents. They think they’re safe because they’ve never had one happen. But accidents do happen. And there are things you can do to reduce the risk of getting into one.
The most critical preparedness factor in preventing an accident is ensuring your car is properly maintained and serviced. This includes regularly checking tire pressure, oil levels, brake fluid, windshield wiper blades, hoses, lights, wipers, etc. If you notice anything wrong, mention it to your mechanic.
Emergency Preparations
Phoong Law gave away free emergency road kits on social media a few weeks ago. We’d like to discuss how you can keep yourself safe during a highway emergency. In case of a flat tire, injury accident, or another highway emergency, it is essential to know what to do. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
Know How to Change a Tire
It’s always good to know how to change a tire. Knowing how will come in handy even if you never need to do so.
Have Extra Water
You may be dangerous if you get stuck somewhere with no water. Extra water in your car will ensure you stay hydrated and safe.
Bring Emergency Supplies
In addition to water, you’ll want to bring other supplies, including a flashlight, first aid kit, blanket, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, flares, and a tow rope. These items will help you survive until help arrives.
Carry Cash
Cash on hand will allow you to pay for gas, food, and lodging while waiting for help to arrive.
Don’t Drink & Drive
Drinking alcohol before driving is dangerous because it affects your ability to drive. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal.
Avoid Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a significant cause of accidents. Texting while driving is hazardous. It takes your eyes off the road and makes it harder to react quickly to an unexpected situation.
Use Seat Belts
Seat belts are essential safety devices. Not wearing them puts you at risk of serious injuries or death.
Stay Calm
Being calm and collected will help you avoid panic and stress. Panic leads to irrational decisions, which can lead to more accidents.
Follow Traffic Laws
Following traffic laws will make sure everyone stays safe. Speeding, running red lights, and not following rules such as stopping at stop signs and yield signs put others at risk.
Report Any Problems
If something goes wrong on the road, report it immediately. If there is a problem with your car, contact the authorities directly.
Hire An A Personal Injury Attorney
If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision, you should hire an experienced lawyer immediately. A personal injury attorney in San Francisco, California, can provide legal advice and guidance throughout the entire process, including helping you understand what to do next. If you don’t know where to start, here are some questions about hiring a lawyer.
1. How much experience does the law firm have handling auto accidents?
2. Do I feel comfortable talking with my potential attorney?
3. Will the attorney work hard on my behalf?
4. What types of cases does the law firm specialize in?
5. Is there a fee structure that makes sense to me?
6. Can I afford to pay for representation?
At Phoong Law in San Francisco, California, we’ve successfully helped many injury victims get the compensation they deserve. We offer free consultations and affordable fees. Schedule a consultation to learn about your legal options for a full recovery. To learn more, call us today at +1 (866) GOT-PAIN or reach out online.
Conclusion
While driving, look around you and watch where you’re going. Pay attention to traffic signals, crosswalks, pedestrians, animals, and other drivers. Avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, smoking, applying makeup, adjusting radio stations, changing clothes, etc.
Use common sense. Be aware of weather conditions, road conditions, and traffic patterns. Know where you’re going before you start driving. Stay alert and pay attention.
The National Safety Council reports that distracted driving caused 3,142 deaths in 2020.
Distracted driving is dangerous because it takes your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel. If you are driving and become distracted, you could cause a crash that injures you and others.
The most important thing to avoid being involved in a car accident is to drive defensively. Driving defensively consists in focusing on what is happening around you and keeping your eyes open. This includes looking for cars, pedestrians, animals, objects, and road conditions.
Driving defensively helps keep you safe because it keeps you focused and alert. You are less likely to miss something dangerous if you pay attention to what is happening around you.
You might think that driving defensively sounds like common sense, but it is easy to forget about some things that could put you at risk behind the wheel.
Texting and driving are one of the biggest causes of accidents. Distracted driving accounts for nearly 10% of fatal crashes. When you text, you take your hands off the steering wheel and your mind off the road. Distracted driving puts everyone else on the road at greater risk.
It seems obvious, but if you want to see everything around you, ensure your eyes are open. If you close your eyes, you won’t be able to see anything. Even though you might feel tired, try to maintain your awareness. Pull over if you’re too tired. Call a friend or family member and have them pick you up.
Driving too fast is dangerous. It could cost you your life. If you hit someone, try to remain calm. Stay at the scene until emergency personnel arrives.
Pull off the road if you lose control or feel like you are about to lose control of your car. Call 911 and tell them where you are and what happened. Do not attempt to continue driving unless instructed otherwise.
This blog post is designed to educate the public on legal matters and provide general information about the law. It should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for competent legal counsel from a licensed professional attorney in your state. The statements and views expressed in this post are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my law firm. By using this site, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the site publisher.
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