Strategies for Reducing the Risk of a Car Accident

Did another driver cause your injuries? Rest assured that if you are injured in a crash, our seasoned car accident lawyers have the experience and resources to help you get justice. For help with your claim for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, call Silverman, McDonald & Friedman in Wilmington, Newark, or Seaford for help.

While it’s important to know what steps to take after a car crash, and how a Delaware car accident lawyer fights to get you every dollar you deserve, the best course of action is to drive defensively, not offensively. You can’t control how others behave on the road, so it is important that you drive safely to help reduce the risk of a crash.

Some of the steps careful drivers take to reduce the risk of a car accident include the following:

• Avoid distractions. You need to be focused on the traffic around you so you can respond to any emergency. You can’t focus and respond if your eyes and mind are off the road and your hands are off the wheel. Don’t text or use your phone while driving. Eat before or after you drive – not while driving. Don’t play with the radio or look at your GPS system. Make sure your passengers understand road safety comes first.
• Be aware of blind spots. Make sure your mirrors (rear-view, driver side, and passenger side) are all properly positioned before you start to drive. If you’re changing lanes, make sure to look for cars in the lane you’re shifting into. You also need to look into the next lane to make sure someone two lanes away isn’t trying to get in the same lane when you do. Be aware of where your sightlines prevent you from seeing other cars, pedestrians, and bicycle riders.
• Follow the traffic laws. This warning begins with staying within the speed limits. Drive slower when the roads or weather are bad. Don’t tailgate. Leave plenty of room to stop. Make sure you communicate with other drivers when possible such as when you’re merging. Use the fast lane only for passing, not for steady driving.
• Keep your car in good condition. Make sure you get regular inspections. Check your tire pressures regularly. Don’t drive on a near-empty tank. Work with a skilled auto technician. If a red light on your dashboard goes on, or something doesn’t sound right, see a mechanic promptly. Check the oil regularly.

Carswizz also recommends:

• Being extra-alert for children when you’re driving in residential areas and near any schools.
• Stopping when the light is yellow. A yellow traffic signal isn’t a sign that you should run the light.
• Keeping your distance from temperamental drivers. Avoid confrontations. If a driver wants to pass you, let him/her pass – provided you can slow down safely.

Drivers should always assume the other driver isn’t paying attention, or isn’t driving as safely as possible.

At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman, our premier Delaware car accident lawyers have a strong track record of success, including a $1.5 million settlement for a young man injured in an intersectional accident and many other 6 and 7 figure results. We work to negotiate settlements but we’re ready to try your case before a jury if the insurance adjuster is unreasonable. We work with the police, investigators, physicians, and experts to help prove liability and to show how the injuries have changed your life. We also file wrongful death claims if a loved one tragically dies in a car crash. To speak with a strong advocate, call our Delaware car accident lawyers at 302.314.2319 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We have offices in Wilmington, Newark, and Seaford.