How To Protect Yourself From Car Accident Injuries

The road is one of the most dangerous places. Countless accidents happen every day, and many of them result in injuries. Sometimes, these accidents are beyond your control, no matter how cautious you are. Other motorists around you might commit mistakes while driving, the weather might be too bad, and a road in poor condition can also cause accidents.

So, how do you protect yourself from car accident injuries if there are also factors beyond your control? Below are some tips you need to keep in mind. Keep on reading to learn more. 

1. Be Insured

It’s not just the pain from the injuries that you’ll have to deal with after an accident. Financial burdens also come with it, such as hospitalization costs and vehicle repairs. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you might even miss work and lose income. 

One of the best ways to protect yourself from these financial burdens is to have personal injury insurance. What is personal injury protection and why should you get one?

• Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection or ‘PIP’ is an auto insurance coverage that helps pay for your medical expenses and lost earnings after a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. Some states with “no-fault” car insurance laws usually require PIP. No-fault insurance means that your auto insurance company will pay for your medical expenses and lost earnings, up to your policy’s limit, regardless of who caused the accident.

• Do You Still Need It Even If You Have Health Insurance

Even if you have health insurance, getting PIP coverage is still a good idea. Your health insurance policy might have a deductible that you will need to pay before they start paying for your medical expenses. Sometimes, your health insurance might not also cover all your medical costs. PIP can help fill in the gaps.

• Do You Still Need It On Top Of Your Regular Car Insurance

Your standard car insurance policy will cover property damage and bodily injury caused by an accident. It will also cover you if the other driver sues you. Yet it’ll not cover your medical expenses and lost earnings. PIP coverage is an excellent addition to your regular car insurance.

Being insured is the most basic protection you can have against car accident injuries. You’ll be financially covered if you get into an accident and suffer injuries. But before you consider getting insurance, you should know how to keep your car and yourself safe on the road.

2. Keep Your Car In Good Condition 

Regardless of the car’s brand or model, if it’s not in good condition, it might cause accidents. Vehicles need regular maintenance as parts can wear out over time. When these parts aren’t in good condition, they can cause problems while driving, such as sudden braking or steering problems.

To avoid accidents, ensure to always check the following parts of your car:

• Tires 

Tires are one of the most important parts of your car. They’re what keep you glued to the road. If they’re in bad condition, they might cause accidents. Check your tires regularly for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, bald spots, or bulges.

• Brakes 

The inability to stop in time is one of the most common causes of a rear-end collision accident. This collision may result in serious injuries, such as whiplash, spinal cord injuries, or head injuries. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly check your brakes and ensure they’re in good condition. Signs that you need to replace your brakes are squealing noises, pulsing when you press the brake pedal, or a delay in response when you press the pedal.

• Lights 

Your car’s lights are the only visible part when driving at night or in bad weather. If they aren’t working correctly, it might be hard for other drivers to see you, which can cause accidents. Check your lights regularly and replace any burned-out bulbs.

• Windshield Wipers

If you can’t see clearly, you are more likely to get into an accident. That’s why it’s crucial to have good windshield wipers that clear away rain, snow, or dirt. 

3. Be A Defensive Driver 

Aside from maintaining your car in good condition, you must also be a defensive driver. Being a defensive driver means being aware of your surroundings and driving in a way that minimizes the risk of an accident.

Here are some tips on being a defensive driver:

• Safety First

Before driving, always check your seatbelt and remind your passengers to buckle up. If you’re carrying anything in the car, secure it properly so it doesn’t become a projectile in case an accident happens.

• Always Yield The Right Of Way 

Yielding the right of way is one of the most basic rules of the road. But many drivers still don’t follow it. If you’re unsure who has the right of way, yield to the other driver. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

• Don’t Drive Distracted 

Distractions can cause accidents. So have your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel at all times. Suppose you need to do something immediately which will take your attention away from driving, pull over to a safe location.

• Don’t Drive Aggressively 

Aggressive driving is driving in a way that increases the risk of an accident. It includes speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and making sudden lane changes. Aggressive drivers are more likely to get into an accident. So, it’s important to always drive at a safe speed and give yourself enough space between you and the car in front of you.

• Never Assume

Just because you obey traffic laws doesn’t mean that other drivers will. It’s important to always be alert for reckless drivers. If you see a driver not following the rules of the road, stay away from them. Moreover, never assume that other drivers will yield to you. Always double-check before making a turn or merging into traffic.

Accidents can still happen even if you’re a defensive driver. That’s why it’s important to know what to do after an accident to avoid further injuries.

4. Know What To Do After An Accident 

Once you’ve been in an accident, it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation. If you or anyone else is injured, it’s better not to move. Wait for emergency services to arrive. 

If no one is injured, you can move your car to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Then, call the police and exchange insurance information with the other driver. Take pictures of the accident scene, the damage to your car, and the other driver’s car. Documentation will be helpful in filing an insurance claim.

After you’ve exchanged information with the other driver and called the police, you can wait for them to arrive at the scene or drive to a safe location. If you choose to drive away, ensure you have all the information you need before leaving.

Final Thoughts

Accidents can happen at any time. But there are things you can do to minimize the risk of being injured and protect yourself in the event of an accident. Being a defensive driver and keeping your car in good condition can help reduce the impact, prevent an accident, and protect yourself from injuries. Stay calm, assess the situation, and call for help if you are ever in an accident.