Car accidents can be terrifying. Not only are they frightening at the moment, but serious accidents could leave you fearing how your life may be changed by injuries you suffered as a result of the collision. When involved in a crash, it is important to be careful to move your body slowly and gingerly afterward. You may have suffered an car injury that could be made worse by sudden movements.
If You’re Not in Danger, Don’t Move
When you are involved in an accident, you are going to want to pull your vehicle to the side of the road and check that everyone in the car is okay. Then you will proceed to check that anyone else involved in the accident is unharmed. However, if you yourself are injured, stay put. Unless there is a danger present like if your car is on fire, you should stay where you are until a medical professional arrives.
If danger is present, use slow and deliberate movements to leave the area. You want to keep your back and neck straight as you exit your vehicle and move to safety.
Preventing Injury Before an Accident
While limited movement can help prevent an accident from getting worse after the fact, there are also many things you can do before a wreck that will reduce your likelihood of suffering a serious injury.
Buckle Your Seat Belt
Of course, everyone knows the safety benefits of wearing a seatbelt. There have been hundreds, if not thousands, of studies that have shown how seatbelt usage dramatically reduces the risk of serious injury and prevents deaths. While wearing a seatbelt can dramatically reduce your risk of injury, it’s important to make sure you are wearing the belt properly in order for it to be most effective.
Adjust your seat belt until it fits you properly in order to receive the best protection from this safety device.
Adjust Your Seat
While seatbelts are a no brainer, you might not think quite as much about the safety benefits of having your car seat. The main danger presented by an improperly positioned car seat is with the airbags. While airbags are there to protect you in the event of a car accident, they can still be a hazard in their own right. They explode out with such a strong force that while likely preventing a more serious injury, they can cause an injury of their own.
It is important to position your seat back as far as possible to get the benefits of the airbag without the risks. When sitting in the passenger seat, move back as far as you can without crowding a person sitting behind you.
If you are in the driver’s seat, move back as far as you can while still being able to easily reach the pedals and steering wheel.
Adjust the Steering Wheel
For airbags to be as effective as possible, they have to be in the correct position. You have an airbag in your steering wheel, and you want that airbag to be aimed at your chest for maximum effect if you are in a crash. Before driving, make sure that the center of the steering wheel is pointed at the center of your chest. Another thing, ensure you take your car for airbags repairs after being ejected or in case you suspect something is wrong with them.
Correct Posture
Most kids hear it over and over again, “sit up straight.” Not only is it good advice for improving posture, but it can also help protect you in the event of an accident. The reason for this once again involves seatbelts and airbags. Both these safety features are designed to protect occupants who are sitting in their seats properly. By not using good posture in your vehicle, you weaken the ability of these features to most effectively protect you from injury.
When You Are Injured
When you do suffer an injury in a car accident, you will likely be facing significant medical bills. It’s important to get fair compensation so that you can pay your bills and get your life back to normal. If injured in a car crash on a family trip to Disneyland, contact a Los Angeles car accident lawyer for a free consultation.
A competent lawyer can help get you the money you deserve. At the same time, you can focus on healing from the car injury, with the peace of mind that your attorney is dealing with the insurance company and is working in your best interest.
