According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), close to 6 million car accidents happen every year in the United States. These car accidents result in about 40,000 deaths and injure more than 2 million annually. These crashes, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cost the government as much as $164 billion every year. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident in Nevada, contact a skilled personal injury attorney right away to learn about your rights and obligations under the law.
Defensive Driving
While most drivers generally follow the rules of the road and do not purposely drive in a reckless manner, it takes just one mistake to cause a Nevada car accident. For this reason, defensive driving can be a technique that drivers use to decrease the risk of being in a vehicle crash. It is true that it is virtually impossible to control the behavior of other drivers on the road. That being said, a driver can do his or her best to anticipate others’ behavior and react accordingly. Below are several simple techniques you can implement in your day-to-day driving habits to help keep you, and your loved ones, safer on Nevada’s roads:
- Keep focused: It is no surprise that there are many distractions that can take your attention away from the road while you are behind the wheel. From the phone ringing, music blasting from the radio, loud passengers, and interesting billboards on the side of the road, there is plenty to distract you. Paying attention is one of the best ways to keep yourself accident-free.
- Keep control: Any type of substance that affects your ability to quickly react to you surroundings will impair your ability to drive. Whether it is alcohol, prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, or something else, your reflexes will be slowed and you will be at risk of an accident.
- Be aware: Understand that everyone makes mistakes – even the safest of drivers. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times and pay attention to the behavior of others on the road. Leaving extra room between you and the vehicle in front of you will provide extra time to react and avoid a crash;
- Be prepared: While one never expects to actually be in a car accident, it is best to have your vehicle equipped with all the necessary safety devices in the event one does happen. This includes airbags, seatbelts, and well maintained brakes, brake lights, windshield wipers, headlights, etc.
Legal Help in Nevada
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a Nevada car accident, know that you may be entitled to monetary compensation from the at-fault driver for harm suffered. If you were using defensive driving techniques, you likely were paying attention and saw the mistakes the other driver made that caused the crash. Because Nevada car accidents can result in high medical bills and expensive property damage, be sure to contact an attorney right away. The skilled Nevada personal injury lawyers at H & P can help fight for the compensation you deserve.
