Each and every time you get in your car and head out on the roads, you chance getting into a car accident. The accident could be your fault, the fault of another driver, or due to poor road conditions, among other things. The seconds before the accident, the minutes that follow, and the days after that can all determine the outcome of a lawsuit should one be filed. Here, you will learn what you can do to protect yourself from being found liable for damages and injuries sustained during an accident.

Before You Get Behind the Wheel

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have at least the minimum insurance coverage required by your local laws. If you have a little room in your budget, consider adding a little extra coverage to ensure that you are protected in the event that the other driver is underinsured or in case the damages go beyond what a minimum coverage policy will cover.

Your Driving Techniques                                     

How you drive will play a big role in the outcome of an auto accident lawsuit. Be sure to pay close attention to the laws of the road, keep your speed below the legal limits, do not tailgate the car in front of you, always use your turn signals, and keep your cool while driving.

When the weather conditions are not ideal, drive with extra care. Allow for a safe distance between you and the car in front of you, never slam your brakes, and reduce your speed when roads are wet or snow covered.

After an Accident

The moments after an accident will have a significant impact on how the situation is handled. If you lose your temper and begin screaming at the other driver or drivers involved, everyone's tempers will flare and the situation can quickly escalate to a hot mess. Instead, stay calm. No matter what is going on around you or what is being said to you, stay calm.

Take as many pictures of the scene as you can. If you do not own a cell phone with a camera feature, purchase a disposable camera to keep in your glove compartment. The pictures you take can be submitted to your insurance provider, as well as your attorney if legal proceedings follow.

Do your best to gather the names and contact information of any witnesses on the scene. If you cannot gather names, at least take pictures of the license plates on the vehicles present. This will give your attorney or insurance agent something to work with to find someone who saw what really happened.

What you do before driving, immediately before an accident and the minutes following an accident matter. If you have been injured in an auto accident or are facing charges for causing injuries to another person or damage to property, contact a personal injury lawyer with experience in auto accident suits. He or she will guide you through the process and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

For more information, contact True Guarnieri Ayer LLP or a similar firm.