Dealing With Your Broken Down Vehicle
When you’re in a car accident in Florida, you may experience some serious injuries. You may also get injured if you break down on the highway or are a pedestrian near a road. Major roads are major dangers. Fortunately, if you find yourself there dealing with your vehicle, there are some things you should do to reduce your risk of being injured.
Remain Calm
Although you may be tempted to panic, don’t. You need to be calm so you think rationally. If you panic, you’ll make rash decisions that could potentially cause a secondary accident.
Evaluate the Situation you Find Yourself In
If someone rear ends you then continues to act aggressively or in a fashion that makes you feel unsafe, lock your doors and call 911. On the other hand, if you’re having vehicle problems, see if you can make it safely off the highway.
Pull Your Vehicle off to the Side of the Road
Quickly and safely pull off the road as far away from traffic as possible. Make sure your vehicle is not on a hill and that you’re using your traffic signals to alert other drivers of your presence and don’t cause another car accident.
Make Sure You’re Visible
Pause to consider if you’re in greater danger if you were to get out of your vehicle. If so, you should stay in your vehicle. Otherwise, find somewhere safer for you to go. Regardless of your decision here, make sure that other motorists can see you so that you don’t get hit. Before leaving your vehicle, make sure you turn on your four-way flashers. You should also carry a flashlight, phone, and reflective item with you as you walk to safety, especially if you’re doing so at the time of sunset or after the sun has already gone down.
Call for Help
You need to make sure you call a friend or family member so they know what happened and where you’re at. Even if you’re walking to a nearby service station, it’s important for someone to know where you are and when they can expect you to check in again. Then, depending upon your situation, you’ll also want to call for roadside assistance and the police (either as an emergency or dial their non-emergency number).
Always remain Alert
While you’re seeking or waiting for help, make sure you’re always aware of your surroundings. When a tow truck arrives, make sure that it’s the one that you called for. If someone else stops to help you, make a note of their license plate number and any other identifying information. Regardless of what’s going on, always trust your instincts and use your common sense so you remain safe. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, regardless of the safety precautions you choose to take, you may still get injured along the side of a major road somewhere. When this happens, you may have a legal claim against liable parties. To learn more about who may owe you money, contact Rojas Law Group for a free consultation.
Picture Credit: Pixabay
