Putting a Stop to Accident-induced Shock

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As the old adage goes, accidents happen. This happens in times or places that we least expect them. This is the reason why most of the time it is hard to avoid them. However, you can do anything and everything you can to avoid them.

Accidents can cause extreme shock that brings injuries to the victims. When they happen though it is important that you know what you should do.

Here are some of the things that you can do to get rid, or minimize shock after a car crash:

•    Breathe. Try to slow down your breathing. After a crash, there’s a great chance for one to hyperventilate. Hyperventilation can make you pass out. If you feel like you’re about to lose consciousness, lean your head down between your legs.
•    Drink lots of water. Stress hormones can produce toxins inside the body. Adequate fluid intake flushes these toxins out of the body.
•    Stretch out. This will relax your muscles that might get stiff due to excessive stress.
•    Take supplements. Calcium and magnesium supplements, when taken together, relax the muscles and calm your mind.
•    Let it out. Talk to a friend about what happened to you. This can help ease up emotional stress.
•    Rest. Take extra rest during the night. The more sleep you get, the more relaxing it will be for you.
•  Eat the right food. A light meal after the crash can bring your sugar levels back to normal. Recommended foods to take are bananas, yogurt, and a piece of bread.
•   Seek medical attention. No matter how light your injuries are, having your body checked up will let you know if you sustained injuries.

Following these simple tips can help you recover from the traumatic experience you’ve just been subjected to. After you have recovered though, submit yourself to the investigation that will be conducted by the authorities. You may then file a case so you can receive damages for whatever injuries you may have sustained.  A good Los Angeles car accident attorney can help ensure your victory in the case that you may have filed. Then, you can truly recover from the accident that you have been into.

Wearing Seat Belt Only Takes 2 Seconds: Buckle up for Your Safety

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According to an article by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), wearing seat belt only takes roughly two seconds to do; hence, drivers and passengers have no excuse not to buckle up. In the State of California, adult vehicle occupants who fail to restrain themselves using seat belt and/or shoulder harness may be fined with no less than $142.00.

Since 2005, the California government has implemented “Click It or Ticket,” a program that aims to require all drivers to wear seat belt for their safety. Since it was implemented, seat belt use rate has increased significantly – from 92.5 percent in 2005 to 96.2 percent in 2010, which was in fact a record high.

Additionally, the said traffic safety program involves disciplining California drivers who do not wear seat belt or properly restrain children inside their vehicle. The minimum fine for adults who do not use seat belt is $142.00 and up. Meanwhile, the minimum fine for parents or adults who do not restrain passengers under the age of 16 is $445.00.

“Click It or Ticket” is a program well-supported by various government agencies including Business Transportation and Housing Agency (BTH), California Highway Patrol (CHP), OTS, Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Despite the benefits of using seat belt, Los Angeles drivers must still recognize the certain dangers of the road. Drivers must remember that wearing seat belt does not exempt them from accidents. The following are the common causes of major and fatal car accidents in California:

•    Intoxicated drivers
•    Distracted drivers (drivers who eat, talk on the phone, or text while driving)
•    Speeding drivers
•    Wrong-way drivers
•    Swerving drivers
•    Poor weather condition
•    Road hazards and debris

Meanwhile, Los Angeles drivers who got injured in an accident caused by a negligent motorist should promptly contact a Los Angeles vehicle accident attorney for them to recover personal injury damages.

The Other Driver’s Not Always the One Liable for Your Injuries

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If you are involved in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you must remember that understanding your rights, duties, and responsibilities as a victim is critical. As such, you must pursue a claim against the other driver whom you believe is at fault for the accident.

In most vehicle accident cases, the one who breached or violated the duty of care is the one responsible for the accident. However, if you plan to pursue a claim against the other driver, you must prove the following:

•    There exists a duty of care. Every reasonable driver makes it a point to operate the vehicle in the safest manner possible to avoid causing injuries to other people or damaging properties.
•    There was a breach of duty of care. It would technically make the other driver liable for the accident.
•    To be able to attain compensation from the driver, you must have sustained injuries as a result of the accident.

However, there are times when the other driver is not always the one liable for you injuries. In fact, someone who is not present at the scene could be the one responsible for the damages and the injuries you sustained.

You might found out in the investigation of the accident that the driver actually borrowed his or her car from someone else. Given that the owner of the car gave permission to the driver to use the car, your case won’t necessarily go up in flames. In fact, you may still file a claim, but the liability won’t be placed on the driver anymore, but on the owner of the vehicle.

One of the states that have laws regarding such circumstances is the State of California. There, if the user gets involved in an accident, the owner won’t be rendered liable for unlimited damages. It means that the driver has limited liability, depending on the result of the accident.

But if the owner permitted someone who is not licensed or is not qualified to drive, he or she may be rendered liable for unlimited damages. To know whom you can sue in case such situation arises, it is best that you hire a Los Angeles car accident attorney so that your claim gets firmly established. With an established claim, you will have better chances of getting fair amount of monetary compensation from the liable party so you could recover well from the accident.