Most of Us Think We Will Never be in a Car Accident
That mind-set is required for each of us to climb into a car everyday! But, the MSHP, states there were 140,000 traffic accidents nationally in 2013 and they are raising awareness of the frequency of car accidents.
Our free phone application helps you be prepared for the worst while driving your best.
“From a nationwide perspective, they say that we will be in a traffic crash at a minimum of once in each 10 years of our lives, so if you live to be 70, 80, or 90, most likely we are going to be in 7, 8, 0r 9 crashes”, said Sgt. Brent Bernhardt of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
According to statistics from the an insurance study, the number is more like once in every 18 years, but remember that those numbers are based on actual claims filed verses actual traffic crashes as reported by officers.
While a positive mind-set is important and safe driving, you need to be prepared for a possible car crash by doing the following:
- Be sure you have the appropriate auto insurance. Insurance buying is not fun because it can be confusing and is always expensive. Be certain you carry more than liability. Consider buying underinsured coverage as well as uninsured coverage.
- Have a plan in case you are in a crash. Know what kind of information you need to gather if it is a minor accident and what steps you should follow. Our free app Injury Attorney gives you a checklist of things to remember to do at the scene of the crash. Obviously, if you are critically injured, you will not be able to complete the tasks.
- Seek medical assistance. If you are involved in crash that produced very much trauma, you should seek medical treatment. The first priority is your physical well-being.
- Call an auto accident attorney. The earlier you involve a personal injury attorney, the better they will be able to assist you. Attorneys at The Cagle Law Firm specialize in auto accidents.
Having a Plan for a Car Accident is Like Having a Fire Escape Plan
Planning for an accident of any kind helps you better face the problem after a crash. A fire escape plan does not prevent the fire, just as a plan for following up after a car accident does not prevent the accident. However, planning for an accident and how you will act in the days and weeks following the crash can make the difference in you getting through the accident and negotiation process verses costing you a lot of money and time.
Things You Can Do to Avoid a Crash- Statistically
- Don’t drive impaired- no single factor is more likely to cause a crash than a driver impaired by alcohol or other drugs
- Avoid driving during the “vampire” hour–the deadliest hours are between Midnight and 3 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Keep your eyes on the road- NHTSA data show that drivers using cell phones while driving significantly increase the likelihood of a fatal car accident
- Don’t Speed- nearly one-third of all fatal crashes are attributed to speeding or driving too fast for conditions. Speeding is single greatest contributor to accidents other than impaired driving
- Avoid congestion – fewer intersections make for fewer crashes. Be careful and look both ways several times before going through intersections
Accidents on the Installment Plan–Insurance
Insurance companies may sell “protection” and based on their profit margins, they do a great good job of sales. Insurance companies do not make a profit by paying out claims when you have an accident, rather they make profits on increased premiums and keeping claim payouts low. The whole concept of insurance is that you pay them a premium so they will cover you in case of a crash.
Essentially, the monthly premiums you pay are paying for the car accident event that statistically will more than likely than not occur in your life time, whether it is serious or minor. The statistics do not suggest that every accident will be serious, just that if you are an average driver (and most of us are whether we want to admit it or not), you will be in an accident every 10-15 years on average.
So, as much as we all hate insurance including the buying, negotiating, etc; it’s something that you must have if you drive a car. You need insurance not just for yourself but in case you make an error and hurt someone else.
How Do I Know the Insurance Company Will Take Care of my Claim?
Short answer…….you don’t. Right after a car accident, you need to seek medical assistance and then call an attorney just to be sure that your best interest and rights are preserved. Our attorneys give free, confidential consultations seven days a week.
Speak to an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Right Now, toll free 1-800-685-3302 or locally 314-276-1681
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