Passenger Safety

How to Keep Yourself and Others Safe on the Road

As a motorist, you have a duty to maintain the safety of your passengers. When you take control of the steering wheel, it is important to know that you are not only responsible for yourself but also those traveling with you, as well as those with whom you share the road. If you are the passenger, keeping others safe during your time on the road should also be a priority for you. For example, you should not engage in conduct that distracts the driver or obstructs his or her view while operating a vehicle. What you do seconds before and after an accident as far as safety is concerned can mean the difference between life and death. Here are some safety guidelines to help keep your and your loved ones safe while getting to your destination:

Wear Your Seatbelt

Wearing your seatbelt is the single most important precaution before getting on the road. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seat belt use by adults is the most “effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes.” Serious crash-related injuries and death could be reduced by 50% when the victim wears a seat belt. Even if you are traveling only a short distance, you should always wear your seatbelt because you never know what will happen. Some people think that because their car is equipped with air bags that they can travel without seat belts; however, air bags are not a substitute for seat belts. The greatest protection is achieved when seat belts are worn and vehicles are also equipped with air bags. As for children, you should always make sure that they are wearing seat belts and use the appropriate car seat for their age. Drivers should always be up to date on the current guidelines established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What If I’ve been Injured as a Passenger in a Crash?

If you are a passenger who has been injured in a car accident, you may benefit from seeing an lawyer who will help you navigate your claim. As with any other car accident, the victim will have to prove liability, that he or she was injured due to the defendant’s negligence, and damages that resulted in an injury. Since you are a passenger, you will not have to deal with the issue of whether or not you may have contributed to the cause of the accident.

If one or more vehicles caused the accident, then at least one of those drivers will be at fault. If the driver of the vehicle in which you were a passenger is a relative who lives in your home, you will not be able to file a claim against him or her because you are considered an insured person under liability insurance. If you have incurred hospital bills or other medical costs, you can file a claim under your driver’s insurance policy for medical coverage. However, you will not be able to recover for lost wages, pain and suffering, or any other form of damages through this provision.

Call Us Today for a Free Initial Consultation

If you need help with your claim or have any questions, please contact us. At the Tatum Law Firm, lawyer Brian Steed Tatum has helped many victims reach fair settlements for their injuries both in North Carolina and South Carolina. We understand that being involved in a car accident can be a difficult situation for families. Let him come up with a plan to obtain the compensation you are entitled to by law. Please call us today at (704) 307-4197 for a free consultation.