No one ever expects to be injured in an accident, but accidents happen all the time and can be life-changing in some cases. If you want to reduce your chances of being injured, take the time to prepare for the worst.
We review the steps to take to avoid a personal injury here:
Practice Safe Driving – It seems obvious to state, but you should drive carefully at all times and obey traffic laws. Wearing a seat belt is the best way to avoid being injured in an automobile accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of death by 45 percent.
Take extra caution at driving at night – Since most accidents happen at night, drive with extra caution. Wear prescribed nighttime glasses if you have a hard time seeing.
Never drive drunk or distracted. Whether it’s your cell phone, the radio, or food in hand, distracted driving is now responsible for more deaths than drunk driving. If you’re distracted, you’re simply not paying full attention to the road and are therefore more likely to be involved in an accident.
It’s also advised to check the condition of your vehicle regularly. Whether you do it yourself or have a mechanic or the car dealership give it a look, be sure your vehicle is in good shape.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings – Knowing what is going on around you helps you avoid accidents. For example, if you are walking in a parking lot, pay attention to what you’re walking toward. Look for potholes, puddles, or unevenness in the pavement. How many times have you seen another person trip and fall because they were scrolling their phone instead of paying full attention? Perhaps you’ve been guilty of this too. At the grocery store, look for spilled or broken products and adhere to the “caution wet floor” signs when displayed. No matter your location, watch where you’re going to avoid slips and falls.
Be Careful on the Job – Some industries such as construction and manufacturing are more likely to have injuries occur. It’s the nature of the job, but the employer should take calculated steps to establish a safe work environment by implementing safety protocols and having the proper amount of safety equipment in place. The employee should adhere to all the safety rules and properly wear the safety equipment provided.
Wear Protective Eyewear – Working on a project involving power tools or machinery? You must protect your eyes with goggles to avoid a painful eye injury. Your eyes are extremely susceptible to debris such as wood chips and metal shavings and should be shielded at all times.
Wear Lifejackets on Watercrafts – Boaters equip their watercraft with the required number of lifejackets because it’s the law. However, it’s also a good idea to actually put them on. Especially if you or someone aboard your vessel isn’t a strong swimmer, the water is especially rough, or a storm is rolling in. Always wear a lifejacket on a personal watercraft such as a jet ski.
The above are just a handful of ways you can avoid a personal injury. Sometimes, no matter how careful or prepared you may be, accidents occur. When you’re involved in any type of accident due to the fault of another party, you may be entitled to compensation and a personal injury lawsuit may ensue. If you find yourself in this situation, contact us immediately.
At Fulmer Sill, we’re confident that our experience and knowledge will produce a favorable outcome for you. All initial consultations are free, and we don’t charge any up-front fees for representation. We handle all fees on a contingency basis, meaning that unless we’re successful, you don’t have to pay us. Please contact us at (405) 433-7414 for a free consultation or request a case review here.