No matter how cautious you try to be behind the wheel, another driver’s carelessness can easily cause an accident that simply can’t be avoided. While you may not be able to prevent the crash, there are simple steps you can take to minimize the risk of personal injuries in the collision. Here are a few tips for protecting your safety if you are hit by a reckless driver.

How to Minimize Personal Injuries in an Accident

1. Position Your Seat Correctly

The headrest keeps your head from whipping around in a collision, preventing serious neck and back injuries. Positioning your seat as far back as possible will also minimize the risk of an injury caused by high-velocity air bags.

2. Sit Up Straight

Your vehicle’s safety mechanisms are designed to protect someone sitting up straight in the seat. Slouching down or laying across the seat increases the chances of slipping out of your safety harness or being injured by an air bag.

3. Wear Your Seat Belt

The seat belt is one of the most effective safety mechanisms in your vehicle, responsible for saving nearly 15,000 lives per year. Even if you’re just driving a short distance, always fasten your seat belt and ensure all children are safely buckled in.

4. Keep Your Car Clean

In an accident, coffee cups and other common items can become projectiles that are capable of causing serious lacerations, bruises, and even broken bones. Cleaning out your vehicle and keeping loose belongings stowed away minimizes the risks of an accident.

5. See a Doctor

Many personal injuries that are common in auto accidents don’t immediately present with symptoms. Seeing a doctor immediately after a collision can minimize the risk of major injuries by ensuring you get prompt treatment as soon as possible.

If a negligent driver has caused an injury in which you or someone you love has been injured, the legal team at Goicoechea, DiGrazia, Coyle, & Stanton will fight for your rights. With over a century of combined legal experience and a reputation throughout the Elko, NV, area for aggressive representation and reliable results, you can count on their team to recover the compensation you deserve. Visit their website for more information on their personal injury services, follow their Facebook page for updates and tips, and call (775) 738-8091 to schedule an initial consultation today.