When a driver does not properly secure the load they are carrying, items fall or fly off the vehicle causing people to swerve and get into accidents. If the driver happens to lose an item, it could fly through the air, go through windshields, hit cars, or block the road. Road debris caused 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths between the years of 2011 and 2014. Stay safe out there and keep your eye out for anything in your path.

How to Prevent Road Debris Accidents

• Secure the load with a tarp, net, or rope. If you do not secure the load, something may come off of your vehicle.
• Do not tailgate. This is a given. If the person in front of you encounters road debris, you will need enough time to react and stop. If you are tailgating, you will slam into the back of them causing a bigger accident.
• Continually check the road. While you are driving, continuously check the road for debris. While you are at it, check your surroundings as well. Know the space you have around you and how you can react if you come upon some debris.
• Slow down. If you spot something on the road, make sure to slow down ahead of time. The more time you have to react the better the situation. 

Stay away from the debris on the road and drive safely. If you or someone you know does become the victim of an accident, contact The Brothers in Law, 757-319-4085.

You were just in an accident and now have to deal with the aftermath. If you’re feeling scared, stressed, frustrated or any of a dozen other emotions, you’re not alone! There are a few important steps you should take in the event of an accident.

Here is a short list of things to do after you are in an accident:

• Consider Safety First. Turn the car off, put it in park, engage the parking brake, and, if possible, move it out of the way of traffic.
• Call the Police. Always call the police, whether the accident was minor or not, because they will be the best judges at the scene of the accident. Cooperate with them, don’t place blame on the other driver, and never admit fault.
• Check on everyone involved. Go check on the other driver and passengers for any injuries or dizziness to determine if you need to call 911.
• Get all the important evidence/information. Exchange insurance information with the other driver.
• File an insurance claim. The sooner the better. You can begin filing the claim at the scene of the accident and later when things have calmed down.

If you were in an accident, it’s important to take these step to make sure that you took the precautions and correct steps to deal with the situation correctly. If you or someone you know was the victim of an accident, contact The Brothers in Law for the assistance you deserve, 757-319-4085.

Getting into an accident is stressful and emotional, which often clouds our judgment. Once the impact is made, the realization that you have just hit someone or someone hit you sets in and you start to panic. There are a few common mistakes that people make right after an accident and it’s important to be aware so that you don’t fall victim to these same errors.

Most Common Accident Mistakes

• Not seeking medical attention. Go see the doctor as soon as possible, don’t underestimate your injuries and never say you are okay. If there is an ambulance tell the EMS about all of your symptoms and schedule a medical checkup. Not only is this the best advice for your health, it could also help strengthen your future case.
• Failing to call the police. Always call the police so that they can fully document and report the incident. Doing this can prevent the other driver from making false claims and ensures important details aren’t missed in the post-accident confusion.
• Admitting fault or guilt. Never do this. It is not up to you to determine fault, that will be up to the police report. You do not want to open yourself up to liability when you don’t need to.
• Not gathering evidence. It is always important to gather evidence after the accident. Gather the names and numbers of any witnesses and the names, license plate numbers, addresses and insurance information of the other individuals involved. Try and take photos of the damages, scene of the accident, and take note of road conditions. This evidence will help you defend yourself, protect you from false claims, make the case to your insurance company and even assist you if you have a case that goes to trial.

Be safe out there on the roads and take into consideration the list above if you ever find yourself the victim of an accident. For any further questions contact The Brothers in Law, 757-319-4085.