Car Accident Prevention

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Michael E. Pierce

Crash Prevention Tips From Our Houston Car Accident Lawyers

At Pierce Skrabanek PLLC, we know car accidents are going to happen. There is no way to entirely eliminate the risk of a crash on Texas roads. However, you may ask, “How can car accidents be prevented?”

There are several steps you can take to help reduce the risk of an accident. If you follow these safety measures from our car accident attorneys, you may greatly reduce your chance of being involved in a crash. Our lawyers want to help Texas drivers keep their families safe.

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How to Prevent Car Accidents: Preparation Before Driving

There are several actions you can take before you even begin driving to significantly reduce your chances of being involved in a car accident:

1. Keep an Alert Posture.
Keeping your back straight rather than leaning back in your seat will better prepare you to react to any hazards or problems you may encounter on the road.

2. Have All Mirrors Set For Best Vision.
Adjust your side mirrors and rearview mirrors so that you have a near-seamless panoramic view behind you. You should be able to see both your left and your right sides, as well as behind you, with just the slightest movements of your eyes. Do this before you start driving; adjusting the mirrors while driving can be a distraction in itself.

3. Place Your Hands at the 9 and 3 O’Clock Positions.
Many people make the mistake of driving with one hand at the 12 o’clock position or keeping both hands at the bottom of the wheel. These are easy habits to slip into. When you have your hands at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions, however, you have maximum control of the vehicle. This gives you the best chance of maneuvering around a potential crash.

4. Know Your Car’s Limits.
Pay attention to how your car reacts to certain situations. How does your car turn on sharp corners? How long does it take to brake? How much grip do your tires have? While many people don’t think about these issues, these are important questions to answer — it could be the difference in avoiding a crash or causing one.

5. Make Sure Your Vehicle is Operating Safely.
Stick to your car’s scheduled maintenance routine, especially on older or high-mileage vehicles. This includes regular oil changes, new brakes, engine tune-ups, and more.

Cars can fail and cause an accident in several ways. Blown or worn tires, tattered brakes, and broken windshield wipers are all capable of triggering accidents — and are all preventable and easily fixed. Failing to maintain your own vehicle can affect your liability and damages if you end up in a crash.

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Factors That Can Cause Car Accidents

There are a number of car accident causes. Many of these factors seem obvious yet still frequently contribute to an accident. Learning how to manage these risks is an important aspect of car accident prevention. They include:

Distractions

Most of us have cell phones on us all day long. While it may be tempting to text or talk to a friend while behind the wheel, put your phone down. Whatever the call or message, it can wait. The National Highway Traffic Safety Institute stated that 2,841 people were killed in vehicle crashes in 2018 alone due to distracted drivers.

For this reason, drivers should avoid cell phone use while driving. Other distractions can include eating or drinking while driving, adjusting the radio, or even talking to a passenger.

Speeding

Always follow the posted speed limit. Speeding can be especially dangerous for new drivers. Also, remember that speed limits are calculated based on ideal driving conditions. If driving at night or in the rain, reduce your speed below the posted limit.

Speed also affects the potential for damage if you are involved in a crash. For example, the injuries and damage caused by a crash at 30 miles per hour are likely to be less severe than those in a 55-mile-per-hour crash.

Driving at Night

No matter how experienced a driver you are, everyone should drive more cautiously at night. Hazards are harder to spot, and poor weather at night makes driving even more potentially dangerous. Consider avoiding driving at night when possible.

Nearly 50 percent of all fatal car crashes occur at night.

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Hazardous Driving Conditions

Fog, ice, snow, slush, and rain will all affect roads and make driving more dangerous. If possible, don’t drive in these conditions. But if you must, please drive slower and be more aware on the road.

Additional Car Accident Prevention Tips

  • Wear your seat belt. Buckle up every time you hit the road. No matter how short the drive, using your seat belt can be the difference between a minor injury and fatal crash. Crashes can happen anywhere at any time, whether you are on the highway or just going down the block.
  • Pull into traffic slowly. Be extra observant and mindful of other drivers as you pull into traffic (such as when re-entering from the shoulder). With both hands on the wheel, look both ways at least twice before merging into traffic. Cars can come out of nowhere in a split second.
  • Watch for people running red lights. A good rule is to count to three before entering an intersection on a green light after waiting at a red light. Just because the light is red doesn’t mean a driver is actually going to stop. Drivers should also always look left and right before entering an intersection. This will help spot anyone coming from either side of you trying to run a red light.
  • Keep at least one hand on the steering wheel. Try not to switch radio stations, use your cell phone, or eat while driving. This causes you to take a hand — if not both — off the wheel. A strong gust of wind or hazard can occur in a split second. If you have your hands off the wheel, you risk losing control of your vehicle.
  • Watch for kids. When driving in a parking lot or residential neighborhood, be mindful that a child could be around. Children are less visible and can emerge suddenly from between parked cars.
  • Look behind you when backing out. Minor accidents in parking lots occur all the time because people fail to look at what’s behind them while backing out. Don’t depend on your mirrors. Instead, physically look over your shoulder when backing out so you can see blind spots.
  • Check blind spots. Blind spots are a major cause of road accidents as well. Always do a quick check to your left or right before making a turn or changing lanes. A car or motorcycle may be right beside you but not be in your mirror’s view.
  • Don’t tailgate. Give yourself a three-second cushion between your car and the car ahead of you. On the highway, it should be even more. No matter how late you are to your destination, resist the urge to tailgate. Tailgating is a major factor in many rear-end accidents.
  • Be courteous to other drivers. We all have equal share and rights to the road, so avoid driving as though you own it. Don’t drive aggressively, and put safety first.

Testimonials

Read what our past clients have to say about our legal services. 

Daryl M.

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“My experience with Mr. Skrabanek was honestly far better than all expectations that we had. He took care of us like we were family, making sure me and my wife always felt like a priority and walked us through all of the concerns that we had. If you are looking for a professional who truly cares for his clients you can stop the search. You won’t be disappointed.”

Denise J.

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“Mike and his team helped me settle an injury claim case. I was informed and helped through every step and they were always professional and very responsive. I really enjoyed working with them.”

Victoria S.

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“My attorney, Michael, did an amazing job with my case. He’s a straight shooter and has a vast knowledge of the law combined with an extensive amount of experience, making him a fantastic attorney. I fully recommend this firm.

Thank you Pierce Skrabenek!”

Gabriela C.

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“Paul Skrabanek of the law firm Pierce Skrabanek was very professional and went above & beyond in handling my daughter's case. Very dedicated, worked diligently, and got justice for my family. If I could give a higher rating than 5 stars I would. Thank you and your firm for such tenacity.”

Raymond H.

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“These guys are awesome, they were very informative from the beginning to end, working with them was super smooth, and I had all questions answered thoroughly. The whole team at this firm works to help in every way they can. They were able to get me the compensation I deserved and exceeded my expectations. If you’re ever in need of a stellar team to stand behind you and work for you, these guys are the ones you would want in your corner.

Thank you very much Paul and thank your team for me.”

Cam F.

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“Working with Paul Skrabanek was a very positive experience. He helped me understand the legal process as someone who has never been a part of a lawsuit, and was able to get me settled quickly and painlessly! Loved working with Pierce Skrabanek law firm!”

Michele R.

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Michael Pierce and his team, especially Krystle, were very professional, always available (even on weekends), and very knowledgeable. We appreciate their hard work on our case and the time they took to explain every detail as our case progressed. Mike is a phenomenal attorney and we highly recommend them for your legal needs.”

Beverly C.

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“I found Mr. Skrabanek to be very trustworthy, creditable, and genuinely concerned about my well-being while I was going through this very difficult process. He showed constant concern for me being completely satisfied before making any final decisions.”

Diane T.

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“Fantastic team of attorneys and staff dedicated to their clients. Michael Pierce is an outstanding trial attorney for personal injury cases.”

Deborah S.

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“We watched, participated & listened to Paul Skrabanek fight for a settlement which we could be happy with. Just this month the case has been put to rest.”

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Need a Houston Car Accident Lawyer? Call Us.

Car accidents can cause serious accidents and can be fatal in many cases. Pursuing a car accident lawsuit can be difficult without the assistance of an experienced injury attorney.

Car accident laws and court procedures in Houston can be different from those in other areas of Texas and the U.S. If you or your loved one has been the victim of a car accident in the Houston area, the attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek can help your family. Call us today at (832) 690-7000, or contact us online.

There is no cost or obligation to speak with a Texas car accident attorney. We can help get you started on the path toward your complete recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do If I’ve been in a car accident?

Protecting yourself after a car accident is highly important. In the event that you are involved in a car accident, you should first seek medical attention immediately. After that, it’s advised that you avoid making statements to the other party and their insurance reps. Collect important documents like police or medical reports and seek legal representation as soon as you’re able — a Houston car accident lawyer can gather evidence on your behalf while you rest.

How can I prevent whiplash in a car accident?

There are precautions you can take to reduce the risk of a whiplash injury. One includes purchasing a newer car with a higher rear-crash protection rating. Another precaution includes adjusting the headrest into the proper position. At the moment of a crash, it helps to brace for impact — press your head back against the headrest to help minimize whiplash effects.

What types of damages are available in a car accident lawsuit?

You may need to file a car accident lawsuit to compensate you for injuries caused by the negligent actions of another. This compensation, known as a “damages award,” can cover expenses such as hospital bills, surgery costs, medication expenses, car repairs, pain and suffering, wrongful death expenses, and other losses. An experienced Houston car accident lawyer can help you obtain the highest possible verdict or settlement amount.

How can a Houston car accident lawyer help?

If you or a loved one are involved in a car accident lawsuit, there may be several legal concepts and procedures that can be difficult to navigate for a non-attorney. A car accident lawyer can help gather evidence, craft a litigation strategy, and guide you through the legal process from start to finish. Contact a Houston car accident lawyer at Pierce Skrabanek at (832) 583-1862 if you need immediate legal assistance for your claim.

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We know how tough things can get after an injury. That’s why we make your struggles our fight. With over three decades of combined experience, we’ve been the reliable allies our clients need, tackling financial hardships, physical pain, and major life changes. Our track record of successful verdicts and settlements speaks to our team’s passion and dedication to helping clients get the support and justice they need.

$850,000 Settlement for Injured Motorists

The clients suffered back injuries when they were struck by an 18-wheeler in East Texas. The case settled after 4 depositions.

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$639,000 for Injured Motorist

Paul Skrabanek and Mike Pierce tried a case for an injured motorist.  There was a dispute as to whether the defendant driver was at fault.  After a week-long trial, the jury returned a unanimous verdict in the 234th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas.

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