The Hidden Danger Lurking Behind Texas Crashes
Car accidents are dangerous enough as is. Unfortunately, there are plenty of things that a car accident victim can do after their crash that will put them in even greater danger.
If you have the misfortune of being injured in a Texas car accident, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you make sure you’re putting your best foot forward. Today, your esteemed Houston car accident attorneys at Lapeze & Johns, PLLC , will describe in detail the hidden dangers behind Texas crashes as well as how to avoid them.
A Tragic Domino-Accident
In May of this year, a Texas driver was killed in El Paso when they exited their vehicle on a busy highway after an initial, relatively minor accident. The driver was traveling westbound on I-10 in an SUV when they lost control and ran into the concrete barrier. After colliding with the wall and coming to a rest, the two SUV occupants exited their vehicle to await emergency assistance.
Tragically, while the two were waiting for first responders, another westbound vehicle struck debris from the crashed SUV, causing it to crash, as well. The two occupants, unprotected by their vehicle, were struck, leading to one being pronounced dead at the scene by authorities. The second occupant suffered non-threatening injuries.
The Danger on Texas Highways
Unfortunately, accidents like the one above are far from rare. Most of us have the instinctive urge to get away from our vehicles after we’ve been in a serious accident, but doing so can actually put you in far greater danger. While it might seem as though your crashed vehicle could be hazardous, the truth is that other vehicles pose a much greater threat.
After you’ve been in an accident, your car almost always offers you the best protection possible until help arrives. If you think about it, after an accident, your car can act as a protective shield even if it’s completely totaled. It’s possible that the vehicle could be struck again, but if so, you’re much safer inside the vehicle than outside, as flying debris can be nearly as dangerous as a speeding vehicle.
When to Leave Your Car After an Accident
It is worth noting that each car accident is different, and it’s impossible to foresee what actions will work best in every given scenario. Instead, we can consider general circumstances and how you should generally react to them. With that in mind, it is almost always in your best interest to remain in your vehicle after an accident.
However, there are a few instances in which you may be forced to abandon your vehicle in order to keep yourself safe. These events are relatively rare, but it’s worth familiarizing yourself with what to do if you live in an area where these types of accidents commonly occur:
- If your vehicle stalls in a flooded area , abandon your car and seek higher ground as soon as possible.
- If you are unable to access low-lying ground while driving when a tornado forms nearby , exit your vehicle and duck down into a low-lying ditch while covering your face and head with your arms or a blanket.
- If you smell smoke or see flames coming from your vehicle, pull over and move as far away from the vehicle as possible.
Finding Financial Relief For Texas Car Accidents With Lapeze & Johns
After a car accident, victims might spend time worrying about whether or not they were to blame for what happened. Crashes can be incredibly complex, and the rules and laws surrounding how to behave after an accident aren’t always clear.
For help determining if you might be owed compensation for your car accident injuries, you can reach out to the Houston car and truck accident attorneys of Lapeze & Johns, PLLC. We can help you find all of the evidence and documentation needed to make a strong case.
If you’ve been injured in an accident on a Texas highway, contact the Houston car and truck accident attorneys of Lapeze & Johns today to learn about your options for financial relief.
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