When you take a California road trip, you are looking forward to new adventures and fun in the sun with your family or friends. The last thing you want to go through is a car accident that might not only interrupt your trip but may also result in injury.
It’s true that you can’t control what other drivers do, or the remote possibility of being at the wrong place at the wrong time, but there are some things you can do to try to plan ahead and be prepared.
Safety Precautions Before a California Road Trip
Before your trip, make sure your vehicle is safe to drive on a long trip. Have a mechanic inspect the brakes, rotate the tires, change the oil and check fluid levels and hoses. Pack first aid supplies that you may need on your trip, along with items for general travel readiness, such as flashlights, device chargers, and a fire extinguisher.
Make sure you have plenty of water, snacks, and blankets. Have a roadside assistance plan in place and emergency numbers available if you should need them. Even though you will most likely have GPS available, it’s a good idea to review your route ahead of time and to have directions with you in case of device loss or failure.
Things to Remember During a Road Trip
There are other things to keep in mind once you are on the road. Here are some things to remember:
- Stay alert at all times. Don’t drive if you are feeling drowsy. Take breaks whenever you need them, and if you start to feel less alert, pull off the road for a short while.
- Keep road conditions in mind. If it is rainy or roads are slick for any reason, slow down. If visibility is poor or storms are severe, consider waiting them out.
- Don’t give in to road rage. If other drivers seem to be driving in a way that seems unreasonably aggressive or if they try to start an argument, stay calm and don’t give in to the urge to lose control of your emotions.
- If another driver appears to be driving under the influence of substances, let them pass you if they are behind you and put distance between your cars if they are beside you.
If You Are in an Accident in a Rental Car
If you are driving in an unfamiliar area in a rental car and are suddenly hit by another vehicle, you might feel like you don’t know what to do. The steps are exactly the same as they would be if you had an accident in your own vehicle:
- Get help for injuries
- Contact the police to evaluate the circumstances of the accident and file a report
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Get information from witnesses if available
- Take pictures of the damages
- Contact your insurance company
- Contact the rental car company
When you rent a car, it’s expected that you will return it in the same condition it was in when you first drove it away. If you purchased the additional insurance that was offered by the rental car company, the damage will probably be covered by this policy. If not, your own personal auto insurance should cover the damage.
What if There Were Injuries?
If you or a loved one was injured due the negligence of another driver during your California road trip, you will need to talk to a personal injury lawyer. A professional in this field will have the expertise to guide you through the process of proving liability and obtaining fair compensation.
Contact Megeredchian Law using the form on this page, and a member of our team will get back to you very soon to discuss your accident.