Whether taking a road trip to Walley World, Las Vegas or piling into the minivan to attend that annual family reunion up North, summer road trips are often the stuff of legends. Most people have at least one epic trip to look back on. These trips may include getting lost on highways that weave through parts of the country you didn't even know existed or stopping at some random attraction that turned out to be the highlight of the trip.
Whatever the memory centers on there is one thing every family or group of friends wants to avoid on these adventures: auto accidents.
There are some proactive steps that you can take to reduce your risk. Three of the more common include:
- Pre-trip check-up. If your car has not been into the auto shop recently, now is a good time to get a routine check-up. Have a mechanic check the brakes and tires. Have all fluids checked and topped off, if necessary. This includes the antifreeze, brake fluid and power steering fluid as well as windshield wiper fluid. It is also wise to check for any recalls and deal with any issues that may need to be addressed.
- Pack wisely. Stash an emergency first aid kit in the car along with some extra water and granola bars or other emergency food supply. These can come in handy if someone experiences an injury or you end up on an unexpected detour.
- Know the route. It is easy to get complacent with directions in an age of GPS units and smartphones. These units are not always reliable. Maps used on GPS units may be out of date or cellphone coverage may be spotty in remote areas. Take a moment to review the map and know the basic route before you hit the road.
Unfortunately, even when these steps are taken accidents can happen. If the accident is the result of another driver's negligent or reckless conduct, compensation is likely available to help cover any costs associated with the crash. This can include the cost to repair or replace your vehicle as well as any medical expenses or lost wages. Contact an attorney to discuss your options.
