Driving a car comes with certain risks, but safe drivers often become complacent behind the wheel. Unfortunately, just a moment’s inattention can lead to a serious accident. Crash statistics in the United States are startling, with close to 3 million accident-related hospitalizations each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are a number of different causes of collisions, and understanding the more common hazards can help you stay safe on the road.

Unfortunately, the actions of negligent drivers can be unpredictable, and some car and motorcycle crashes are impossible to avoid. If you were injured due to another driver’s reckless behavior, then one of your first calls should be to a personal-injury lawyer. If you would like to speak with an accident attorney in New York City, contact Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC today. We’ve represented the rights of the injured for more than 30 years, and we know how to find success in court. Schedule a free consultation by calling 212.227.2780. Helpful Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents Due to the proliferation of cell phones, global positioning systems and other mobile devices, distracted driving has become an epidemic. This is why drivers not only need to focus their attention on the road but also on the actions of other drivers. This awareness will make you more prepared to avoid an unexpected hazard, such as a car side-swiping you during a lane change. Distracted driving, however, is not the only cause of car accidents. Running red lights, failing to obey stop signs, and speeding can all contribute to a major crash. If you notice drivers exhibiting these behaviors, be sure to keep your distance from them. Understanding Your Rights in a Car Accident Every driver involved in a car accident has rights, and it is important to take specific actions to safeguard these rights after a crash. It is critically important that you remain at the scene of the accident until all information has been exchanged. This includes insurance information and contact details. If someone was injured or the wreck resulted in significant property damage, then you have to call the police. Taking pictures with your phone or a camera can also establish concrete details of the crash that may be helpful if you file an injury lawsuit. You should also make note of the number of cars involved, the model of the vehicles, as well as their year, colors and license plate numbers. Be sure to take photos of any property damage and injuries. You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible. Not doing so could compromise your ability to recover compensation in a personal-injury lawsuit. If you were the victim of a car crash and would like to speak with a New York City accident lawyer, contact Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC today to schedule a free consultation at 212.227.2780. Our firm has successfully recovered more than $1 billion in damages, and we are ready to fight for the maximum compensation.