Texas Accident & Injury News
Do you know what to do if you lose control of your car?
Driver Drifts Into Median, Crashes Vehicle in South-Side Accident.
According to a KSAT News report, a driver was killed after crashing their car in an early-morning accident this week.
Police reported the accident happened at around 2 a.m. on Sunday, June 2nd, on I-10 East near the exit ramp to I-37 South. The driver apparently drifted into the grassy median in a Lexus before sliding several feet and crashing into a metal highway support structure. When EMS arrived at the scene, they pronounced the driver dead. No other vehicles were involved, and no other injuries were reported, though vehicle scraps were reportedly scattered across the highway. The Bexar County ME will determine the driver’s cause of death.
Did You Know?
One person was killed in an auto accident every 1 hour and 57 minutes in Texas in 2022.
What to Do If You Lose Control of Your Vehicle in Texas
One of the scariest scenarios you will face as a driver is losing control of your vehicle.
A driver’s main responsibility is to keep control of their vehicle. But, there are many scenarios that are out of a driver’s control which may cause them to spin out or skid, like:
- Sudden obstacles in the road,
- Sudden wet or icy pavement,
- And the reckless actions of other drivers.
Prepare ahead of an accident to protect yourself and your passengers by learning what to do if you lose control of your vehicle.
How to Regain Control of Your Vehicle
If, despite your best efforts, you lose control of your vehicle, follow these steps:
- Remain Calm — You will (justifiably) be afraid, but try to stay calm. You need slow, deliberate movements to regain control of a skidding vehicle.
- Focus on the Road Ahead — Keep your eyes forward and both hands on the wheel.
- Turn Into Your Skid — It seems counterintuitive, but turning into the direction of your skid will help your tires regain traction.
- Ease on the Brakes — Gently pump and release the brakes to slow down. Slamming on the brakes can cause you to roll, so make sure you’re deliberate and gentle.
- Shift Into Neutral — Once you’ve slowed a bit, gently shift down into neutral gear to stop power flowing to the tires.
- Get to a Safe Place to Stop — Don’t stop in the middle of traffic. If you hit an object or another vehicle, get to a safe place nearby before coming to a complete stop.
Success! You now know what to do to regain control of your vehicle in the event of a skid. Make sure to turn on your hazard lights once you’ve stopped, and check on your passengers. If anyone is hurt, call 9-1-1 and seek medical treatment.
Liability for Loss of Control Accidents
Sometimes, losing control of your vehicle can be caused by an outside force, as we mentioned above. If a person’s or company’s negligent actions contributed to your loss of control accident, you may be entitled to legal compensation.
You should report a loss of control accident to your insurance company ASAP, regardless of whose fault it was, and always cooperate with the police. However, you should never admit fault or sign any disclaimers until you’ve talked to an attorney.
If you think your loss-of-control accident was not your fault, or if you have questions about your accident, call Carabin Shaw for a free case evaluation at 800-862-1260 or use the live chat to get started. We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.