Montlick and Associates - How to Avoid Collisions When Pulled Over to the Side of a Freeway

Sometimes having to stop on the side of a busy highway cannot be avoided. Perhaps you got a flat tire or have to take an emergency call. However, this can turn out to be a very dangerous undertaking. While pulled over, cars whizzing by at high speeds are not as readily able to see you, especially at night. Other risks of pulling over include being struck by distracted drivers who decide that answering a text message is more important than paying attention to the road. Inevitably, taking your eyes off of the road, even if for just a second, can cause you to veer into other lanes and strike other drivers.

Recent studies establish that it is much safer to stop at a rest stop or other place away from the side of the road to avoid the risk of getting hit. While you cannot avoid having to stop if you run out of gas, try to take the following proactive measures to avoid getting stranded on the side of the road and vulnerable to collision:

1. If possible, continue on to the nearest rest stop or highway exit – Rest stops are the perfect way to refuel, restock on food, and rest up a bit, if necessary. Don't risk pulling over to the side of a busy highway when the next rest stop is a mile away. Also, take the next exit off of the highway if a rest stop is not available. Chances are, there will be a place nearby to address your needs.
2. Pull over as far as you can in the shoulder lane – Even if you have to pull over on dirt, having a dirty car is an easier problem to solve than getting seriously injured.
3. Call for immediate assistance - If you cannot avoid having to stop on the side of a highway, be sure to call for help immediately, if necessary. Police officers and other forms of roadside assistance are often equipped with flares and other attention getting devices to alert other motorists of your presence.
4. Put your hazard lights on – Hazard lights are meant to be used for these types of situations, so use them to be as visible as possible to other drivers.
5. Buy road flares and other attention-getting devices – Flares, flashlights, reflective clothing and additional related devices can assist you in making drivers aware of your presence on the side of the road.
6. Don't leave the scene – Unless absolutely necessary, do not leave your car. If you must, exit through the passenger side in order to avoid getting hit.

If you have been injured in an auto accident in Georgia, contact our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys for your free consultation to learn about your legal rights, and the steps that need to be taken to protect those rights.  Our attorneys have the requisite skills and experience to take your case. At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, our seasoned Atlanta auto accident attorneys are steadfastly committed to providing clients with the highest quality legal representation available. In addition, we firmly believe that our clients deserve to be listened to and kept well-informed throughout the pendency of their case.

Why Montlick & Associates?

The Atlanta car accident lawyers of Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, zealously represent car and truck accident victims located throughout the state of Georgia and all over the Southeast. For over 39 years, the experienced Georgia injury attorneys from Montlick & Associates have been helping families throughout Georgia and the Southeast get the compensation and benefits they deserve after an accident.

Call 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit online at www.montlick.com and use the firm's Free 24-hour Live Online Chat or Free Case Evaluation Form.