What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down on a Georgia Road

At one point or another, we have all likely experienced trouble with our vehicles. Millions of Americans will encounter car troubles each year. However, how you deal with your vehicle trouble can have an important impact on your personal safety. At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, we know that serious accidents can result from cars that are in desperate need of repair. In fact, drivers stopped by the side of the road who address their car problems could be hit by approaching vehicles while inside or outside of their car. As such, we offer tips below to avoid car troubles and stay safe in the event your car does experience problems while driving on a road in Georgia.

Preventing Car Troubles

There are steps you can take to try to ward off any mechanical or other issues with your vehicle. Proper maintenance is crucial to a trouble-free car. You should prepare your car for driving by carrying out the the following precautions:

• Conduct periodic safety checks on your vehicle to ensure it is in good operating condition. Your inspection should include a check of the tires, fluids, lights, belts, hoses, and windshield wipers.
• Take your car to a licensed mechanic periodically for an assessment by a car repair professional, especially if you suspect something is wrong with it.
• Always address any illuminated warning lights, as they are signals that there are problems with your car.

Steps to Take if Your Vehicle Breaks Down

It is important to take swift and careful action if your vehicle breaks down on the road. The American Automobile Association (AAA) provides the following action plan:

1. Determine your vehicle's location: If you encounter a problem while driving, it is important that you are aware of your surroundings and location. Look for any cross streets, major landmarks, or mile markers. You might need to give this information when seeking assistance.
2. Assess the problem: As the problem is occurring, attempt to determine its cause as it could dictate your response. If you are running out of gas or the engine stops, carefully steer your car out of traffic with your emergency flashers on. If you have a flat tire, remain calm and pull over to the shoulder of the road.
3. Pull off of the road: On most roads, your best course of action, if you have car trouble, is to exit onto the far right shoulder. You want to pull as far off of the road as possible. If you are driving on the interstate and cannot safely make it to the right-hand side, AAA recommends that you could consider the left shoulder, but use caution, because it is more dangerous.
4. Alert other drivers: Turn on your emergency flashers to alert other motorists that your vehicle is having trouble. Place flares or warning triangles if you have them.
5. Stay with your car and call for help: It is safest to remain with your vehicle. Never stand directly behind or in front of the vehicle as you could be struck. Call an emergency road service for assistance.

Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work For Your Case!

At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, we have been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.

No matter where you are located, our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 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 us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Source:
AAA