Law enforcement officers in Washington report that one person died and one was seriously injured after a car accident occurred on Interstate 182 in Pasco. The accident occurred because the driver lost control of the vehicle, struck a barrier, and flipped over. The driver and passenger were transported to a nearby medical center where the passenger later died from resulting injuries.

There are numerous causes of vehicle operators losing control of their vehicles, including adverse road conditions, defective vehicles, distraction, fatigue, hydroplaning, and intoxication. While cases of defective vehicle are often the responsibility of distributors or manufacturers, the other main cause of motor vehicle accidents is negligence of the part of the vehicle's driver.

What to do if You Lose Control of Your Vehicle

Drivers who are determined to have lost control of their vehicles can face some serious charges. As a result, it is a wise idea for motor vehicle drivers to understand what steps to take when they lose control of their automobiles. It assumed that at the time the accident occurs, a driver's seat belt is properly buckled, the driver's hands are located at the “ten and two” position on the steering wheel, and the driver is not engaged in any type of distracted driving behavior.

Some of the steps that drivers should immediately take after losing control of their vehicles include the following:

• Avoid panicking because this can cloud your thought processes and lead to a much more serious accidents. Instead, stay as calm as you possibly can.
• Make sure to keep your hands on the wheel. The first reaction of some people who lose control of their vehicle is to let go of the wheel, which can lead to a more dangerous situation.
• Keep your eyes open. Closing your eyes can prevent you from seeing what you are doing in the moment.
• Place your vehicle into neutral. If the vehicle remains in drive, power is still going to the wheels even if you are not accelerating.
• Steer into the skid. This means that you should steer in the direction that the back of your vehicle is trying to go. Doing this helps regain control of your vehicle more quickly.
• Instead of trying to stop the vehicle entirely, slow down the vehicle and straighten the car out to help regain control.
• Drive out of the danger before making an effort to stop the vehicle and get out. Some people are injured because they step out of the vehicle without first examining their surroundings.

Obtain the Assistance of a Seasoned Accident Attorney 

If you or a loved one has been impacted by a car accident in which the driver lost control of the vehicle, contact an experienced attorney. West Law Office  has a strong track record of helping people whose lives have been impacted by a variety of car accidents. Our legal counsel will remain committed to your case and making sure that you obtain adequate compensation for resulting damage. Contact our law office today for assistance.

(image courtesy of Torbjorn Sandbakk)