One of the most common emergency situations you will likely come across is Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs). ™ While checking the scene for danger is a universal concept applied to all emergencies and first aid, MVAs present several unique and specific hazards: Traffic, Fire/Explosion, Stored Kinetic Energy, Airbags, Electrical Lines, Broken Glass and Unstable Vehicles are among the most obvious. In this article I will talk about the first three. Traffic The biggest threat at almost any MVA is not the accident itself but the vehicles zooming by, oblivious to both your presence and the threat they present. If you are going to put yourself at risk to help, always try to position another vehicle between yourself and the area you are working in to create a protective barrier. Don't worry if this slows down the roadway, that's just what you want; and emergency crews will do the same thing when they arrive. Cones, flares and reflective vests can increase visibility and possibly warn traffic ahead of time; however I don't recommend trying to direct traffic yourself. If somebody will not steer around or slow down for a stopped vehicle they certainly won't for a pedestrian (no matter how brightly garbed) either. Fire/Explosion Any vehicle which has been in an accident has the potential to leak fuel, create electrical or friction sparks and either burst into flame or explode at any time. Even the upholstery and interior contents can burn very rapidly, with extreme intensity. Never go near or enter automobile crash a vehicle, from which smoke or flame are evident except under the most dire circumstances. As you approach take note of any liquids/fuels leaking from the underside. Make sure not to absorb any flammable substances onto your shoes or clothing. If there is any kind of slope or breeze it is generally safer to be uphill and upwind. Stored Kinetic Energy Anywhere a vehicle has been bent or compressed it holds potential kinetic energy. This means that the structures of the vehicle will have a tendency to return to their original shape, much like a spring. This occurs violently and without warning. When doors, hatches, fenders and particularly bumpers release they can cause tremendous damage to anyone they contact, as well as flinging debris with great velocity. Try approach the vehicle at an angle, so that when the energy releases you will not be in its path. Summary Using the information provided in this newsletter will give you greater control over the situation; however there may be factors beyond your influence. If you are unsure: Keep Yourself Safe! In a future article I will continue discussing MVAs and the hazards they present. Until then, Keep Safe, Do Your Best and Be the Difference. Whenever you're involved in an accident in any environment there is always the question of liability (who's at fault). After all where there's blame there's a claim. Who is at fault for the accident has a direct impact on the options available to you after being involved in an accident? Motor vehicle accidents are easily assessed in terms of liability based on vehicle positioning at the time of and leading up to impact. Here is a breakdown of 3 common accidents including liability assessments. 1. Car A was slowing in heavy traffic when Car B drove in to the rear of Car A. (Car B is 100% at fault) - Why? Car A had a valid reason to be slowing down on the road and Car B did not give enough breaking distance and hit the rear of Car A. Note: Whilst this is very straight forward in terms of accident circumstances it is important to remember that Car A must slow down for a reason. Heavy traffic is a good reason although other valid reasons could include a rabbit ran out in front of the car, or more typically when approaching a junction or roundabout. 2. Car A joined a roundabout and was hit on the driver's side of the vehicle by Car B which was going very fast around the roundabout. (Car A is the majority at fault) - Why? Most roundabout accidents today are considered split liability because insurance companies are always challenging accident circumstances and this is a grey area. Additional questions are really needed here to confirm details although the most probable scenario is that Car B joined the roundabout first and Car A failed to give-way to Car B which was already situated on the roundabout. The most likely point of impact would have been the front passenger side of Car B with the rear driver's side of Car A. Note: Speed is not negligence in an accident and can realistically only be proven through a speed gun. Area of Impact: The area of impact is critical when considering liability. Don't just think the rear bumper, consider where on the rear bumper. Strange but true: In France traffic already on the roundabout must give way to traffic joining from the right hand-side. 3. Car A is proceeding correctly down a road where there are parked cars. Car B is one of the parked cars and opens their car door which hits Car A. (One way or the other) - Why? It's all about where the damage is to Car A. If the damage is to the side and rear of the vehicle then it would be deemed that Car B opened their door on Car A as it was passing and was thus Car B's fault. If the damage was at the very front of Car A then the likelihood is that it will be deemed that Car A drove in to the open door of Car B and thus this was Car A's fault. Area of Impact: The area of impact is especially important again in this accident as it is the determining factor when considering liability. Note: An acceptance of liability from the third party is worth its weight. Above are three accident circumstances for consideration. Please submit any questions regarding motor accidents and liability assessments and I will update my article to accommodate these. I have professional experience in assessing thousands of accident circumstances.
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