The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has issued some “Summer Driving Safety Tips,” but with our spectacular weather in southern California, those tips are good year-round. Some drivers, of course, are less concerned with safety than others, and when negligent drivers cause accidents and injuries, their victims are entitled to compensation. If you are injured by a negligent driver in southern California, get legal advice and help at once by contacting an experienced Pasadena car accident attorney.

The best way to ensure that your car is safe is to keep up with regularly scheduled and routine maintenance. From tire rotations to oil changes, keeping your car in shape is an important part of staying safe, but it’s only half of the equation. The other half is you and your own focus and safety awareness. Whether it’s winter, summer, spring, or fall, buckle up for every trip, every time. In the event of a car accident, your single most effective protection is your safety belt. You also need to concentrate and avoid distractions. Turn off your cellphone when you drive. If you listen to music or the radio, make a selection that won’t have to be changed while you’re driving. And always avoid grooming, eating, reading, or trying to watch a video when you drive. The only thing you should be doing when you’re driving – is driving.

Even when you do everything right in terms of driving safely, you could still be injured in a traffic accident with a negligent driver. If that happens, you’re entitled to reimbursement for your medical treatment and related expenses, but that reimbursement doesn’t just arrive in your mailbox. You’ll have to file a claim and fight for your rights with the help of an experienced Pasadena personal injury attorney. If you’re injured in a southern California traffic accident, don’t wait – make the call as quickly as possible.