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Key Takeaways
- When a vehicle skids, drivers should stay calm and ease off the accelerator.
- Drivers should steer in the direction of the skid to help the tires regain traction.
- After a crash, drivers should call 911 if they sustain injuries or visible damage.
- New York law requires drivers causing property damage to stop and provide identification.
- Injured persons may pursue legal action when another driver’s unsafe driving caused loss of control.
Losing control of a vehicle on a Long Island road can happen in seconds, whether from slick pavement, a sudden obstacle, or an unexpected skid. Understanding what to do if you lose control of your car can make a difference when every second counts.
Once a vehicle starts to skid on a New York road, the priority is to stay calm, take your foot off the accelerator, and avoid hitting the brakes too hard. A gentle turn of the wheel in the direction of the skid allows the tires to recover their grip. Once the vehicle stops, check for injuries, call 911, and step to a safe, visible area are the immediate steps.
The car accident lawyers at the Law Office Of Cohen & Jaffe, Long Island Personal Injury Lawyers guide victims through their rights and the path toward the compensation they deserve under the law.
Contact a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer Near You
Common Factors When Losing Control of a Car
Drivers usually lose control of a car after traction suddenly disappears. Wet pavement, ice, worn tires, mechanical issues, sharp steering, or excessive speed often trigger a skid; road hazards such as potholes, debris, or uneven pavement can also cause a car to become unbalanced. Knowing what to do if you lose control of your car helps drivers react calmly when traction disappears.
Immediate Steps While Losing Control
Losing control of a moving car feels overwhelming, but a few focused actions can help stabilize the vehicle. According to New York State, drivers should steer in the direction of the skid and adjust braking based on whether the car has anti-lock brakes.
Immediate steps may include:
- Stay calm and keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel, rather than reacting in panic.
- Turn the steering wheel toward the direction where the rear of the car slides, steering left during a left slide and steering right during a right slide.
- Ease your foot away from the accelerator rather than pressing the gas or slamming the brake pedal.
- Drivers operating manual vehicles may press the clutch to help stabilize the car during the skid.
- When braking becomes necessary, apply steady pressure with anti-lock brakes or lightly pump the pedal in vehicles without ABS.
Drivers sometimes wonder what practical safety steps to take during a skid. Learning what to do if you lose control of your car before a crisis occurs helps prevent instinctive reactions such as sudden braking or sharp steering.
Actions After Stopping/Accident in New York
After a crash or sudden stop, focus first on safety and visibility; other actions may include:
- Activate hazard lights and evaluate surroundings for danger. On busy highways, remaining inside the car often provides greater protection unless immediate danger exists.
- Call 911 so police or emergency responders are notified of the crash, especially if there are injuries or visible damage.
- Capture photos or video of the vehicles, roadway, and surrounding conditions to preserve evidence from the crash scene.
- Drivers on the New York State Thruway should rely on approved towing services rather than random roadside operators.
- When driving on a highway, move the vehicle to the shoulder when possible. A vehicle stuck in traffic lanes requires remaining inside, with the seatbelt fastened, and contacting emergency services immediately.
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §600, drivers involved in crashes causing property damage must stop at the scene and provide identification before leaving
What to Do If Injured by Someone Who Loses Control of Their Car in New York
A person injured after another driver loses control of a car should focus on safety and documentation. Seek medical attention, call 911, and record photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries. These steps help preserve important evidence after a Long Island crash.
Injured drivers may also pursue legal action when another motorist’s speeding, distraction, or unsafe driving caused the loss of control. Legal support can review police reports, examine vehicle damage, and determine responsibility for the crash.
Contact a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer Today – Free Consultation
Serious car crashes leave victims dealing with medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty about what comes next. At the Law Office Of Cohen & Jaffe, Long Island Personal Injury Lawyers, our team understands the real impact a skid, a loss of control, or a collision can have on your life and your family. Call 516-358-6900 today for a free consultation.
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