THE FIRST 10 MINUTES What toDoWhenYou’re in a Car Accident
To many people, summer is all about heading outside to enjoy the weather. But getting too much sun can be dangerous. To have a fun-filled summer with your family this year, remember that it’s essential to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Cover Up Covering your skin is one of the best ways to avoid skin damage. Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants or skirts can protect your skin from direct exposure to UV rays. While this tactic protects you from the sun, it offers poor defense against the heat. So, if you opt for cooler attire, it's important to cover all exposed skin with a copious amount of sunscreen. Be sure to reapply every two hours for maximum skin protection. Spend Less Time in the Sun If you’re planning to spend a significant amount of time in the sun, consider your environment. Will there be plenty of shade? Will you have to bring your own? What’s the best way to step out of the sun for a few minutes? Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing are great ways to shield yourself from UV rays, but it's important to avoid being in direct sunlight for long periods. Taking a break from the sun gives your body the time it needs to recuperate and helps prevent sunburn and heatstroke. Common Myths About Sun Exposure Many people think that a tan is better than a sunburn, but the result of tanning is still sun damage. When your skin tone changes due to the sun, regardless of whether it tans or turns red, it's a result of the epidermis reacting to damage caused by UV rays. Both are symptoms of harmed skin. While vitamin D is important, the sun does not contribute to its creation as much as you might think. Doris Day, a New York City dermatologist, explains that if your skin were to constantly produce vitamin D from being in the sun, it would reach toxic levels. Vitamin D is the only vitamin that your body can produce on its own, through a common form of cholesterol or 7-dehydrocholesterol. Spending time in the sun does help vitamin D form, but you need far less exposure than you think. Keep Your Family Safe HOWMUCH SUNSHINE IS TOO MUCH?
The first few minutes after a car accident are often the most critical. You may feel disoriented or be in a state of shock as you work to get your bearings. Your first priority is the health and safety of yourself and your passengers. Start by checking yourself for any immediate injuries. If you have any passengers, check their condition. Look for cuts, bruises, and other more serious injuries. Also, be sure to check for signs of discomfort, dizziness, numbness, and pain. Then, if necessary, call for emergency services. In the event the injuries and accident were minor, move your vehicle to a safe place out of the way of traffic, such as the shoulder of the road or a nearby parking lot. Make sure to use your hazard lights if you are parked on the shoulder or close to traffic. When it’s safe, collect the names and contact information of everyone involved, including passengers, the other driver, and nearby witnesses. Then, notify local law enforcement. Even if it was a minor accident, you want to make sure to take as many precautions as possible. Be sure you do not sign any forms or documents unless they are provided directly by the police or your insurance agent. Even then, you may want to consult with an attorney to make sure you are truly protected. After making any necessary phone calls and gathering contact information, take a moment to document as much as possible. Take pictures of the scene of the accident, the vehicles and other property involved, and any visible injuries. Include notes to supplement the photos and copy down vehicle registration information. The more documentation you have, the better — especially if you need to file any claims with an attorney. One more thing: Do not discuss fault. Only focus on the hard facts of the accident and limit discussion with the police, your insurance provider, and your attorney. If you have questions, or you know someone who was recently in an accident and isn’t sure what to do next, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Texas Law Dog at 817.775.5364 (LDOG) or TheTexasLawDog.com .
Knowing how to protect yourself from UV rays is the first step to having a safe, fun-filled summer!
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