Not only is the first of the year a great time to set personal goals for yourself, it is also a great time to reevaluate some of the most important aspects of your life. Stepping back and taking a closer look at the relationships you have with your family, your health, and your finances should be top priority at least once a year, regardless if it is January or July.

One personal behavior that can affect all three of these important aspects is the way that you drive. The Santa Monica car accident attorneys in our office have seen it time and time again – drivers taking risks behind the wheel that result in serious injury accidents.

Not only do these accidents have the potential to cause serious physical harm to your body and the bodies of your passengers and the passengers of the other vehicle, but they can also put a huge strain on your financial well being, and the well-being of your family.

Even if you are not the breadwinner of your family, the high cost of hospital visits, prescription drugs, surgeries, and trips to physical therapy or your family doctor can add up. If you are not able to work, the lost wages can put a huge dent in your family’s budget, and if you are permanently unable to work, Social Security Disability may not be able to fully cover life’s expenses.

Your family may suffer if you are no longer able do the things you used to do with them, or even worse, if the accident is a fatal one and you are no longer there at all. Playing ball with your kids, taking a Sunday drive, or walking up the steps to tuck them into bed can be very difficult if you’ve suffered a serious injury.

That is why Santa Monica car accident attorneys Steinberg Injury Lawyers urge all drivers to avoid at all cost the serious distractions while driving. Put down the cells phones, and never text and drive. Designate a driver before you start to consume alcohol, or plan on taking a taxi home. Always keep an eye out for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially children. Stay within the speed limits and obey traffic laws. Not only will following these easy “safe driver” rules keep you free from tickets, but they will also protect you, your family, and your finances, as well as other people on the road.

For more information on how you can avoid serious California car accidents, contact Steinberg Injury Lawyers at 800.989.6385 or fill out our online form for your free copy of Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Ruin Your California Injury Case.