Winter Weather and Car Accidents

Driving in winter weather conditions can be hazardous for you and others on the road. Roads covered in snow and ice, combined with poor visibility, contributes to thousands of car accidents per year. More than 150,000 crashes happen each year with over 1,800 fatalities due to these wintery conditions as reported by the Federal Highway Administration. Knowing the risks and taking the appropriate precautions for wintery road conditions could help reduce your chances of getting into an accident due to these conditions. Our local auto collision attorneys can handle the legal claim if an accident does occur.

Common Winter Accidents

Dangerous winter road conditions increase the chances of certain kinds of car accidents. Identifying what these kinds of accidents are may help drivers avoid getting into these situations.

Lane Departure

With snowfall effecting the roadway and fog reducing visibility, this may make it difficult for drivers to remain in their lanes. When roads are ice-covered, this may also cause unintentional drifting which can lead to collisions with other vehicles.

Loss of Control

Slushy conditions and black ice can contribute to making your vehicle uncontrollable due to the effect on traction. This can cause spinouts and cars skidding, which can make it difficult to regain control of the vehicle. That is especially true since there is a tendency for drivers to over-correct with the wheel when they lose control.

Rear-End Crashes

Slick roads increase the stopping distances required of all vehicles, and directly impacts the amount of rear-end crashes that occur during winter. Abrupt braking on icy roads could cause your vehicle to slide uncontrollably. To minimize this risk, maintain an increased following distance and slow down in bad conditions.

Winter Driving Advice

To reduce your risk of getting into an accident in winter weather, drivers should follow these tips to take extra precautions on the roads:

• Reduce your speed while driving on roads that are slick or when there is limited visibility.
• Prepare an emergency kit in your car full of essential items such as a blanket, flashlight, ice scraper, as well as food and water.
• Check and make sure your tires are properly inflated and that the tread is sufficient enough to have good traction.
• Avoid making hard brakes or sharp turns, as these increase the likelihood of losing control.

Seek Legal Assistance For Winter-Based Car Accident Claims

Car accidents in winter weather can result in costly damages and serious injuries that are sometimes fatal. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, you may have legal options to seek coverage for medical bills, missed income, or other damages. At Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, our personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and traverse the claims process. As the largest female-founded law firm in the U.S., we are dedicated to standing up for injured clients. Reach out today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and get the support you need for your case.