If you are involved in a car accident, your insurance will pay for the damage. But if you are the victim of another driver’s negligence, you may have to file a claim with their insurance to pay for your medical treatments, time away from work, and more.
Many very serious car accidents occur when the air is cold, snow is falling, and roads are slippery with ice. Winter can present many unique driving risks.
Winter Driving Hazards
These are some of the situations all drivers need to bear in mind:
Drivers cannot see. They may have failed to chip their windshields clear of ice and snow. Their wipers may be unable to keep slush and snow from building up. Headlamps are coated with ice or snow. Or in a storm, snow is falling so heavily that they are simply unable to make out what is ahead of them.
Loss of control. When streets are icy, cars are unable to stop, and they slide into other cars, curbs, lampposts, even people. If you must go out, be conscious of the fact that you can start to slide at any moment. Leave more space between you and the next vehicle, and be mindful of your speed.
Circumstances deceive you. You may be driving and feeling confident that your tires are gripping the road in a safe way. Then you cross over a bridge and find a completely different environment. Black ice on bridges and unexpected snow drifts have caused numerous accidents.
People make bad decisions. They know conditions outside are bad, but they go out anyway. At the time it seemed important to go to the store, or to school, or to work. Unfortunately, it will seem less important when someone ends up in a ditch with a broken leg.
Snowplows. Snowplows have a job to do, and in heavy snows those giant blades can cause a lot of damage. Give them the right of way, and never try to pass them.
Safety Measures You Can Take
Your best option is to plan ahead. The following precautions can help:
- Do not let your windshield washer fluid get too low
- Brush all your windows and headlights clear
- Check your tires, as cold weather causes them to deflate and get softer, lessening driver control
- In case you get stranded, have water, a first-aid kid, along with flares and a blanket
- Always fasten your seatbelt. It is one of your best protections for surviving a serious accident
It is much better to prevent injury than to deal with an injury’s consequences. When you are hurt in an accident, no matter what the season is, you want to work with a Media car accident lawyer who has compassion for what you have been through, and the legal skills to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Media Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello Assist Clients with Winter Car Accidents
If you have been in a winter car accident, talk to a Media car accident lawyer at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello. We have the compassion to sympathize with your problem, plus the legal knowledge and experience to serve what is best for you and your family.
Call us today at (610) 892-4940 or contact us online for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Pennsylvania, including Delaware County, Media, and Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster, Montgomery County, Norristown, Philadelphia, Reading, West Chester.
