In the winter season, traffic accidents are very common, due to the risky conditions in which roads can be found when temperatures drop in the country. In this article we tell you 5 tips that can help you stay safe behind the wheel and avoid traffic accidents in the snow.
Each year, car accident lawyers tend to have a higher number of cases during the winter season. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, for example, there were 374 fatal crashes and 25,000 injuries related to snow-related traffic accidents.
Most of the time, these types of accidents occur due to drivers’ reckless driving and even lack of knowledge about the precautions that should be taken when driving a vehicle in winter.
Have you been injured in a snowy driving accident? At Nonna Shikh Law, we can represent you legally to defend your rights as a victim and get justice for your case. Call us now or schedule an appointment with our team to receive the quality care you need.
Distracted driving accidents: how to prove the other driver’s fault and get fair compensation
What are the causes of traffic accidents in the snow?
Generally, in the winter season, road conditions can be conducive to the worst traffic accidents, causing significant injuries to victims, which can even be life-threatening.
Some of the main causes of traffic accidents in the snow are:
- Black ice.
- Obstacles on the road.
- Sliding.
- Wet or icy roads.
- Poor visibility of the road.
In this sense, to avoid any type of injury that may arise from traffic accidents in the snow, it is important to be aware of each of these risks. At Nonna Shikh Law, you can count on the support of a team of lawyers of recognized trajectory, who will fight for the fulfillment of your rights before the necessary legal instances.
How to avoid traffic accidents in the snow?
Although it is almost impossible to avoid a traffic accident, you can prepare yourself before driving in these conditions, in order to avoid becoming a victim of accidents in the snow, which can cause serious injuries and can even endanger your life.
Here are 5 tips to help you avoid accidents in the snow:
Keep Your Vehicle in Good Condition
Make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition before driving in the snow. This includes having tires with good traction, windshield and its wipers in good condition, and adequate fluid levels. It is also important to carry an emergency kit with items such as flashlights, emergency candles, and a snow shovel.
Drive at an Appropriate Speed
In snowy conditions, it is important to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. This will give you more time to react to unforeseen situations and help you avoid skidding or sliding in case you have to brake suddenly.
Use proper driving techniques
If you find yourself on a snowy or icy road, it is important to avoid braking sharply and turning too quickly. Instead, you can use smooth, progressive driving techniques to maintain control of the vehicle and improve your response to emergency situations, avoiding serious accidents.
Stay attentive
Any type of distracted driving can lead to serious injuries. Always keep your attention on the road and avoid distractions such as using your cell phone or radio while driving. It is also important to be alert to other vehicles and pedestrians on the road and anticipate their movements to avoid collisions.
Use driver assistance systems
Many modern vehicles have driver assistance systems, such as stability control or traction assist, that can help you maintain control of your vehicle in snowy and icy conditions. Make sure you know how these systems work and use them properly to avoid traffic accidents in the snow.
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What to do in case of a snow-related car accident
Having a snow-related car accident can be a traumatic and stressful experience. Not only do you have to deal with the physical and emotional consequences of the crash, but also with the legal and financial implications. That’s why it is important to know what to do in case of a snow-related car accident and how to protect your rights.
If you have been injured in a snow-related car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages. However, getting the compensation you deserve can be challenging, especially if you have to deal with insurance companies that may try to deny or minimize your claim.
That’s why you need the help of an experienced car accident lawyer who can fight for your best interests and guide you through the legal process. A car accident lawyer can:
- Evaluate your case and determine its value
- Gather evidence and witnesses to prove liability and damages
- Negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf
- File a lawsuit if necessary and represent you in court
- Obtain the maximum compensation possible for your case
If you have been involved in a snow-related car accident, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation. We are a team of dedicated and skilled car accident lawyers who have helped thousands of clients recover millions of dollars in compensation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
Contact Nonna Shikh Law for Legal Assistance
If you have been the victim of a snow accident, our attorneys at Nonna Shikh Law are ready to represent you and fight for your rights. Our skill and tenacity in defending these types of cases have allowed us to recover millions for our clients.
Call us today or schedule an appointment with our attorneys, who will work with you to handle the legal details and financial recovery for the injuries you suffered after the accident.
FAQs
What is black ice and how to avoid it?
To avoid it, it is recommended to be alert to the warning signs, such as the shine of the pavement or the absence of splashes from other vehicles, and drive smoothly, without braking or accelerating sharply.
What to do if the vehicle slides or skids on snow?
To regain control, it is advised to release the accelerator, not step on the brake and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. You should also take into account the type of traction of the vehicle, as it may vary the way of correcting the skid.
What to do if you get stuck or stranded in snow?
In that case, it is suggested to stay inside the vehicle, turn on the hazard lights, call the assistance service or the authorities and use the items from the emergency kit to keep warm and visible. You can also try to free the vehicle with the shovel, chains or sand, but with caution and without straying too far from it.
What rights do you have if you suffer a snow-related car accident?
You can claim compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages, as long as you can prove that the other driver was negligent or reckless when driving in those conditions. For this, it is important to have the help of a car accident lawyer, who can defend your rights and obtain the maximum compensation possible.
The team of writers of Nonna Shikh is made up of a group of lawyers specialized in personal injury, traffic, construction and slip and fall cases. Each member of the team has extensive experience in their area of specialization and is committed to providing the best defense and compensation to their clients in New York City.