Winter Car Accidents Lawyer

Winter is a wonderful time of the year. When snow and ice appear, it is the perfect time to build a snowman, ski, ice skate, or have a snowball fight. However, it is not a great time to drive your car.

Ice and snow make the roads slick, which makes cars difficult to control. Unsurprisingly, this leads to an increase in accidents, and nobody wants to be involved in a car accident.

If you have been injured in a car accident due to winter weather, you are probably wondering what your options are to recover quickly and get money to pay for that recovery. A winter car accidents lawyer from Morgan & Morgan can help you at this difficult time.

Don’t wait after being injured in a winter car accident. Contact us immediately to schedule a free case evaluation and learn about your options.

How to Avoid Winter Car Accidents?

Driving during the winter months can be a harrowing experience. The roads are slick, and at times you can barely control your car. If you were the only one on the road, this might not be so bad. But everyone is driving in the same conditions.

While a winter car accidents lawyer can help you get compensation after a car accident, it is preferable never to get into a car accident in the first place. There is no guaranteed way to ensure that you avoid an accident, but you can take some precautions that will greatly decrease your chances of getting injured.

Heat Your Car Before Driving

If you have ever gotten into a car in the winter, you know that the inside of the vehicle is nearly as cold as the outside weather. Thus, if you were shivering before you got into the car, you are probably still shivering once you are inside. This creates unsafe driving conditions.

Rather than driving right away, you should turn on the heat in your car and wait until you feel comfortable. This will prevent you from driving with stiff and shivering limbs that dull your reflexes.

Clear Ice and Snow From Your Car

Ice and snow aren’t just a danger when present on the road; these winter elements also present a risk when they cover your car. When ice and snow cover your windows, you will not be able to see well. If they are on the back or top of your car, they will likely fly off while you are driving and can cause the driver behind you to get into an accident.

Before you start driving, clear all snow off your windows and the flat surfaces of your car. You should keep a window scraper and snow wiper in your car to make this easier. You may find it a lot easier to remove ice after your defroster has been on for a bit, so feel free to warm up before clearing your car.

Attach Snow Tires to Your Car

Snow tires aren’t just a way for tire companies to make money. They legitimately offer better traction on snow and ice than traditional tires do. They are more expensive, so you probably only want to use them in the winter months. But that depends on your budget.

Typically, if you only use snow tires in the winter, a full set of tires can last many years. You will only need to replace them when the tread starts to get thin. If you don’t know how to judge that, let your mechanic decide for you.

Watch Out for Black Ice

Black ice is one of the biggest dangers during the winter month. It is called black ice because it is a thin sheen of ice on black asphalt. Because ice is clear, it is basically invisible unless you are looking closely for it.

Typically, black ice is most common when the weather warms slightly enough for the ice and snow to begin to melt. Since the ground is usually a slightly different temperature than the air, water will often refreeze, creating patches of black ice.

The best way to steer clear of black ice is to avoid driving on days when ice or snow is melting. If you must drive on days like these, keep a close eye on the portions of pavement that appear snow free. If you notice any type of reflection on the ground, it probably has black ice. Drive carefully and avoid turning whenever you suspect black ice is present.

Drive at Least Five Miles Per Hour Under the Speed Limit

Despite what some people believe, you are not required to drive at the speed limit. Quite the opposite. In most states, when road conditions are dangerous, you are required to drive under the speed limit.

Since ice and snow make the roads slick, you should drive at least five miles per hour under the speed limit. In particularly bad weather, you should drive even slower. It is better to inch your way to your destination at 15 miles per hour than to end up in a ditch on the side of the road.

Wear Sunglasses

This is one tip that surprises many drivers. Most people associate sunglasses with warm days. But they protect against sun glare regardless of how warm the day is.

During winter months, the sun reflects off ice and snow, creating severe glare. If you don’t wear sunglasses, you could be blinded by snow glare. And as you might expect, if you are driving when you can’t see, you are likely to get into a car accident.

How Can a Winter Car Accidents Lawyer Help You?

When you have been injured in a winter car accident, you may feel overwhelmed by everything that is happening. You are expected to deal with one or more insurance companies while you are in pain and stressed out. This combination often results in victims of winter car accidents receiving less compensation than they deserve.

A winter car accidents lawyer is the best way to ensure you receive the full compensation that you deserve for your accident.

From the moment you contact the attorney, they will take over communications with the insurance company and other parties involved. This removes a significant amount of stress and lets you focus on recovering from your injuries.

Your attorney wants you to receive the maximum possible compensation. To ensure this, they will collect evidence that supports your claim. Important evidence includes:

• Photos of the accident scene
• Witnesses to the accident
• Medical bills and medical records
• The police report, if one exists

With this evidence in hand, your attorney will communicate with the insurance company and attempt to negotiate a fair settlement. A fair settlement is one that:

• Pays for all of your medical bills
• Pays for all of your car repairs
• Covers any lost income due to injuries
• Compensates you for the wrongful death of a loved one, if applicable
• Compensates you for any additional expenses that resulted from the accident (like rental car costs)

Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to undervalue the compensation that you deserve. Your attorney understands exactly how much your claim is worth and won’t settle for anything that won’t cover all of your losses and expenses.

If the insurance company refuses to compensate you fully, you have the right to sue for the money you are owed. Your attorney will start that lawsuit the moment the insurance company denies your claim or attempts to underpay you.

Attorneys from Morgan and Morgan have an excellent record at trial and always fight zealously for their clients. It may take longer for you to get your money, but if you are represented by a Morgan & Morgan attorney, you are more likely to get every penny you deserve at the end of a trial.

Can a Winter Car Accidents Lawyer Help Me in a Single Car Accident?

Single-car accidents are relatively common during the winter months. If your car slips on a patch of ice, you may swerve off the road and hit a solid object that is not a car. This can damage your car or injure you as badly as a multi-car accident.

Typically, if you have the right policies, your insurance company should cover your medical and repair costs after a single-car accident. But even though you are covered, it might try to stiff you. By retaining an attorney, you can reduce the chances that the insurance company will deny or underpay your claim.

Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident Caused by Weather Conditions?

That depends on the circumstances of your accident. If both drivers were driving carefully and weather conditions caused an accident anyway, likely neither driver is at fault. However, if one driver was driving carelessly, they are probably at fault despite the conditions.

It might not matter, though. Different states have different fault rules. In many states, you will receive compensation from your insurance company, even if the other driver is at fault in the accident. Your attorney can explain to you how insurance works in your state.

When Should I Hire a Winter Car Accidents Lawyer?

The best time to hire an attorney is as soon as you get into an accident. Your attorney can prevent you from making mistakes that will cost you money and will increase the likelihood you get fair compensation. Typically, the earlier they take your case, the more money you will receive.

Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer From an Insurance Company?

Typically, the first settlement offer that you receive is for less money than you deserve. Unless your attorney approves of the offer, you should generally refuse it. Your lawyer can negotiate for a fair deal or start a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith.

How Much Will I Pay for a Morgan & Morgan Attorney?

Our law firm always takes car accident cases on contingency. This means that we only get paid if we get you compensation. And when we do get paid, it is always a percentage of the money that we get you. Effectively, our services are free to you.

Protect Yourself After Getting Injured in a Winter Car Accident

If you have been injured in a car accident due to winter conditions, you need the services of an experienced and caring attorney to ensure you get the full compensation you deserve. Don’t wait another day. Contact Morgan and Morgan immediately to get a free case evaluation and learn more about your legal options.