Snowstorm Car Accidents

What happens when people are seriously hurt in snowstorm car accidents? Each case is unique, but the effects can be life-altering, if not devastating. If you were injured in such an accident due to no fault of your own, the car accident lawyers at Morgan & Morgan can help you to determine when someone else may be held legally responsible for your injuries so that you can pursue compensation under personal injury law.

Snowstorm car accidents can happen all too easily, and when these accidents occur, victims may suffer the consequences for years to come. Hiring a car snow accident lawyer, like the attorneys working at Morgan & Morgan, could be the best possible avenue to recovering compensation. 

To learn more about snowstorm car accidents and how a lawyer can help, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Causes of Snowstorm Car Accidents

Every winter, snowfall can make for treacherous road conditions, either around where you live or places you may be visiting over the holidays. As our car accident attorneys at Morgan & Morgan know, traffic accident statistics always spike in the winter months because of people not properly preparing to navigate in the snow. 

Snow is a major cause of car accidents because it can vary so much in terms of type of precipitation. Snow can freeze and become ice or can even be just as slippery when it is slush or sleet. 

Time changes, low light, sun reflecting on the snow, inadequate car maintenance, and extreme weather conditions can also contribute towards the possibility of snow car accidents.

Wherever possible, it is best to avoid driving in the snow entirely. You may also want to upgrade to snow tires or tire chains if you live in an area with significant snowfall. 

Snow conditions can develop quickly, so make sure to monitor the weather and do everything you can to get home before any serious weather conditions escalate. 

Speeding and Braking Problems

Research from the World Health Organizations shows that speed is one of the most common factors in car accidents. This can be further amplified when snow is falling. Adapt your driving habits to winter conditions by making sure that you allow appropriate distance between you and any other vehicles and reduce your speeds to account for additional braking possibilities. Snow and ice can complicate your braking or slow it down.

Be Aware of Inadequate Removal of Snow

You may be counting on local authorities to do everything possible to remove snow from the road. However, you need to take care of your own vehicle because you cannot always account for snow to be properly removed from the roads. On your own car, make sure you warm it up appropriately and scrape off any snow or ice well in advance. Inadequate removal of snow can cause visibility problems as you're driving. Plus, you could also face fines if you do not properly remove snow from your own vehicle. Similarly, make sure that you've monitored conditions on your local roads. Check in with your neighbors or the local news to learn more about road conditions. 

Purchase a good snow brush to keep in your vehicle at all times so that you're always prepared in the event of sudden snow. 

Other Snow Car Accident Materials to Consider

Winter tires may be a great way to help reduce your chances of being hurt in an accident. Bear in mind that winter tires are not foolproof, so you could still end up in a serious accident due to swerving, unexpected road conditions, or other vehicles losing control. Make sure that your windshield wipers have been upgraded recently and that you have plenty of fluid. In places with subzero temperatures, special windshield wiper fluid may be required to help clear your windshield for you.

What if Someone Else Is Responsible for My Snowstorm Car Accident?

When a snowstorm develops, snowstorm car accidents increase significantly. Many people may be in a hurry trying to get home and are not appropriately adjusting their driving for changing road conditions. Some people may not know how to operate a vehicle in the snow or do not have a car that has good traction with an icy road. Many people also underestimate how much time they'll need to come to a complete stop or the risk of sliding through things like stop signs and red lights. 

If you believe that someone else's negligence caused you to suffer in a snowstorm car accident, this could become the basis of a personal injury lawsuit. While not every snowstorm car accident necessarily equates to liability and a resulting accident, many of them are tied to preventable activities. 

For example, if someone is driving with excessive speed on the road in the middle of a snowstorm, you may easily be able to bring this up in the context of a personal injury lawsuit alleging that this person is responsible for injuries you've sustained. Likewise, if this person was driving distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, this information may be alleged in your personal injury lawsuit. Any criminal charges associated with excessive speed, breaking other traffic laws or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be handled separately from your civil claim.

Do I Need a Snowstorm Car Accident Lawyer?

You may need a snowstorm car accident lawyer to help you determine who is liable for your injuries and to help you gather the necessary materials to pursue compensation. Many people dealing with snowstorm car accident fallout do not realize the severity of their injuries and may develop significant medical bills and complications that further their healing process in the interim. It is best to be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible after you have been injured, as this may be your only opportunity to receive a diagnosis. 

Doctors can use MRIs and CT scans to determine if you have internal injuries. This will help you recognize your medical conditions and decide on the best treatments, and your personal injury lawyer can use these findings as evidence in your case.

Hiring a Lawyer to Help With a Snowstorm Claim 

If you can, get pictures of the accident scene after you get hurt, especially since the impact of snow and ice can really tell a story about what happened to you. Your lawyer may also be able to help you gather other evidence in your injury claim that highlights who could be held liable for your injuries. Waiting too long to hire an attorney only makes things more difficult for you and, if you wait too long, could mean you miss the statute of limitations for an injury claim in your state. 

Many people with serious injuries after a snowstorm accident might not even realize the toll this can take on their life. You may be dealing with your injuries for years to come, coping with significant medical bills and inability to return to work or live your life doing the activities you did prior to the accident. This is why it is so important to hire an attorney who understands how your life has been altered and who can help you to determine who may be held responsible for the injuries you sustained. 

When working with a snowstorm car accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan, we will work as hard as possible to help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve to move forward with your life. To get started, contact us today for a free case evaluation.