Driving can get a bit more dangerous during the winter months as the sun sets earlier and cold weather sets in. You can prepare to deal safely with some of the more common winter driving hazards, but that may not prevent an accident if someone else is negligent. If you do get hurt in a crash this season, our Westchester County car accident attorneys are ready to help.
What Winter Driving Hazards Do I Need to Look Out For?
There are a few winter driving hazards that can cause accidents if you don’t look out for them. Some potential problems include:
Snow and ice: The road gets slippery and that can make it harder to avoid an accident, especially if there’s a significant amount of traffic on the road with you.
Reduced visibility: Snowstorms and fog can make it harder to see what’s around you. Even if the weather is clear, you have to deal with the sun going down earlier and the resulting darkness affecting what you can see.
Road salt: This isn’t an immediate hazard, but you shouldn’t let it accumulate on your car. It can cause rust and damage.
Battery failure: Your battery helps your car start, but the winter weather can be tough on it. If your battery fails, you could end up stuck somewhere in the cold and snow.
Icy bridges: Bridges are often the first part of the road to get icy and slippery. So be careful approaching them even when it doesn’t seem that cold out.
How Can I Prepare For Winter Driving Hazards?
There are a few things that you can do to prepare yourself for some of these common winter driving hazards. We recommend:
- Getting your car checked out by a mechanic before any long trips
- Slowing down and increasing your following distance
- Checking weather conditions before you hit the road
- Properly filling tires with air and making sure that they have enough tread
- Packing an emergency kit
- Leaving yourself with more than enough time to reach your destination
- Watching out for animals like deer
What Should I Do If I Get Into an Accident?
If one of these winter driving hazards helps cause an accident, stay calm. Treat this like any other accident. Take pictures, call the cops, and exchange info with other involved drivers. Then see a doctor as soon as possible to make sure that you are not injured.
Can I Sue For Damages?
Even if one of these hazards contributed to the accident, you still may be able to sue for damages. A driver could still be to blame for a crash despite weather conditions. Maybe the road was icy and that contributed to the crash, but someone speeding and tailgating should still be held responsible for their own negligence even if the environmental hazard was also a factor.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
If someone else caused an accident and your injuries, you shouldn’t be on the hook for all of these expenses. Contact Hausman & Pendzick and learn more about how our team can help you pursue damages and hold a negligent driver accountable for the pain that they have caused.