Fall in New York means cooler weather, beautiful foliage, and pumpkin spice everything, everywhere, but this season can also make the roads a bit more dangerous. There are some autumn driving hazards you need to be on the lookout for. Unfortunately, not all drivers are going to be as prepared as you are. If you do get into an accident this season and you believe that someone else was to blame, then a car accident lawyer in Queens is ready to help you.

What Are Some Common Autumn Driving Hazards?

The fall brings some of its own unique dangers with it. When you’re on the road this season, stay aware of common autumn driving hazards like:

Colder weather: If you see frost on your windshield, that means that it might be cold enough for ice to form on the roads. Avoid speeding and keep an eye out for any slippery patches of road, especially on bridges. These crossings are often the first place to freeze.

Darker commutes: If you drove home from work in the daylight this summer, that could change in the fall. The days get shorter, so you might have to watch out for glare-causing sunsets and then darker roads on your drive home.

Falling leaves: The changing leaves are beautiful, but they become a hazard when they drop onto the road. Wet leaves can be slippery, but they can also hide other dangers like potholes. We do not advise driving through piles of them, no matter how fun that looks.

Active animals: Fall can also mean that more animals could be out and about. It’s especially important to watch out for deer. Accidents involving them, or someone trying to swerve away from them, are common this season.

Can Another Driver Still Be Blamed If One of These Hazards Contributed to an Accident?

To keep things simple, yes. These autumn driving hazards can certainly contribute to an accident, but they are rarely the only reason for a car crash. The setting sun might blind somebody temporarily, causing them to hit you, but then you have to ask why they did not have sunglasses or why they did not slow down when they could not see the road in front of them. Slippery leaves can cause a collision, but if one driver was speeding over a pile of wet leaves then they also contributed to an accident.

What Can My Compensation Cover?

When you do sue another driver for compensation, you might receive an initial offer from their insurer. These first offers are rarely enough to cover all of the expenses stemming from an accident. You need compensation that makes up for:

  • Lost wages
  • Medical bills
  • Loss of earning potential
  • Mental anguish
  • Pain from disability or disfigurement

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are considering filing a personal injury suit after a car accident, contact the Law Offices of George Poulos. We can schedule a consultation and tell you more about our legal options. Let us put our decades of legal experience to work for you.