There are plenty of winter driving hazards you need to be on the lookout for, but accidents can still happen even if you make every effort to remain safe. If you get hurt in a crash and you believe that someone else is to blame, a car accident lawyer in Queens can help you hold that person accountable for the harm that they have caused.
What Can I Do to Avoid Winter Driving Hazards?
If you want to avoid winter driving hazards, you can take some precautions before you hit the road and drive cautiously once you’re on the way to your destination. We recommend:
- Having a mechanic check on key parts, like lights and the HVAC system, before you make any longer trips this winter
- Checking tires to make sure that they are properly inflated with deep enough tread depth
- Drive slower than usual if the roads seem slippery
- Avoid using cruise control on ice or snow
- Leave more distance between your car and other vehicles
If you focus on driving safely, you can make accidents less likely to occur.
Are Accidents and Injuries More Common Due to Winter Driving Hazards?
Winter driving hazards, like icy roads and storms that affect visibility, really do make the road more dangerous. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 121,000 crashes in 2021 occurred when there were snow or sleet conditions. You cannot underestimate how dangerous roads can get even if they are just a little bit more slippery.
Should I Sue for Compensation After a Crash?
You can take all of the precautions in the world and still get into an accident if other drivers are acting irresponsibly. If you suffer injuries in an accident and you believe that someone else was to blame, then you should sue for compensation. Damages from a personal injury case could help make up for:
- Medical bills
- The cost of any future medical care
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of earning potential
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Who Would Be Liable If Winter Driving Hazards Contribute to a Crash?
It is not uncommon for winter driving hazards to contribute to a crash, but you cannot sue the weather. Instead, the person who should be held responsible is the one who did not adapt to the hazardous conditions and made the road even more dangerous as a result.
If the road is slippery and someone tailgates you, eventually crashing into you when you hit the brakes, that driver should be blamed for the accident. A driver who speeds and hits somebody they couldn’t see because of a snowstorm was acting irresponsibly. Someone who does not adjust for winter driving hazards should be held liable when their lack of caution causes someone else harm.
Contact Our Legal Team
If you get hurt in a car accident this season, know that you don’t have to fight for fair compensation on your own. Contact the Law Offices of George Poulos and schedule a consultation with our team. We can take a closer look at your case and help you explore your legal options.
