Car Crashes During the Winter Months

Have you ever noticed the spike in reported car accidents after the first snowfall of the season? It happens every year. There’s a lot of additional weather-related hazards in the winter, but you may be surprised to learn what causes winter-related accidents.

Common Causes of Winter-Related Car Accidents

Winter weather hazards include snow, ice and reduced visibility during flurries. Black ice, which is hard to spot on asphalt, is another major concern for motorists in the winter. These less-than-ideal conditions often lead to car accidents during the first snowfall of the season. What is it about the first snow that leads to so many accidents? Here are the top causes of winter-related crashes:

• Failing to properly clean the windows
• Speeding or going too fast for the slippery conditions
• Following too closely
• Stopping unexpectedly in a lane of travel
• Getting out in less-than-ideal conditions for unnecessary reasons
• Poor breaking techniques in the snow and ice
• Over-acceleration

While these different mistakes can all cause accidents in normal conditions, the likelihood of an accident greatly increases when there’s snow and ice on the road.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in the Winter

Car accidents are never expected, so it’s difficult to remain prepared in the event a crash occurs. It’s especially important to remain prepared in the winter months because a crash that disables your car can mean a lack of heat for an extended period of time. Here’s a brief overview of the steps you need to take after a car accident in the winter:

• Immediately check everyone for injuries
• Evaluate the situation: Move off the road if it’s not safe to stay on the road
• If possible, then wait inside your vehicle where you’ll be protected from the weather
• Turn on your hazard lights when possible. If you have emergency flags, then set them up to notify other drivers.
• Call the authorities to respond to the accident
• Depending on the circumstances, obtain information from the other driver involved and witnesses
• Call your insurance company to report the accident. Do not give any official statements at this time.
• Get checked out by a medical professional
• Reach out to a personal injury attorney

This list can seem overwhelming, especially in the aftermath of a traumatic crash. The most important thing to do is to call the police and get seen by a doctor.

Contact a Perth Amboy Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Winter Car Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a winter driving accident New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at CourtLaw represent clients injured because winter driving accidents in Perth Amboy, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, and throughout New Jersey. Call 732-442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 as well as offices in Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, and East Orange.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.