Historic bad weather has hit much of the country on possibly the biggest travel day in history – today. What a terrible combination. Dangerous storms are heading towards the Panhandle of Texas, West Coast, Rocky Mountain states, Midwest, and East Coast. Snow, ice, and slick roads already cause about 500,000 crashes each winter. In case you are traveling today to one of the affected states, here is useful information that can hopefully keep you from being in a car wreck and protect you if, God forbid, you are in one.
Winter weather driving tips
- Make sure your mechanic has inspected your vehicle before you leave, including your tires.
- Carry emergency gear, blankets, and food.
- Monitor the weather and driving apps like Waze and Google Maps even more than usual.
- Tell others when you leave, your route, and when you expect to arrive.
- Drive extra cautiously.
- Leave at least five seconds between your vehicle and the one in front.
- Apply the gas and brakes sparingly to avoid skidding.
- Don’t come to a stop.
- Should you get stuck, stay inside your car or truck.
- Make it more visible with a colored cloth tied to the top of the window or antenna and leave your lights and flashers on.
What to do if you are in a crash in these terrible driving conditions
As with any crash, you need to take steps that will get your vehicle repaired or totaled, obtain medical treatment so you can heal quickly, and get reimbursed for your financial losses.
But the dangerous road might affect the critical liability aspect of your claim.
If the street is icy or wet, does the other driver’s insurance company still have to pay for your vehicle damage, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages? Or can that driver claim the collision was an unavoidable accident? And can you be held responsible for their damages? These can be difficult, fact-specific questions.
The law in every state requires a driver to operate their vehicle safely and use reasonable care. That means recognizing the hazards on bad roads that a reasonable person would or should recognize.
After a vehicle wreck, often the best course of action is to file on your own collision damage. That is usually much quicker than waiting for the other driver’s company to investigate and accept or deny liability. You will receive your deductible back and can be towed and given a rental car if you have purchased that coverage. There are also other portions of your auto policy you can file on that will help you pay your bills up front.
Why you should hire a car accident lawyerÂ
They will help you win your case by doing these crucial tasks:
- Investigate how the crash happened, get the police report (which can be even more difficult when you are in a different state) and obtain eyewitness statements, photographs, scene diagrams, background information on the other driver, and other necessary information. They can work with local investigators and injury lawyers.
- Arrange medical treatment and help you get those medical bills paid.
- Explain the often complicated legal, insurance, and medical issues and walk you through the process.
- Negotiate a favorable settlement or file a lawsuit to protect your legal rights.
These tasks will be difficult, and maybe impossible, for you to do without expert advice.
Furthermore, the insurance company will pay a much larger amount of money if you are represented by a good personal injury attorney.
Berenson Injury Law has represented the victims of car and truck collisions across the United States for almost 40 years. We can help get you the compensation you deserve. Please contact us by calling 1-888-801-8585 or click here.
We are closing at 1:00 p.m. so our staff can have more time with their families and friends. We will be available at this phone number or by email at paralegal@berensonlaw.com.
Please stay safe out there this week and Happy Thanksgiving.