Winter weather has hit America full force, and there are news stories to back it up. Nothing ushers in the seasons like hearing about dozen-car pile-ups and terrible drivers (I know this is Toronto, but terrible drivers are universal). These increasingly dangerous conditions make it important for you to be aware of your personal injury risks.
Low-Speed Collisions
Bumps happen. You can drive as slowly and carefully as possible and still end up in a rear-ending at a red light because the person behind you didn’t leave quite enough space on the icy road. If there’s no real damage, it’s often easiest to just exchange insurance information and carry on with your individual lives. Chances are you’ll bump into someone at some point and will want that good-forgiveness-karma.
If there is damage, either bodily or automotive-ly, you’ll want to talk to a lawyer. They will help you get their insurance to cover your damages and help you recover. Alternatively, if you were the one to cause the damage, a lawyer will help you negotiate with your insurance to make sure you pay the bare minimum.
High-Speed Collisions
High-speed collisions are always bad news. On freeways or otherwise, losing control while on an icy road can create widespread damage. These make up a large percentage of winter driving fatalities. Cars are unable to stop quickly in winter conditions and can behave unpredictably on ice. This is why it’s important to always take full precautions in dangerous conditions to avoid being slapped with a reckless driving charge.
Things happen quickly, and high-speed collisions are sometimes unavoidable. That being said, you can take precautions to keep yourself and those around you safe. These precautions include:
- Purchasing (and installing) high quality winter tires
- Avoiding driving in squalls
- Driving slowly when conditions turn bad
- Putting on headlights and hazards in low visibility situations
- Replacing old windscreen wipers when they start to become faulty
- Making sure to leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you
- Giving driving your full attention
If you are involved in a collision and find yourself injured, following these precautions will help you to receive the full damages you are owed. Again, a good lawyer is key to ensuring you win your case.
Leave a Reply