Car Accidents On Ice

With an average of nearly 94 inches of snowfall per year, many Buffalonians consider driving through the snow to be a rite of passage. Unfortunately, driving anywhere in the winter can be extremely dangerous, especially during freezing conditions. When the temperature drops, ice often rapidly develops on our roads, highways, and parking lots. Since ice can make it difficult for a vehicle’s tires to maintain traction and significantly reduce friction, the rate and severity of car accidents drastically increase during winter. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in a recent year alone, victims of wintry condition crashes suffered 374 fatalities and roughly 25,000 injuries.

Who Is Responsible For Your Collision On Ice?

Even if ice played a role in your accident, the at-fault motorist could still be held accountable for your damages. However, determining liability for a collision on ice is more complex than you think. That is why it is crucial to seek guidance from a highly qualified personal injury lawyer.

One of the main reasons so many collisions occur in the winter is that drivers fail to account for the considerable decrease in maneuverability. While this could be because a driver is inexperienced, in a rush, or irresponsible, driving safely on icy roads can be very challenging for even the most skilled driver. 

Regardless of the driving conditions, every motorist must use reasonable caution to avoid accidents and minimize the risk to others on the road. This includes watching out for ice and being extra careful when driving in areas known to be slippery.

 Safety Tips For Avoiding Ice-Related Crashes

As mentioned above, all drivers are legally obligated to exercise due care while driving during the winter, including taking safety precautions and driving more cautiously under inclement weather conditions. Although some ice accidents are inescapable, the best practices to reduce your risk of crashing include the following:

1. Check the weather forecast and plan your route accordingly before heading out;
2. Know when to drive slower;
3. Always leave sufficient room between you and other vehicles;
4. Stay clear of distractions;
5. Keep your eyes on the road at all times;
6. Keep a firm grip on your steering wheel;
7. When driving over ice, avoid slamming on the brakes;
8. If you hit an unexpected patch of ice, take your foot off the gas pedal;
9. If you start losing traction, steer into the skid to regain traction; and
10. Regularly inspect your tires to ensure they have sufficient treads.

Hire Jed Dietrich, Esq. And His Veteran Litigators For Your Winter Car Accident Injury Claim

Suppose that you, or a family member, have suffered devastating injuries or worse in a car crash on ice; the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested car accident attorneys will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve. Please call us today to discover why the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. earned recognition from Expertise LLC as Best Car Accident Lawyers in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24/7 at 716-839-3939 or by completing our online consultation form. You have absolutely nothing to lose by scheduling your free meeting with our elite team.