Winter weather is around the corner, and with it can come treacherous driving conditions. If you’re not ready to safely navigate roads under these conditions, then you could be at an increased risk of being injured in a serious accident. And the ramifications of these injuries can be wide-ranging and long-lasting. Those who are harmed in a winter accident can face physical pain and limitations, emotional trauma and financial losses that leaves them reeling with instability. If you want to avoid that outcome, then you need to ready yourself for cold weather driving. Now is the time to engage in those preparations.
You might think that your car is in shape for driving in snow and ice, but there’s a good chance that it’s really not. Therefore, before the seasons change and we get too close to those driving conditions, you should do the following to ensure that your vehicle is prepared for winter weather driving:
- Check your tire pressure: As the weather cools, the air in your tires will condense, leaving you with less tire pressure. This can impact your ability to handle your vehicle. With lower tire pressure it’ll become more difficult to bring your vehicle to a quick stop, engage in evasive maneuvers and turn. Any of these issues can result in a serious accident that leaves you injured.
- Ensure your wipers are operational: Rain, snow and ice can drastically reduce visibility. But if your windshield wipers are bad or nonfunctional, then you can essentially be left driving blind. It almost goes without saying that this puts you in harm’s way. So, be sure to check your wipers and change them if needed before we get too close to winter weather driving season.
- Gather emergency resources: If you become stranded during bad weather, it could take a significant amount of time for emergency services to get to you. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have an emergency kit stowed away in your car. This can include a blanket, food, water, sand and a shovel to help you dig out if needed.
- Check your brakes: Your brakes wear down slowly over time to the point that, if you’re not diligent, they can become faulty before you know it. And if you’re brakes aren’t working properly, you’ll be in a difficult position to keep your car under control when you’re faced with bad weather.
What if you’re hurt in a winter car accident?
Of course, even engaging in proper vehicle maintenance and weatherization won’t keep you entirely safe when you’re out on the road. And effective defensive driving will only do so much. So, what’s your next step if you’re hurt in a wreck despite your best efforts?
You’re best off considering whether legal action is appropriate. If you can demonstrate that another driver was responsible for your accident and caused your resulting injuries, then you might be able to recover compensation for the harm that’s been done to you. To win on one of these claims, though, you’ll need compelling evidence that establishes causation and damages. You can gather witness accounts, police reports and medical records to assist you here, but you might also need expert testimony to help you prove your claim.
After being injured in an accident you only get one shot to secure the accountability, compensation and closure you deserve. If you don’t act or you make mistakes in brining a personal injury claim, then you could be cut off from what you need to get your life back on track. So, if you’re interested in learning more about how to build a persuasive car accident personal injury case, then now is the time to start thinking about what you need to craft compelling legal arguments that’ll position your case for success.
