Motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of personal injuries and property damage nationwide. During the winter months, traffic collisions are especially likely.
Inclement weather and decreased visibility increase the probability of vehicular mishaps. Negligent driving is always dangerous, especially when the roads are wet, snowy, or icy.
When winter weather car crashes result in damage, the victim may have grounds for a valid civil claim. The accomplished professionals at Morgan and Morgan have a long history of representing the victims of winter weather car crashes.
It is important to understand the causes and effects of winter car crashes. There are some actions drivers can take to reduce the probability of a motor vehicle accident.
Reviewing the following 10 facts about winter weather car crashes can help you prevent the worst-case scenarios. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a winter weather crash, reach out to a knowledgeable tort lawyer as soon as possible.
The team at Morgan & Morgan will assess your situation and help you determine the best path forward. If you have grounds for a car accident claim, we will fight diligently to recover the financial compensation you are owed.
Fill out the simple contact form on the Morgan and Morgan website to arrange a free initial meeting with our skilled legal professionals.
10 Alarming Facts About Winter Weather Car Crashes
Because the United States is so large in terms of land area, the winter months affect different locations in various ways. Southern states sometimes have mild and cool winters, while northern states often experience significant ice and snowfall.
No matter where you are, driving in the winter can present unique dangers and hazards. Consider the following 10 facts about winter weather car crashes:
1. Fatal Accidents Often Happen Due to Slick Roads
Research from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reveals that over 1,300 people are killed annually in motor vehicle accidents involving icy or snowy roads. Many more people are injured in this type of car accident.
2. Injuries Caused by Slick Roads Can Be More Severe
The FHWA found snow, slush, and ice on roadways increase the odds of a motor vehicle crash. On average, more than 116,000 people are injured because of these road conditions each year.
3. Accident Injuries Can Be Worse During Precipitation
Even when precipitation does not accumulate on roads, it can cause problems. When it rains, snows, or sleets, drivers are less able to see the environment around them.
This may result in serious accidents and mishaps. According to data from FHWA, almost 76,000 people annually are injured when snow or sleet are falling.
4. Car Accident Deaths Rise During Precipitation
Precipitation can also result in the loss of drivers’ and passengers’ lives. The FHWA found that nearly 900 people are fatally wounded each year in traffic accidents occurring during sleet or snowfall.
5. Snowfall Is Common on U.S. Roads
Information from the U.S. Department of Transportation shows the prevalence of snowfall on U.S. roads. According to this research, nearly 70% of U.S. public roads are in regions that receive at least five inches of average snowfall each year.
These areas are where almost 70% of American citizens call home. In other words, more than two-thirds of U.S. residents are likely to drive in snowy conditions annually.
6. Many Car Accidents Are Weather-Related
Statistics from the Department of Transportation reveal that more than one in five traffic accidents each year is related to the weather. This percentage amounts to a total of almost 1,235,000.
Winter car crashes caused by weather are very common. If you have been involved in a weather-related traffic accident due to another person’s negligence, you deserve justice. Make sure to speak with a competent professional to pursue the financial damages you are owed.
7. Motorists Go Slower During Inclement Weather
Most drivers decrease their driving speed when winter weather is bad. During snow and icy weather, motorists are more cautious and drive slower.
According to research from the FHWA, U.S. highway driving speeds are decreased between three and 13 percent when light snowfall occurs. When heavy snowfall happens, motorists decrease their speeds between five and 40 percent on average.
While driving slower is a good idea during winter weather, motor vehicle accidents can still occur. When you have been the victim of another driver’s carelessness, make sure to consult with a tort attorney about the facts of your car accident case.
8. There Is a Winter Weather Protection Budget
The Department of Transportation is accountable for maintaining many of America’s roadways. Because of this, they take actions to control the ice and snow on the roads.
Nearly 20% of the agency’s annual budget is dedicated to maintenance during or following inclement winter weather. This accounts for around 2.3 billion dollars each year.
9. Michigan Is the Most Dangerous State for Winter Weather Car Crashes
The most dangerous state for winter weather driving is Michigan. In the span of three recent years, Michigan saw more than 160 driving fatalities during the winter months.
Michigan receives an average of 60 inches of snow annually, according to the National Weather Service. This snow results in hazardous road conditions, especially in the state's rural areas.
10. Drivers Should Pack for Longer Winter Trips
It is important for drivers to pack for longer trips during the winter months. Slower speeds mean longer drive times for motorists.
Because of this, it is critical to make sure you have the supplies necessary for unforeseen circumstances. For example, many drivers’ climate control systems fail during the colder months of the year.
If you lose the ability to heat your car while traveling, you may need blankets and warm clothes. Make sure to keep extra supplies in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Common Hazards for Winter Driving
There are many risks for motorists traveling during the winter. Without proper precautions and attentive driving practices, accidents and injuries are very likely.
Some of the most common dangers for motorists in the winter include:
Black Ice
The term “black ice” refers to thin layers of transparent ice on roadways. When ice is transparent, it is very hard for drivers to notice.
Drivers may assume the road is clear and drive without proper care. This lack of care can cause vehicles to skin and swerve off the road uncontrollably. Black ice is the cause of many winter car crashes every year.
Lack of Visibility
Rain, hail, and snow can make it difficult for motorists to see the road in front of them. Heavy snowfall, rain, or fog can all cause drivers to collide with other vehicles or objects on the road that they cannot see.
Visibility is even lower at night. In the United States, winter months provide fewer sunlight hours. Lack of visibility is one of the common causes of traffic accidents.
Decreased Traction
Many factors can result in the loss of traction for motorists. Slick and wet roads are some of the most common elements that cause the loss of traction.
Decreased friction between a vehicle’s tires and the road beneath can result in the loss of vehicular control. Many winter accidents happen because cars and trucks careen off the road following the loss of traction.
Mechanical Issues and Failures
Lower temperatures can sometimes cause damage to motor vehicle components. For instance, cold weather may harm the following automobile parts:
- Belts
- Batteries
- Braking systems
- Tire pressure
- Hoses
It is important to get regular maintenance on your motor vehicle during the cold winter months. Doing so will help decrease the likelihood of vehicular failure or accidents.
Even when you take all recommended precautions, the negligence of others can result in accidents. When you have experienced property damage or a personal injury because of another party, do not hesitate. Schedule a consultation with one of the skilled motor vehicle collision attorneys at America’s largest tort firm, Morgan & Morgan.
What Are Contingency Fees?
A contingency fee is a method of handling payment for legal services. With this payment approach, the claimants in civil cases do not pay attorneys’ fees before they receive compensation.
When one of the accomplished litigators at Morgan and Morgan decides to take your case, we will agree to represent you for a specific percentage of the financial recovery. You will not pay a dime in attorneys’ fees unless our team successfully secures the money to which you are entitled.
This helps ensure that your tort attorney is working diligently in your financial interest. If you do not get paid, neither does your lawyer.
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What Tips Can Help Avoid Winter Car Crashes?
There are a few easy steps to take when you're considering the possibility of winter collisions. In many cases, individuals should stay home when possible.
Avoiding the hazards of travel during inclement weather is ideal. However, sometimes, this is impossible. When you must drive during the winter, consider the following tips:
- Drive slowly and cautiously
- Accelerate slowly and deliberately
- Avoid quick stops and sudden braking
- Understand how your brakes respond
- Increase your following distance
It is critical to drive cautiously when the weather is bad and when temperatures are low. If another driver has caused you harm during the winter, speak with a member of the team at America’s most trusted personal injury firm—Morgan and Morgan.
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What Damages Are Available to Personal Injury Victims?
Following a car crash that resulted in you being physically harmed, it is normal to wonder what types of compensation you can recover. You can pursue financial repayment for the following through a civil legal claim:
- Medical bills
- Lost income from missed work
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Long-term inability to earn income
- Permanent or temporary disability
- These are only a few examples of the losses for which victims can seek recovery. It is vital to review the circumstances of your case with a tort attorney to accurately calculate the value of your claim.
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