Any auto accident can be a life changing event. It is easy to get overcome by all the paperwork and questions from police, doctors, and insurance companies. After any crash, it is a good idea to go through this checklist to make sure you and your claim are protected.
But a winter car crash brings with it a few special considerations that just don’t apply in dry weather. If ice and snow are involved, you may need to take a few extra steps after a winter car crash.
Take the Cold Seriously
On a sunny spring afternoon it may not be a big deal to sit in your car and wait for a tow truck. But when the temperature drops below freezing, you will need to take the cold seriously. Keep a warm blanket in your trunk in case a patch of black ice leaves you stranded in a ditch. If it is especially cold, consider moving inside a local gas station or other public place to stay warm.
If you do leave your car, make sure the police responding know where you will be. They will want to take your statement and find out if you need medical attention. Tell the 9-1-1 operator where you have taken refuge or leave a note on the dashboard.
Consider Visibility in Taking Cover
When snow and sleet are in the air, it can make it hard to see even a few lengths ahead of your car. If it was hard for you to see that curve or obstruction in the road, it’s a safe assumption that other drivers will have the same problem. If you can still drive your car, pull it well off the side of the road. If it isn’t, you may need to leave it behind and take cover somewhere safe.
Visibility is an issue while you are assessing the damage, too. As you circle your car after a winter car crash, make sure you leave plenty of distance between you and oncoming traffic. A driver focusing on the snowy roads may not see you as you are walking near the shoulder.
Photograph Winter Car Crash Conditions
The condition of the road in a winter car crash can make a huge difference when it comes to establishing fault in a Third Party lawsuit for serious injuries. Your testimony that the road was snow-covered or that you hit a patch of ice can only go so far. If it is safe to do so, pull out your smart phone and take pictures of the road conditions immediately after the crash. It could protect your claim to non-economic damages.
A winter car crash can make a bad situation even worse. If the ice and snow sends you off the road, make sure you keep safety in mind. Then contact the auto accident attorneys at Christensen Law, with offices in Southfield and Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a free consultation to get started on your claim.
