Winter Road Accidents

Published: Dec 16, 2016 in Auto Accident, Personal Injury

Illinois drivers face any number of hazardous road conditions throughout the long and sometimes grueling Midwest winters. On average Illinois sees at least five severe winter storms per year, which can result in limited visibility, reduced traction, difficulty braking or maneuvering, and slick pavements. Driving is challenging for even the most cautious driver and increases the likelihood of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. In fact, winter storms and adverse weather are a factor in nearly half a million motor vehicle accidents every year during the winter months.

If you have been injured in a winter road accident caused by the recklessness or negligence of another driver, contact a Belleville car accident attorney at The Cates Law Firm, LLC for help. We have extensive experience handling motor vehicle claims in Illinois and have helped countless accident victims recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries.

Winter Road Accident Statistics

The leading cause of death from winter storms is transportation accidents, not exposure or exhaustion.
Each year, more than 116,000 people are injured and over 1,300 are killed on snow, icy, or slushy roads.
Around 900 people are killed and nearly 76,000 people are injured annually in motor vehicle accidents during snowfall or sleet.
On average, 24 percent of weather-related motor vehicle accidents occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent occur during snowfall or sleet.

Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Anyone who has driven in snow, sleet, fog, or ice knows just how scary it can be when your vehicle skids because of slick or wet pavement. Not only is it essential that your vehicle be maintained and properly equipped for winter driving, there are a great deal of adjustments motorists must make in order to navigate the roads safely.

Here are some safety tips for winter driving:

Make sure to fully defrost your vehicle’s windows before driving to reduce the possibility of losing visibility when the car is in motion.
Reduce your speed.
Increase your following distance by 8-10 seconds when driving on icy, or slick surfaces.
If possible, avoid driving when visibility is poor.
Avoid using cruise control when driving on any slippery surface.
Use extreme caution when approaching bridges, overpasses, and entrance ramps which are more likely to accumulate ice.
Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
Turn on your low beam headlights so that others can see you.

According to FMCSA, driving too fast on wet, icy, or snowy roadways is a major factor in accidents during adverse weather conditions. When drivers do not take the appropriate precautions on winter roads, the results can be devastating.

How a Belleville Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident due to the negligence of another party, you may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury claim. At The Cates Law Firm, LLC, our car accident lawyers can explain your legal options and fight to help you obtain compensation for past and future losses including:

Medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Wage loss
Emotional distress
Disability
Disfigurement
Loss of quality of life or loss of a normal life
Punitive damages

We are experienced trial lawyers with a successful track record in personal injury cases, including numerous settlements or verdicts of $1 million or more.