How Does Winter Weather Affect My Wisconsin Personal Injury Case?

 Posted on January 27, 2021 in Car Accidents

Each year, winter weather conditions such as snow and ice are responsible for around 50,000 car accidents, 5,000 injuries, and 45 fatalities statewide, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Many of these are single-vehicle accidents related to the increased difficulty of keeping a car under control. However, a good number of these crashes involve multiple vehicles, and when this is the case, driver negligence can still be a factor. If you are injured in a crash with another driver during dangerous weather conditions, an attorney can help you understand your options regarding a personal injury claim.

The Importance of Driving Safely in the Winter

In Wisconsin, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles with reasonable care and consideration for the safety of others on the road. This applies even when winter weather conditions make driving inherently more dangerous, which means that anyone who drives in these hazardous conditions needs to take extra precautions.

The Wisconsin Emergency Management agency offers several suggestions related to winter driving that can help drivers stay safe and avoid putting other drivers and pedestrians at risk. These suggestions include:

• Make sure a car is ready for the winter. In order to drive safely in snow and ice, a car needs tires that are equipped for the conditions, functioning brakes, and working lights and defrosters.
• Check road conditions before traveling. Drivers can get information about local road conditions by calling 511 or visiting 511wi.gov, allowing them to make a decision as to whether it is safe to drive.
• Avoid sudden actions while driving. Sudden turns, acceleration, and deceleration can all cause a driver to lose control of their car when roads are wet or icy.
• Prioritize visibility. Drivers should keep their windows, windshields, and mirrors clear of snow and ice so that they can see the road, and they should turn on their headlights during precipitation so that other drivers can see them.
• Steer away from traffic during a loss of control. If a car starts to slide, a driver should try to direct their car away from traffic so that they avoid injuring anyone else.

If you are injured in a winter car accident, we can help you gather evidence to determine whether the other driver failed to take reasonable safety precautions that could have prevented the accident. Speeding and following too closely are especially dangerous during winter conditions, and as always, evidence of negligent behaviors like drunk or distracted driving can strengthen your case.

Contact a Milwaukee Car Accident Attorney

As the next few months will likely lead to more accidents, the Milwaukee County personal injury lawyers at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP are prepared to assist with your case if you are injured due to another driver’s negligence. Contact us today at 414-271-1440 to find out how we can help you.

Sources:

https://www.weather.gov/mkx/winter-wx-awareness

https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/be-informed/winter-storms/