Car Accidents because of winter weather conditions

Let's face it...we all want the 90 degree weather, clear sky cruising down the highway with the top down on the convertible.  For those who live in climates that allow this year round we envy you.  But for those who don't live there or for those who love the snow it's time to pull out the winter coats and remember how to drive in winter weather.

We need to be more careful driving in the winter as the weather conditions can and often lead to a car accident.  

Please watch this short video on driving in winter conditions.

This video is made up of a few short, non-injury accidents but shows how a winter conditions will affect everyone.

Just to get into the mood of cold, snow and ice click this video and come back and read while listening.

The first snow of the year is usually the most dangerous.  We "forget" how to drive on snow and ice. We are a society that is rushing everywhere we go...time is money, right?

If you are one of the cautious drivers good for you but remember you will not always determine whether you are in a car accident.  Defensive driving is essential this time of year as there will always be some that disregard the winter conditions.  Those who are inexperienced driving on snow and ice, those who think it will never happen to them and those who think because they have a four wheel drive they won't slide are dangerous to us all.

• "as usual essex county council state we are ready for the bad weather stock piles of grit to be call on in climate weather 3 nights of frost 1 motor cyclist dead due to black ice 1st fall of snow yes the council were ready for this not crashes cars and hgvs stuck traffic ground to a halt were were the gritters i was on the road at 6-15 am this morning got as far as the witham turn off on the A12 turned round headed back towards southend on sea the first gritter i saw was on the A 127 at 8-45 am yep they were ready after the horse hasbolted again .i bet on think for certain than in april the spare room tax is nicely in place and there wont be any delays with that . once again well done essex county council" (Echo)
• Indianapolis, Ind.
A quick burst of overnight snowfall and icy roads in Central Indiana resulted in dozens of accidents Monday morning.
Indiana State Police estimate approximately 60 accidents occured Monday. On an average day, police estimate approximately 20 to 30 accidents. Among the multiple overnight crashes around the Indianapolis area, crews were investigating a fatal single-vehicle accident on the south side of the city.
Just after 3 a.m. Monday, police said the driver of a black SUV apparently slid out of the northbound lanes of I-65, on the bridge passing over I-465.
The SUV hit a guard rail, throwing the male driver out onto the highway.
Three passengers in the car suffered injuries, including a broken leg, cuts and back pain.
Police said the car was from Wisconsin and the driver was a man, likely in his 30’s.

When an accident happens because of inclement weather it is often difficult to prove fault.  Whether is was a single car accident (meaning you slid into a tree) or a multi-car accident your case will come down to who has the most plausible excuse.  Black ice is one of the examples of a plausible excuse as there is usually no warning of black ice.  What is not an excuse is traveling too fast for the conditions...remember the speed limit is for good weather conditions not snow and ice.

Your best weapon in these types of situation is a police report.  Before you drive in inclement weather know what your police department is wanting you to do.  In some situations if there are no injuries and no alcohol and/or drugs involved they want you to exchange information and report it within 48 hours.

You absolute best weapon after a car accident is to call an experienced Attorney!  Insurance companies want to deny your claim and will look for any reason to do so.  Don't let that happen to you!

Please drive safe no matter what the condition but pay extra attention during the snow and ice.  If you are in Colorado and have been involved in a car accident please call Carol Zeisler:

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