Roads in Boston can be particularly hazardous in the wintertime. Freezing rain can make icy roads that wreak havoc on commuters, causing traffic congestion and wrecks. Icy conditions on roads in and around Boston can cause multi-vehicle pile-ups and bring traffic to a standstill.
What Are Some Common Winter Car Accidents in the Boston Area?
More than 560,000 car accidents occur in the U.S. because of winter weather conditions, such as snow, sleet, slush, and icy roads, as reported by Car Insurance Comparison. The fatality rate for winter weather crashes is three deaths for every 1,000 accidents. Common car accidents in winter driving conditions include rear-end collisions, rollovers, sideswipe accidents, multi-car pileups, and single-vehicle accidents in which a car spins out of control. Factors that contribute these accidents include:
- Heavy snow
- Sleet
- Slushy roads
- Icy pavements
- Fog
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How Can Negligence Lead to Winter Car Accidents?
Drivers have a responsibility to exercise more caution in winter road conditions. This means slowing down and leaving plenty of room between vehicles. When they fail to do so, it can lead to winter accidents, including multi-vehicle pile-ups. If a government entity responsible for clearing and maintaining the roads fails to do so in a timely manner, that party may be negligent and liable for accidents and injuries.
What Precautions Should You Take for Winter Driving?
Driving in Boston can be more hazardous during the winter months. These winter driving tips can help keep you safe:
- Keep your tires properly inflated: Cold automatically creates a drop in air pressure. Low pressure tires have less traction.
- Make sure your wipers are in good condition: Good quality windshield wipers that are working properly can help increase visibility in winter weather driving conditions.
- Reduce your speed: The slower you are traveling on wet or icy roads, the more time you will have to react to situations and the more control you are likely to maintain over your vehicle.
- Leave plenty of distance from the vehicle ahead: It takes more time and distance to stop on snow or ice. Allowing plenty of room ahead can help you avoid a rear-end crash.
- Take a winter driving class: Skills required for driving on snow and ice are not necessarily intuitive. If your car starts to slide, you need to know what direction to turn the wheel to avoid a spin.
- Stock your vehicle with necessities: In case of an emergency, keep your vehicle supplied with food, water, blankets to stay warm, a first aid kit, a cell phone and charger, shovel, broom, ice scraper, and a bag of kitty litter or sand in case you get stuck.
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What Steps Should You Take When a Winter Car Accident Cannot Be Avoided?
If you were injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence that you were unable to avoid, get emergency medical treatment if needed and report the crash to the police. If you are able, collect and preserve as much evidence at the accident scene as possible.
In addition to exchanging information with any other drivers involved, get names and contact information for any eye witnesses. Take plenty of pictures of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles and their relative positions, any visible injuries you have, and anything else that may be relevant to the accident, such as road and traffic signs.
See a doctor as soon as possible for your injuries, even if you don’t believe they are serious. Consult with an experienced Boston car accident lawyer as soon as you can.
At DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers, our Boston winter weather-related crash attorney can assist you in filing a claim and pursuing compensation for your injuries. We have a history of success for our clients. Our firm offers a free initial consultation. Call us today at (617) 870-0907.
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