Many people look forward to the winter months, which hold holidays that mean traveling to visit loved ones. But this season can also bring snow, sleet, ice, and other inclement weather that will negatively impact driving conditions and make this traveling more difficult. Millions of car accidents occur during winter due to adverse weather.
What to Do After a Car Accident During Winter Weather
If you get into a traffic accident in harsh weather conditions, there are steps you should consider in order to remain safe at the scene. Knowing what to do ahead of an accident can help reduce stress and anxiety if it should occur. Read on to find three actions to take in the event of a car accident this winter.
Get to a Safe Location at the Scene
As you would with a car accident at any time of year, the first step you should take after a wintertime traffic wreck is to make sure you and any other parties involved are safe. If possible, you should move your vehicle off of the road, out of the way of other drivers that may pass.
Remaining on the road may mean that other cars could collide with your vehicle. And this could result in further injuries and damages at the scene. During adverse weather conditions like snow, visibility could be severely limited. This makes it even more crucial that your stopped vehicle should move out of the way.
Try to avoid pulling onto the shoulder of the road. If you have limited visibility, other drivers do as well, and they might not see your vehicle there. Put your hazard lights on or set up road flares to make you more visible to other drivers on the road.
Remain Safe While Waiting for Authorities
After a car accident involving another party, you should contact local police at any time of year. Call emergency services if you or another person at the scene requires medical attention.
You will need a police report to provide to your car insurance company, especially if you intend to file a claim for damages sustained from the incident. But during harsh winter weather, you need to stay safe as you wait for the police to arrive.
If possible, stay in your car or somewhere else warm to avoid cold outdoor temperatures. Should you need to exit your vehicle, look very carefully for other vehicles on the road. They might have trouble seeing you, especially during dark or snowy weather.
Collect Evidence Where Possible
After a car crash, you should gather evidence at the scene. This can include taking pictures of the vehicles involved, the surrounding environment, and any damage to the cars. You should also exchange contact details and insurance information with other parties involved in the accident.
Weather conditions might limit your ability to collect this evidence. But you should still make an effort to gather it if it is safe to do so. These details will assist you if you want to file a personal injury claim in the wake of the car accident. Before you contact your insurance company though, you should speak to an attorney who can help you sort through your case to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact Attorney Big Al, Law Office Of Richard Klein today.