Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
A snow storm is hitting much of the country, bringing freezing temperatures from Montana down to New Mexico and blanketing some of those areas with snow and ice. While Chicago has seen some winter weather this year, the amounts have been minimal and have not caused significant impact to motorists and commuters around the city. However, as the year winds down, it is a certainty that winter snow, sleet, and ice are on their way and soon will be threatening the roads of Illinois, and with it, threatening the safety of all of those who use the roads to travel.
Winter weather accidents can affect any driver or any passenger in the city and can turn a typical driving day into a nightmare in mere moments. Slush, drifting snow, black ice, and gusting wind can all play their role in a collision but in most cases, winter weather combines with the actions of a driver in leading to a crash. Actions like speeding to following too closely become more dangerous as the weather worsens and can be the primary factor to blame when weather leads to an accident.
The best thing to do when inclement weather strikes is to drive as safely as possible and to stay alert for dangers. The personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. suggest you keep the following tips in mind as winter approaches:
– Winterize your vehicle: If you drive in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, consider taking steps to prepare your vehicle as much as possible before winter strikes. Make sure your car is in good working condition and get a tune-up if needed.
– Check your tires: Tires are one of the most overlooked safety aspects of a vehicle. If your tires are old or have a large number of miles, ask an expert if it is time to replace them. Consider opting for winter or snow tires during the snow season to enhance your vehicle’s performance and regardless of the tires you select, make sure they are properly inflated before driving.
– Accelerate and decelerate slowly: Poor conditions mean it is more likely that a vehicle will slip on a road’s surface. To limit a loss of traction as much as possible, increase and decrease your speed slowly, especially when turning or driving on a hill.
– Keep plenty of gas in your tank: Extra weight in a vehicle can help keep the car under control in wintertime, especially in icy conditions. Experts recommend keeping at least half of a tank of gas whenever possible to help control a vehicle’s motion. Additionally, extra gas may come in handy if poor weather slows your travel and it takes longer to make it to your destination than anticipated.
The troubling truth is that even if you take all the possible safety precautions, you can still be the victim of a winter weather car accident in Chicago if a driver in your area makes a mistake or acts in a negligent manner.
If you have been hurt in an accident or if your loved one was injured or killed, make sure you understand your legal options, including whether you have a valid claim for relief. The laws in Illinois entitle these accident victims to seek compensation through the use of a civil claim for damages, an option that is separate and distinct from any traffic charges that might be brought by local authorities.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we offer all victims of car accidents a free case consultation to those who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we provide it 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is no obligation on your part for speaking with us and everything discussed will be kept confidential. Call us today if you have been hurt and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Bassist for Black Tusk, Heavy Metal Band, Dead after Motorcycle Accident, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published November 11, 2014.