Car accidents are a leading cause of fatal injury in the United States. Those who survive are often left with injuries both physical and emotional. Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, especially when snow and ice are a factor.
Car accidents typically occur when one or both drivers are not paying attention to the road. As the winter season emerges, weather conditions can also heighten traffic accidents. Snow, sleet, and ice cause roads to become slippery or wet, and drivers can lose control of their wheels on icy streets. Overall, harsh weather leads to approximately 16 percent of fatal car crashes.
Avoiding a Car Accident This Winter
It is always important to protect yourself, and our Philadelphia car accident lawyers want you to be prepared. The first thing to do before you go anywhere is check the weather reports. If you can, limit your driving if there is a storm. If travel is inevitable, make sure you warm your vehicle up before leaving. Let your car run for about 15 or 20 minutes, but never do this in an enclosed area. This can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or related health risks. Park your car on the driveway or street and let things run for a few short moments.
Next, prepare your car for the winter. Have a mechanic check the battery, brakes, wiring, and ignition before you take any long or lengthy excursions. It is up to you to avoid a crash, and our Philadelphia car accident lawyers have a few pointers. Avoid things like cruise control or your parking break during winter weather. Accelerate and decelerate slowly, and always keep a steady distance between you and neighboring vehicles. Should disaster strike and you are run off the road, never try to push your vehicle out of the snow. Instead, tie a bright-colored cloth to your antenna or window. This will signal distress to passing motorists who can assist you. Lastly, keep your car stocked with a first aid kit, emergency blankets, flashlights, jumper cables, and anything else that can help you if you are in trouble.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates Represent Victims of Car Accidents in Philadelphia
If you are the victim of a car accident, having the right legal team is very important. At Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates, our Philadelphia car accident lawyers have what it takes to fight for victims of car accidents in Philadelphia. Call us today at 215-567-6600, or contact us online to speak with a representative. We proudly serve clients in Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, Merion Station, Darby, Sharon Hill, Upper Darby, Narberth, Wynnewood, Clifton Heights, Lansdowne, Folcroft, Drexel Hill, Havertown, Glenolden, Cheltenham, Ardmore, Holmes, Essington, Norwood, Elkins Park, Gladwyne, Prospect Park, Chester County, Delaware County, Philadelphia County, and New Jersey.