Winter Weather Car Accidents in Pittsburgh: What to Do After a Crash
In the depths of winter, every snowflake is a tiny warning sign whispering, “drive slow and steady,” on the road. Winter weather driving is upon us, and when you're driving in these conditions, you need to be extra cautious because if black ice causes you to crash into another vehicle, you are likely still liable for the crash. The unique hazards that winter weather driving puts drivers through, such as black ice, reduced visibility, and snow covered everything, can make navigating the colder months even more treacherous. Accidents are much more common during these months, and they can lead to costly property damage and serious injuries.
If you or a loved one is in a car accident on a snowy road, you need Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C. By hiring an experienced car accident attorney, you can understand your legal options during a critical time for your family. Contact us today to ensure you get the compensation you deserve this winter.
Common Causes of Winter Weather Accidents in Pittsburgh
While the first snowfall is heavily anticipated, it’s vital that we take it as a reminder to service our vehicles, give ourselves extra time to travel, and prepare for winter driving accidents. Driving in Pittsburgh can feel like navigating a snowy obstacle course that Mother Nature designed to keep us on our toes. But the icy roads and snow covered visibility can create hazardous driving situations that can lead to a sudden loss of control of your vehicle. Staying prepared and driving extra cautious during the winter is essential to prevent common accidents leading to mounting medical bills and extensive property damage.
Common causes of accidents:
- Black Ice: The nearly invisible patches of black ice can cause sudden skidding and a loss of traction.
- Snow Drifts: Piles of snow that can hide obstacles that can cause you to lose control.
- Reduced Visibility: Fog and snow can obstruct a driver’s line of sight.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Bald tires, old windshield wipers, or a lack of chains can cause an accident because you weren’t prepared to drive in the extremely snowy conditions.
- Driver Inexperience: Inexperience, a lack of understanding, or overconfidence in handling winter driving conditions, is one of the top causes of accidents.
Taking the time to prep your car for winter and adjusting your driving habits can make a huge difference. Slow down, stay alert, and give yourself plenty of space out there—it’ll help you avoid many winter driving headaches.
What to Do After a Winter Weather Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be a frightening experience, throw in freezing temperatures, and it can be downright traumatic. The most important thing is to stay calm and stay safe. If possible, after the accident, you should move your car to the side of the road and wait inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
What to do if you’ve been in a winter weather accident:
- Ensure your safety first
- Call the authorities
- Document the scene
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Get witness contact information
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Hire an experienced car accident attorney
During the winter, it is vital to always have an emergency kit in your car with snacks, water, blankets, and flashlights for times such as these. After being involved in a winter car accident, you need to stay warm and visible to other drivers so you do not get hit by passing cars. Hiring an experienced car accident attorney will ensure that you take the next right steps as you begin to navigate the legal process for your claim.
Determining Fault in a Winter Weather Accident
Right after a winter weather accident, you want to focus on your family, healing, and getting your car back to working shape so you can continue with your life. However, immediately following an accident, determining who is at fault for the accident can be complicated by the winter conditions.
Typically, fault in these accidents can be determined by how each driver acted, the conditions of the road, and whether someone’s car wasn’t up to winter’s harsh demands. Every detail has to be pieced together to get a complete picture based on the evidence. This is why collecting your evidence at the scene and hiring your accident attorney is vital to ensuring your best interests are represented. Winter driving might be more dangerous, but with solid evidence, patience, and an experienced car accident attorney, determining liability can be easily accomplished.
Types of Compensation Available
The two types of compensation available after a winter weather car accident are usually economic and non-economic. Understanding what you can claim after an accident is crucial to getting back on your feet physically and financially. From recovering mounting medical bills to ensuring that you are compensated for your emotional distress, hiring an experienced car accident attorney will ensure that you consider these in the calculation of the value of your claim but also to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation that you deserve.
Economic damages include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Transportation costs
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
If you’ve suffered a winter weather car accident due to someone else’s negligence, then you need Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C. We will ensure that you don’t leave any compensation behind as we calculate the value of your claim.
Why Choose Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C.
At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C., we offer compassionate support, aggressive representation, and a track record of success in personal injury cases. Contact us today to ensure that you have an experienced legal team by your side to fight for your rights so you can focus on healing. We have the resources, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every step of the legal process.