What To Do Right Away? 

Statistics show that nearly 30% of automobile accidents in Canada happen during the winter season. Snowy and icy conditions prevail in Ontario, from December through to March, with January being the coldest. Often, heavy snowfall, icy rains, sleet and winds add to the harsh conditions. Together with poor visibility and difficult driving conditions, all these elements together make the risks of winter driving that much higher.

Though Ontarians are experienced winter drivers, accidents can and do happen. Many of these are avoidable and preventable. They may be caused by someone’s fault or negligence. If you or a dear one has been injured in a winter automobile accident, ensure that you get immediate medical attention. Following this, get in touch with a lawyer near you as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation.

Why do Winter Accidents happen?

Weather conditions can challenge even the most experienced drivers. Multi-vehicle pile-ups are common during this season and they bring their own set of hazards. Inexperienced drivers and tourists may not prepare adequately for winter conditions or maintain the right precautions. Some of the typical reasons for these accidents include:

Speeding: Though it seems a no-brainer that you need to drive slower and more cautiously in winter conditions, speeding is one of the most common reasons for accidents. “Lead-foot driving” or failing to compensate for changing terrain or weather conditions causes a majority of winter collisions. Night driving, rural roads and unfamiliar routes contribute too.

Uncleared Windows/Windshield: Clearing the ice/snow from all the windows increases your visibility all around. Many drivers clear their windshield and rear windows but fail to clean up all the windows, reducing their peripheral vision.

Bad Planning: Whether it’s a daily commute to the office or a holiday trip, planning is a key element in safety. Drivers need to keep a margin of spare time to compensate for unexpected weather conditions, traffic blocks etc. As a result of stress and anxiety, you could be tempted to take risks and indulge in risky driving behaviors.

Poor Winter Driving Habits: Following too close, failing to take precautions on slippery roads, not understanding the problems of braking on icy roads, over-acceleration, stopping unexpectedly in a lane, etc are reasons for collisions. In winter driving, pumping the brake slowly is better than jamming them on suddenly. If you have an anti-lock braking system, you need to understand its features well before taking your car out in hazardous conditions.

Failure to check weather conditions: You’re the best judge of whether you really need to take your vehicle out or not. Often, it’s less stressful to take public transport. Otherwise, it’s essential to check weather conditions on your local news feed before you start.

These are some of the usual reasons for winter driving accidents. If you suffer injuries in such an accident, get help from an injury lawyer to claim your insurance. 

Typical Injuries

 Winter automobile accidents result in a variety of injuries, ranging from simple cuts, bruises, sprains and lacerations to serious, life-threatening or life-altering injuries. Injuries are based on the nature, severity, the amount of safety restraints used and type of crash.

• Head-on collisions cause head, upper body and facial injuries. Neck injuries and whiplash are also seen. Chest and abdominal injuries and knee/leg/foot injuries  due to impact are common.
• Rear-ender injuries are usually in the head/neck region. Drivers may suffer chest/abdominal injuries due to impact from the steering-wheel, while passengers may suffer facial/foot/leg injuries too.
• In T-bone collisions, the persons sitting on the side of the crash can suffer severe fractures of shoulder, pelvis, legs. They may also have internal bleeding and organ injuries, along with head injuries.
• Other collisions like rollover are the most serious, where death or catastrophic injuries may occur.
• Side-swipe collisions are the least likely to cause serious injuries.

What To Do?

• Ensure that you stay calm and turn on your hazard lights if they’re working
• Control your emotions and don’t confront the at-fault driver or jump out of your own vehicle to assist immediately
• Call emergency traffic authorities and medical services
• Never leave the site of the accident
• Whatever the type of injury, it’s essential to get immediate medical attention. Never move injured people without expert medical supervision. If the vehicle is in an unstable condition it can increase the risks manifold. It is important to use the right safety equipment and move the injured person only by those with medical training and experience
• Take photos of the location, landmarks, position of vehicles, damage, injuries etc
• If possible, move your car to the side of the road
• Otherwise, stay inside your car so that you avoid exposure to the cold
• If your engine is not damaged, turn on the heater, keeping windows slightly open
• Exchange details with the other driver regarding vehicle number, insurance and personal contact information
• Avoid talking to insurance company representatives, even your own, without advice from your trusted lawyer in Toronto or your trusted lawyer in Brampton

When And Why You Need An Injury Lawyer?

Most people fail to realize that insurance-companies are focused on protecting their own business interests. They may not always act in good faith when you make an accident injury claim. Instead, they could deny/delay/dispute/dismiss your claim on a number of technical grounds.

One of the first questions you should ask if you’ve suffered injuries in a motor-vehicle accident is “How to find the best lawyer in Toronto?” or “How to find the best lawyer in Brampton?”

We are available 24×7 and can handle all the complex medical, legal and insurance issues, paperwork and procedures related to your claim, ensure you meet filing deadlines and present a robust claim backed by the right evidence and documentation.

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