Charlotte Injury Lawyers Blog
Snow and Ice are a Leading Cause of Car Accidents in Winter
Although not all areas in North Carolina experience snow, some areas experience snow and sleet. January is typically the snowiest month in North Carolina, and the state averages about five inches of snow every winter. Unfortunately, it does not take a lot of snow to make the roads hazardous. An inch of snow or sleet on the pavement can cause dangerous driving conditions and devastating car accidents.
How Common are Injuries and Deaths Caused By Snow and Ice Car Accidents?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, over 24% of all weather-related car accidents happen on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement. Additionally, 15% of accidents happen during snowfall or sleet. Every year, 1,300 people die,e and 116,800 people become injured in car accidents on slushy, snowy, or icy pavement. The presence of snow and ice significantly escalates the costs associated with road maintenance. In fact, during the winter months, maintenance activities dedicated to managing these icy conditions constitute approximately 20% of the overall budgets for state Departments of Transportation (DOTs).
State and local agencies collectively invest over 2.3 billion dollars annually in operations focused on controlling snow and ice, reflecting the substantial resources needed to ensure safe travel. Additionally, each year, these road maintenance agencies allocate millions more to repair the infrastructure damage inflicted by the harsh effects of winter weather. This ongoing financial burden underscores the challenges of maintaining safe and accessible roadways amid severe seasonal conditions.
Why are Snowy or Icy Roads So Dangerous?
Snow and ice significantly impair pavement friction and the ability of vehicles to maneuver effectively, leading to slower travel speeds, diminished roadway capacity, and a heightened risk of accidents. On average, arterial road speeds drop 30% to 40% when the pavement is covered in snow or slush.
The impact on freeways varies with conditions: in light snowfall, speeds may decrease by 3% to 13%, while during heavy snow, the reduction can be even more severe, ranging from 5% to 40%. Furthermore, heavy snowfall and sleet can drastically reduce visibility, making driving conditions even more treacherous. Snow accumulation obstructs lanes and roadways, further diminishing capacity and increasing travel delays as vehicles struggle to navigate the snowy landscape.
What to Do if You Have Been Injured in a Bad Weather Car Accident in North Carolina
If you have been injured in a bad weather car accident in Charlotte, it is important to prioritize your immediate safety first. Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and prompt medical treatment can prevent additional complications later on. Once you or someone else has called 911 and requested an ambulance and police officer, document the accident scene by taking photos of the vehicles, the surrounding area, and any weather conditions that may have contributed to the accident. Gather contact information from the other driver and from any witnesses. Witness testimony can be crucial information for any potential legal claims or insurance inquiries.
Next, report the accident to your auto insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate details about the incident, including the weather conditions at the time of the accident, as this can impact the claim process. It is also important to consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in handling car accidents, especially those occurring in adverse weather conditions.
An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system, ensure that your rights are protected, and guide you in pursuing any compensation you may be entitled to for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Being proactive in these steps can significantly impact your recovery process and your potential for receiving fair compensation.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in North Carolina
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident that was not your fault, it is essential to receive medical attention as soon as possible. After you’ve received medical attention, you will benefit from speaking to an attorney. Do not sign any settlement agreements or provide a recorded statement to the at fault driver’s Insurance company until you discuss your case with an attorney.
An attorney can help you prepare a statement and begin negotiating with the insurance company to secure the most compensation possible for your injuries. Do not hesitate to contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation with a skilled personal injury attorney.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://injury.arnoldsmithlaw.com/
Image Credit:
https://www.freeimages.com/photo/snow-1359278
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