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You Are at a Higher Risk of Car Accidents in Winter Weather

Snowfall, poor visibility, extremely low temperatures, and shorter days are the common characteristics of winter in New York. These conditions can be dangerous for drivers and play their part in an increasing number of car accidents during the season.

Drivers must exercise caution while driving during winter as accidents related to snow are fairly common. According to the National Safety Council, the winter weather is responsible for roughly 300,000 accident injuries every year, along with more than 1,500 deaths.

Unfortunately, many streets and areas across New York are particularly well-known for their dangers in winter weather. While snow, ice, and hail can make conditions significantly worse for drivers and pedestrians alike, the shorter days and colder temperatures also play a significant part in the accidents that occur during this time.

If you or someone you care about has been critically injured in a winter car accident, there might be grounds for you to raise a claim with the assistance of a New York winter weather car accident lawyer.

Legal Responsibility of Snow and Ice Removal

Before someone even thinks of driving during winter, it is important to first make sure that their vehicle is completely free of snow and ice. It can be extremely risky to travel with snow on your vehicle. In fact, the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law forbids the accumulation of ice and snow on the rear windshields of cars. It is compulsory for the owner of the vehicle in question or the driver operating it to comply with this law.

Moreover, failing to remove snow and ice deposits from the vehicle may constitute a failure to exercise “reasonable care” during vehicle operation. Accumulated snow or ice can obstruct the view of a driver and any blowing snow might do the same for other drivers on the road.

This can lead to the owner or driver of the car to become liable for any resultant accident. In some cases, liability can even be established when the accumulation of snow is a result of defroster or windshield wiper malfunction, as the driver would have a responsibility to pull over and address the issue.

Winter Car Accident Injuries – Who Is Liable?

The responsibility to remain aware of hazards that can cause accidents rests with government agencies and property owners. Common causes of winter weather accidents in New York involve winter driving, a failure to clear snow, and foot traffic in entryways.

It is safe to leave the handling of accidents in winter to New York attorneys skilled and experienced in winter weather accidents. These specialists can handle the legal complexities of the cases and carry out a thorough investigation of the scene of the accident.

As a matter of procedure, your winter weather accident attorney in New York might choose to reach out to meteorologists, engineers, and other experts to determine responsibility for the accident. Ignoring or underestimating the effects of winter weather and the dangerous road conditions it can create can also lead to someone being considered legally responsible for your injuries.

If your injuries were caused by a failure to provide adequate lighting, there is a possibility that you can initiate a claim against the property manager. After the incident, the evidence should be evaluated as soon as possible. This can allow your winter weather accident attorney in New York to handle your case and establish how the other party failed in giving you adequate protection in the winter weather conditions.

A lot of drivers also grossly overestimate their ability to steer their vehicles correctly in the winter. This can often lead to serious accidents from which you might never recover completely.

While many people have lived in New York for years and are quite familiar with adapting their driving to the presence of snow and ice, winter weather accidents are still fairly common. A lot of drivers fail to adopt the required precautions to avoid such accidents. Some drivers also engage in a quite dangerous driver behavior pattern, thereby increasing the chance of an accident.

Since snow and ice can make steering and braking difficult, drivers engaged in drowsy, distracted, or dangerous behavior can very well cause a severe accident. It is unfair if you have to suffer injuries just because another driver did not act properly during the winter weather.

People operating a vehicle during winter in New York should definitely adopt the right measures to avoid accidents. This can include allowing more distance between vehicles to avoid rear-end collisions, giving brakes more time to take effect, using headlights judiciously, and driving slow to maintain visibility and control.

Keeping in mind the extra risks that come with the winter weather, you have probably been responsible and done everything in your power to avoid an accident during winter. However, your life can change for good if another driver does not provide you with the same duty of care.

Safety Tips for Negotiating Icy Roads and Sidewalks in New York

During the winter months, here are some helpful tips that can keep you and your loved ones safe and sound:

  • You cannot see black ice, which is the most serious danger associated with icy roads in New York. Do not always trust your eyes to warn you of danger.
  • During freezing temperatures, snowfall, or rainfall, always slow down and exercise more caution.
  • It is important to remember that snow and ice are not the same. Even in the absence of rainfall or snow, roads can still ice over. Even morning dew can result in black ice.
  • Research and purchase boots that have good reviews for their traction on snow and ice. These are mandatory for winters in New York. Even when you are in those boots, move carefully.
  • If you encounter a storefront with a dangerous accumulation of snow, ice, or slush, respectfully alert the store manager at once. Since weather conditions can change very quickly in New York, the store manager might not be aware of the problem yet. (Storeowners are legally duty-bound to ensure that their premises remain safe.)
  • For all four tires in your car, it is important to keep traction, tread, and air pressure at optimum levels and consistent with each other.
  • Equip your car with winter tires if you are driving in New York in the winter. Unlike regular or high-performance summer tires, winter tires are specially designed to provide better performance during winter weather.
  • Driving on icy roads can be dangerous even if you have winter tires installed. These will not help you stop your car in case of an emergency. If it is possible to avoid driving in snow or ice, make sure you do so.
  • Perform a complete maintenance check before you set out to drive in winter weather. Check the condition of your lights, brakes, blades, and fluids properly.
  • Defrost your windshield with your air conditioner. To do this, activate the fresh air or defrost setting and turn up the temperature.
  • Avoid oversteering. This can cause your tires to lose traction in ice or snow. Similarly, if you feel like you are losing control, avoid the tendency to overcorrect. Drive slowly at all times.

Vehicle Types and Upgrades for Safer Driving in Winter

In most parts of New York, ice on the roads can be found during winter, especially in the Upstate area where extreme cold can persist for weeks on end. While the use of snowplows and road salts can slowly clear the roads, it is important to remain prepared to drive in harsh conditions.

One great way to be ready for such conditions is to buy a car that is known to perform well in these conditions and then install aftermarket car upgrades that can further improve performance.

Suspensions and drivetrains can vary with different brands and models of vehicles. One important factor to consider when looking for a vehicle particularly suited for icy conditions is the system of power delivery to the tires. The options are:

  • Two-wheel drive vehicles where either the front or the rear couple of wheels get power delivery to produce torque
  • All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles where the torque is moved from the engine to the front and rear wheel axles via differentials
  • Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles where the torque is moved from the engine to the front and rear wheel axles with the ability to deliver specific amounts of torque to either the left or the right wheel

Among these, the first option provides the least reliable performance in icy and snowy conditions. If you hit a patch of ice with only two of your tires capable of generating any force, they can spin on the slick surface and you can get stuck. Braking performance can also be reduced as two-wheel drive vehicles also brake with only two wheels.

In both AWD and 4WD vehicles, one set of tires can provide traction even while the other set spins. Braking performance can also improve significantly.

Get in Touch With a Winter Weather Car Accidents Lawyer in New York

A winter weather accident can impact your life for many years to come. Going back to work might be difficult, your family might struggle with your medical bills, and getting the treatment you need might be an uphill battle.

At Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP, we specialize in preparing the right legal case which can help you obtain your rightful compensation. Do not hesitate to get help by using our online contact form or calling us at 212-344-1000 to discuss your case and start your journey towards a complete recovery.

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April Johnson
15:54 30 Jun 23
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Benjamin Roussey
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Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez
19:02 24 May 23
I’ve been in the personal injury field as an investigator for 29 years. All in New York City. Out of all the hundreds of Law Firms I’ve worked with, Rosenberg Minc Falkoff & Wolf, would have to be at the very top of my list. Amazing staff great attorneys.If you want the job done right, these are you guys.
Julio Ochoa
Julio Ochoa
20:49 18 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP for their outstanding assistance in obtaining a settlement for an Erb's Palsy birth injury case. Their knowledge, dedication, and compassionate attitude were important in attaining a successful end. Their professionalism and assistance were simply outstanding from beginning to end. I am deeply thankful for their representation and would enthusiastically recommend them to anyone seeking justice in a similar situation.
Aisha Neri
Aisha Neri
20:29 18 May 23
I recently had the privilege of working with Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP on my daughter’s birth injury case involving Erb's Palsy, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their exceptional legal services. From the initial consultation to the successful settlement, they demonstrated profound expertise, unwavering dedication, and genuine compassion for my family's situation.From the very beginning, the team proved their commitment to justice. They thoroughly investigated the circumstances surrounding my child Erb's Palsy birth injury, leaving no stone unturned. Their extensive knowledge and understanding of medical malpractice law, coupled with their deep expertise in birth injury cases, provided us with tremendous confidence in their ability to handle our case.The attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff consistently displayed exceptional professionalism and attention to detail throughout the entire legal process. They meticulously gathered evidence, consulted with medical experts, and built a compelling case that clearly outlined the negligence and liability on the part of the medical professionals involved. One aspect that truly stood out was the genuine care and compassion exhibited by Daniel Minc, Lorraine Licul, and the entire team at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. They treated us not just as clients but as individuals with unique emotions and concerns. They took the time to listen attentively to our worries, provided constant updates on the progress of our case, and promptly responded to our inquiries, ensuring we felt supported and reassured throughout the process. Their empathy and understanding made an immeasurable difference during such a challenging and emotionally taxing time.When it came time to negotiate a settlement, Daniel Minc demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity. He fought fiercely on our behalf, advocating for fair compensation to cover any potential long-term effects of Erb's Palsy on my child's life. His negotiation skills were truly impressive, as they secured a settlement that exceeded our expectations and provided the financial resources necessary to support my child's future needs.I cannot recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff highly enough to anyone seeking legal representation in Erb's Palsy birth injury cases or any other medical malpractice matters. Their extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and empathetic approach make them an exceptional choice for families navigating the complexities of birth injury litigation. Thanks to Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, my family now has the means to provide the best care and opportunities for my child's future.If you are seeking a law firm that combines legal expertise with genuine compassion, look no further than Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They will tirelessly fight for your rights and ensure your voice is heard, providing you with the support and justice you deserve.
Aoki R
Aoki R
17:14 17 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They are a team of dedicated professionals fully committed to their clients. I have witnessed the firm's amazing work ethic in my experience with their attorneys and Lorraine Licul. Lorraine is a knowledable, empathetic and results-driven professional. Minc is an excellent attorney and I greatly appreciate the firm's expertise.
Michael Levites
Michael Levites
17:42 12 May 23
I have recommended this firm to some of my friends and I heard back only positive feedback about the client responsiveness, diligence and hard work put in by these attorneys. I will continue to refer anyone who suffered a personal injury to Rosenberg Minc..
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