What Should You Do When You’re Involved in a Snow-Related Accident?

Every year, hundreds of thousands of car accidents occur due to wintry weather conditions in the United States. Did you know that Colorado has some of the best drivers when it comes to navigating snow and ice? Still, sometimes accidents are unavoidable. Even when you are driving as carefully as possible, you could still get into an accident during inclement weather conditions.

Even the safest, most experienced, seasoned Colorado drivers are not immune to the risk of snowy or icy roads. With so many drivers moving to Colorado from other states, there’s a good chance that you could get into a weather-related car accident because of someone else’s driving. If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision because of the negligent driving of another person, contact our personal injury firm right away for assistance. Otherwise, read on to find out more about what to do if you have been in a snow-related car accident in Colorado.

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About Weather-Related Automobile Accidents in Colorado

Winter-weather-related car accidents are common in Colorado. Wind, ice, sleet, rain, snow, and fog can create slippery and dangerous road conditions. When visibility is low, things get even more dangerous. If you have been in a snow-related or ice-related automobile accident, you have the right to claim financial compensation for damages, injuries, and losses!

How does severe weather cause accidents in Colorado?

The Department of Transportation offers many tips for driving safely in winter weather. Still, winter car accidents are inevitable. When snow is falling heavily, accidents can be caused by poor visibility, wind, icy roads, mist, and more.

Automobile Accidents Caused by Wet Roads

Wet conditions cause roadway accidents in a few ways. For one thing, falling sleet, snow, and rain can reduce your visibility. Additionally, hydroplaning is more common during torrential rainstorms. Hydroplaning involves you losing control of your vehicle entirely, and feels similar to hitting black ice. Also, wet pavement does not offer you as much control or traction as dry pavement does. This means it can take longer for your car to stop.

Automobile Accidents Caused by Falling Snow and Sleet

Snow and sleet can cause accidents in a few ways as well. Snow can become compacted on the pavement and reduce your tire traction. This can make it difficult for you to stop. Sleet and snow can also cover traffic signs and signals. Additionally, snow and sleet can reduce your visibility. Freezing sleet may also stick to your windshield wipers, mirrors, and windows. This can reduce visibility even further.

Automobile Accidents Caused by Black Ice

Icy road conditions can be extremely hazardous in Colorado and no one wants to hit black ice. Black ice is almost impossible to see and may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. This can send you flying into delineator posts, trees, ditches, or other vehicles.

Automobile Accidents Caused by Mist

If you are at the base of the Front Range mountains of Colorado, mist, and fog are serious problems. In fact, anyone driving along the plains near the Rocky Mountains may be at risk for foggy or misty road conditions. When combined with ice, sleet, and snow, things can get very dangerous. If you can’t see what is ahead because of thick fog or blowing snow, you will not be able to anticipate the presence of an accident on the road. Combine this with the inability to stop due to slick, icy road conditions, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Automobile Accidents Caused by High Crosswinds

Another common contributor to automobile accidents in Colorado is the wind. High crosswinds can easily tip over light-duty or high-profile trucks. If you have ever driven along the I-25 between Fort Collins and Wyoming, you may know what we are talking about. This is one of the windiest stretches of interstate in the entire country! Wind gusts can quickly cause high-profile vehicles to tip over or lose control. If it is snowing, this is more true than ever. The ice and wind combined can take you for a wild ride.

All of these inclement weather conditions are seen frequently in Colorado with or without the added difficulties of snow. Torrential rain and high crosswinds are more prevalent between February and August. Even in the summer months, thunderstorms, hail, and other types of inclement weather can make driving a challenge. September through January will usually bring snow, sleet, and ice hazards. So, no matter what time of year it is in Colorado, you must be ready to handle inclement weather on the road. Any of these conditions could cause a serious automobile accident!

What injuries are most common from auto accidents caused by snow or ice?

Icy road conditions can cause serious accidents. Even drivers that are adhering to all winter guideline driving requirements are at risk for ice or snow-related automobile accidents. Some injuries are more common than others when a vehicle loses control after hitting compacted snow or black ice. These include traumatic brain injury, neck injury, head injury, broken bones, sprains, whiplash, limb loss, and paralysis.

Common Injuries from Snow and Icy Road Automobile Accidents:

• Whiplash
• Head Injuries
• Spinal cord injury
• Broken bones and fractures
• Strains and sprains
• Paralysis

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Who will be held liable after a snow-related automobile accident in Colorado?

You may have heard that a snow-related automobile accident falls under no-fault liability. However, this is not always the case. While some weather-related car accidents are in the no-fault category, not all of them are. For instance, if the weather conditions are dangerous, the speed limit may be lowered. This means that if another driver is speeding, they could be charged with reckless driving. Traffic laws apply whether the weather is bad or not. Even sliding on black ice could result in a Failure to Maintain a Single Lane ticket. If you have been injured in a snow-related automobile accident, you still have the right to file claims and seek compensation for your damages.

What are the leading causes of snow-related automobile accidents in Colorado?

When the weather conditions are snowy and there is ice on the road, accidents happen for a few common reasons. These include speeding, using cruise control, failing to maintain a proper lookout, and distracted driving. Driving behind a snowplow and having the wrong tires may also lead to an accident in snowy weather.

Common causes of accidents when it’s snowing:

• Speeding
• Using Cruise Control
• Ignoring Traffic Laws
• Distracted Driving
• Lack of Snow Tires or 4-wheel drive
• Snow Plows

Will damages be paid after a snow-related automobile accident?

If you are the victim of a winter weather-related automobile accident, you can still seek compensation and file claims to access the damages owed to you. To ensure that damages are paid, it is best to hire a personal injury attorney to represent you in court. Your personal injury attorney will advise you legally and help you file claims with insurance companies.

What damages can be claimed after a snow-related car wreck?

The damages that you can claim after a snow-related automobile accident are the same as any other kind of car accident. Damages include loss of wages, medical bills, loss of the ability to earn income, property damage, and wrongful death.

• Expenses
• Medical bills
• Replacement vehicle or value
• Lost wages
• Loss of ability to earn income
• Wrongful death

What to do right after a snow-related automobile accident in Colorado?

If you have just been in an inclement weather-related automobile accident, there are a few things you can do to stay safe and ensure everything is documented properly. Remember, you always have the right to call an attorney. If you are injured, you also have the right to claim damages after a snow-related automobile accident.

First, it may be wise to exit your vehicle and get safely away from the scene of the accident. This is especially true if you have been in an accident caused by blowing snow, fog, or poor visibility. After all, you don’t want another vehicle to hit you immediately after being in a wreck. Pile-ups are very common when compacted snow covers the road or highway.

Use your best description and get to safety. Then, call 911. After that, you should:

• Take pictures of the accident scene
• Accept medical assistance and an ambulance ride if need be
• Acquire the contact information, name, and address of the other driver
• Get the business card of the officer at the scene so you can access a police report later
• Contact a personal injury attorney
• Get checked by a doctor
• Document your diagnosis, injuries, your medical bills, and costs
• Do not talk to insurance agents alone, instead, speak with an attorney first

Have You Been in a Snow-Related Car Wreck in Colorado? Call Us!

At Matlin Injury Law, we want all our clients to stay safe on the road! However, sometimes automobile accidents are unavoidable. We are here for injured victims of weather-related accidents and can help you get the compensation you are entitled to. Skil personal injury attorneys understand that motor vehicle accidents can be life-changing. The snow-related automobile accident itself might only be the start of a long process. From filing claims to determining fault, having an experienced attorney on your side can help you get the best possible outcome for your case and access the damages you deserve. If you have been in a winter-weather-related auto accident in Colorado, get in touch with Matlin Injury Law for a consultation now!

We can help:

• Get your vehicle out of the tow-yard
• Guide you through the insurance and legal processes
• Paying out-of-pocket medical expenses and/or getting them reimbursed
• Recover your lost income and wages.
• Get the replacement value for your vehicle
• Connect you directly with an attorney, not a case manager
• Fight to get you the compensation you deserve!

Have you been in a snow-related automobile accident? Let us help. Call 720-464-3600 now to speak directly with a personal injury attorney.

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