Driving Accidents Due To Snow & Ice
Everyone knows that it is safer to stay off of the roads during and immediately following a snowstorm. It makes good sense to evaluate safety features on your car, SUV or truck regularly, and especially before the start of winter. Good tread on your tires, effective brakes, as well as all other safety features that are the subject of an annual inspection should be scrutinized in preparation for when the snow flies. However, when a car accident happens be sure to get the other parties name, address and insurance information before leaving the scene. Never admit fault at the scene of the accident and, if possible, take photos of the accident scene. When you are able, call an experienced Maine personal injury attorney.
Everyone knows that it is safer to stay off of the roads during and immediately following a snowstorm. It makes good sense to evaluate safety features on your car, SUV or truck regularly, and especially before the start of winter. Good tread on your tires, effective brakes, as well as all other safety features that are the subject of an annual inspection should be scrutinized in preparation for when the snow flies. However, when a car accident happens be sure to get the other parties name, address and insurance information before leaving the scene. Never admit fault at the scene of the accident and, if possible, take photos of the accident scene. When you are able, call an experienced Maine personal injury attorney.
Collisions and one-car accidents are plentiful during snowstorms in Maine. Even in one-car accidents, a passenger may have a claim against the driver or any injuries that they suffer. We all have feared injuries and lawsuits when out on the roads in treacherous conditions. On February 8, 2013, there was a 19 car pileup on Interstate 295 in Cumberland, Maine. (Reference: http://www.wmtw.com/news/maine/portland/Interstate-295-reopens-following-19-car-pileup/-/8865266/18463830/-/vpf64r/-/index.html) It all began when one car spun out of control and was struck by several others. It is likely that the driver of the first car did not do anything very unusual or careless. Ultimately, it may not be a mechanical failure such as bad tires that caused the driver to lose control. It could be driver inattention or driver inexperience. Either way, if anyone feels uncomfortable driving in the winter, they should take an instructional course specifically for those conditions. There are ways to respond when your car goes into a slide to minimize the loss of control. Car accidents, including truck accidents such as when a tractor-trailer does a jackknife due to loss of traction, can sometimes be avoided merely by slowing down and using small, measured reactions with your steering. Using your brakes, if done incorrectly, can cause you to lose control and collide with other vehicles or things.
Winter driving conditions make it more difficult for judges, juries and personal injury lawyers to evaluate who, if anyone, was driving negligently and whether they may be responsible for someone else’s personal injury or property damage. One element of negligence requires proof that someone deviated from a customary standard of care. Slippery roads, occasional detours, and unique situations may result in one person concluding that a driver was negligent, while another person may conclude otherwise. Car accidents resulting in personal injury can become very involved and complex when resulting from winter driving conditions. It is even more important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer assisting you with evaluating the case and representing you throughout the case to protect your rights and advocate for you.
If you or a loved one fall victim to a car accident that you believe may have been caused by someone’s negligence, then it is imperative that you contact a Maine personal injury lawyer. You must act quickly because there is a statute of limitations that restricts the time within which you can take legal action. Don’t talk to the other party’s insurance company representative. You should rely upon an experienced Maine injury lawyer to assist you in gaining legal compensation for injuries and damages that you have suffered. Contact Marchese Injury Law, P.A. Call us toll free from anywhere in the nation at (207) 775-6042. Enjoy your winter activities…that is one of the reasons why we live in Maine. Do your best to drive safely in winter conditions.
