Winter Driving Accidents in Chicago
Were you injured in a car accident during the winter in Chicago? Unfortunately, car crashes involving inclement weather are all too common in Illinois. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), over 2,000 people are killed and nearly 200,000 are injured each year nationwide in winter weather-related car accidents.
Chicago drivers are no strangers to winter weather. We see about 38 inches of snow in a typical year. However, familiarity cannot prevent accidents caused by negligent drivers or parties responsible for maintaining the roads.
If you’ve been injured in a winter weather accident that was someone else’s fault, you could be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries and other crash-related losses. At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we have the experience and knowledge to aggressively advocate for your rights and pursue maximum financial relief for your losses.
Contact a Chicago car accident attorney at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. today for a free consultation with a winter driving accident attorney.
How an Experienced Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Winter Driving Accident
For over 40 years, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has been advocating for the rights of injury victims in Chicago and throughout Illinois. We’ve recovered over $2.5 billion for our clients, including the largest personal injury verdict award for an individual in Illinois history. Our legal team is prepared to seek the compensation you need for medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and other losses.
We understand that the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming. That’s why our team will handle every detail of your case, allowing you to take the time you need to recover from your injuries. Our car accident lawyers are ready to investigate the accident, communicate with the insurance company for you, negotiate with insurance adjusters and lawyers, and work tirelessly in pursuit of the financial relief and accountability you deserve.
Don’t try to navigate the legal system alone. The team of top litigators with Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has the resources and skills to fight for your rights and the outcome you need. You can learn more about how we can help through a free initial consultation.
What Are Common Causes of Winter Weather Car Accidents in Chicago?
Illinois winters often bring a combination of snow, ice, high winds, and sub-freezing (and sometimes sub-zero) temperatures. These weather conditions can lead to various traffic accidents if motorists fail to take necessary precautions.
Some of the most common causes of winter weather accidents include:
- Failure to adjust speed for slick roads – Snow, sleet, ice, and freezing rain can make the roads slippery, which makes it harder to avoid collisions. Snow-covered or icy pavement requires a far greater stopping distance, and drivers often misjudge how much time and space they need. Slick surfaces also affect steering performance, making skids and spinouts more likely if drivers don’t adjust their habits for the conditions.
- Failure to account for low visibility – A winter storm can create low visibility conditions that contribute to collisions. Driving during a snowstorm is dangerous, and high winds that create blizzard conditions on the ground make it even harder to see and stop in time to avoid a crash. The sun can also reflect off the snow, temporarily blinding drivers and presenting a risk to everyone on the road.
- Poor or insufficient vehicle maintenance – Low tire pressure, bald tires, old windshield wipers, and failure to remove snow accumulation on vehicles can contribute to traffic collisions, particularly in winter weather.
How Does Winter Weather Affect Illinois Traffic?
Winter weather can create hazardous driving conditions, including poor visibility due to heavy rain or snow and icy or slippery roads. Some drivers may find it challenging to react sufficiently to these dangers to avoid causing collisions. In contrast, others may become frustrated by the weather conditions and resort to negligent or reckless driving.
When a driver is negligent, reckless, or careless in bad weather, they pose a significant danger to other road users.
According to the FHWA, snow and ice “reduce pavement friction and vehicle maneuverability,” resulting in slower speeds and reduced roadway capacity, which increase the risk of accidents. The FHWA reports that average speeds on roadways decline by 30 to 40 percent on snowy or slushy pavement, while freeway speeds decrease by 3 to 13 percent in light snow and 5 to 40 percent in heavy snow. Furthermore, snow accumulation can obstruct roads and expressways, reducing capacity and increasing travel time delays.
What Are Drivers’ Responsibilities in Winter Weather?
Drivers should keep several things in mind when going out in winter weather:
- Drivers must clear all snow and ice from their windows, headlights, and taillights before hitting the road.
- Motorists must drive slower in winter weather and maintain additional space between themselves and other vehicles.
- Drivers should apply the brakes slowly and steadily to gauge traction on icy or slippery roads.
- Drivers should watch for ice, including black ice, especially in shaded areas and on turns, bridges, and overpasses.
- Drivers should use snow tires and chains when necessary.
- Drivers must keep up with routine vehicle maintenance, especially before traveling for the holidays.
Motorists should stock their vehicles with necessary supplies if they’re stranded, stuck in traffic, or involved in a collision. Food, water, blankets, cat litter (for traction), a shovel, phone chargers, a snow brush, jumper cables, and extra windshield washer fluid can all come in handy.
Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for Help with Your Winter Weather Crash
Were you injured in a winter driving accident someone else caused? If so, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other losses. The experienced car accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. want to help you pursue the financial relief you deserve. For over 40 years, our dedicated attorneys have advocated for the rights of injury victims in Chicago. We are ready to do the same for you.
Contact our office today for a free no-obligation consultation with a car accident attorney and learn more about your legal options after a winter weather crash.
