If you have ever found yourself on the road during a heavy downpour or on a frigid winter day, you may know firsthand the difficulties of driving in bad weather. Unfortunately, Columbus drivers may be particularly susceptible to the effects of bad weather on their motor vehicles. The city infrastructure includes many overpasses, which allow cold air underneath to ice up the surface quicker than other roads at ground-level. Columbus is also situated at a climatic crossroads in terms of cold weather, and often experiences that dangerous mix between ice and snow.
There are several measures drivers can take to prevent crashes with other vehicles due to suboptimal road conditions. The best way to stay safe in bad weather is to stay off the road. However, traffic wrecks are not always avoidable even when drivers take appropriate precautions. If another motorist injured you or a loved one in a bad weather car accident in Columbus, the legal team at O’Conner, Acciani & Levy is here to help with the financial and legal aftermath. For more information on what to do following a car crash, reach out to one of our experienced Columbus car accident attorneys today.
Warning Signs and Precautions in Hazardous Road Conditions
When driving in cold or stormy weather, there are several warning signs to look out for to protect against car wrecks. For example, if the road gives off a strong glare under headlights, it may be additionally slick and hazardous to drive on. It is always a good habit for drivers in Columbus to reduce their speed by around 10 miles per hour during rainy, snowy, and/or icy conditions. This will allow them more time to react to potential hazards, such as other drivers that have lost control of their vehicles.
Other safety precautions that drivers can take to reduce the likelihood of weather-related car collisions include:
- Checking tires before driving
- Making sure there is enough traction between their tires and the road
- Traveling at a safe speed for the weather conditions to avoid hydroplaning or sliding
- Ceasing travel if their car is showing signs of not being able to handle the weather
What to do after a Bad Weather Car Crash in Columbus
After any vehicle collision, those involved should first seek appropriate medical care. However, once any injuries have been tended to, there are several steps a Columbus driver can take to prepare for any potential legal actions. If they are at the scene of the crash, it is a good idea to snap photographs with their cell phone or camera. They should also obtain the contact information of anyone who was involved or who witnessed the car accident.
After a crash due to dangerous conditions, one little known but important tip is to document the weather information. Our skilled car crash attorneys often look to the weather conditions and hour-by-hour reports to use as evidence in these types of cases. An observant lawyer at O’Conner, Acciani & Levy can also help those involved in bad weather collisions to note whether any particular signage, or lack thereof, may have contributed to their car accident in a hazardous area of Columbus.
Contact a Columbus Attorney to Discuss Recovery for Bad Weather Car Accidents
Nobody expects to get in a car accident, even when driving in bad weather. Most people are unsure of how to proceed in the immediate aftermath of a crash, and it can be difficult to know how to recover damages when the environment was a contributing factor in a traffic collision.
Luckily, our law firm has extensive experience with these types of cases. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys can help research road reports, prior accident records, and a history of the road repairs in the location of your crash. We know what to look for and can thoroughly check all possibilities to establish liability in a potential personal injury claim. If you are entitled to recovery, we can work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure your economic and non-economic losses are covered. Call today to find out how our dedicated legal advocates can assist with your case.
