Winter Driving Accidents in New Hampshire
Driving in New Hampshire during the winter can be hazardous. Heavy snow, ice, and sleet can make driving especially dangerous and limit the driver’s visibility and control of the vehicle.
Even though winter weather can make an accident even worse, ice, snow, or sleet is never an excuse for negligence. If another driver strikes your vehicle, they can still be held responsible for the accident. When you file a personal injury claim in New Hampshire, you seek compensation for your damages. This can include the cost of your medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Common reasons for winter driving accidents include:
Sliding – If a vehicle hits a patch of slush or “black ice” on the road, the driver may lose control and begin to slide.
Poor visibility – If you have to drive when it’s snowing, you will notice a decrease in visibility. Snow also covers objects we would ordinarily notice immediately, such as parked cars and road signs.
Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is already among the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents. When you combine distracted driving with the increased stopping distance needed while driving during winter weather conditions, it can be a recipe for disaster.
Hydroplaning: When temperatures rise above freezing and snow quickly melts, puddles can form in the road. This places motorists at risk of hydroplaning.
High winds: Violent wind gusts combined with slick road conditions and icy spots are very dangerous and can cause serious accidents.
Getting Compensation for a Winter Weather Crash
During the winter months in New Hampshire, inclement weather may be a factor in many of the crashes that occur on our roads. While the snow or ice may contribute to the crash, negligence on the part of one or more drivers is often the root cause of the accident.
During severe weather, drivers in New Hampshire have a duty to drive responsibly and take the weather into account. All drivers have a responsibility to properly prepare their vehicle for driving in winter conditions and to exercise care and caution when behind the wheel. This often means slowing down and watching for ice on the road. Failure to drive in a safe manner could result in a serious injury crash.
Tips for Handling a Winter Weather Crash
If you are involved in a collision with another vehicle during a snowstorm or other winter weather event, make sure you only exit your vehicle when it is safe. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver and call the police.
If there are any witnesses who saw the accident, try to get their contact information. Seek medical attention for your injuries as soon as you can. Take notes of all the details related to the accident. Physical evidence, such as skid marks, obscured road signage, the position of the vehicles after the crash, and more will be vital to your case.
Common Causes of Winter Weather Collisions
The experienced New Hampshire car accident lawyers at Kenison Law Office, PLLC will be ready to help you if another driver’s negligence causes you harm. Common examples of negligence in severe winter weather conditions include:
Driving too fast for the conditions
Improper vehicle maintenance
Failing to use headlights
Failing to use wipers
Tailgating
Taking turns too sharply
Contact a New Hampshire Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been seriously injured in a winter-related accident in New Hampshire, contact a skilled and compassionate Manchester car accident lawyer at Kenison Law Office, PLLC. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call now to schedule a free initial consultation.