The snow, ice, and sleet that comes along with the winter season can make it difficult to control your vehicle while driving. Whether it’s a loss of control, sliding on black ice, or poor visibility, winter can create the perfect storm for a car accident. Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents are the number one reason for accidental injury or death in Canada. While there is no way to completely avoid the risk of an accident, here are some tips to keep in mind this season.
Preventing Wintertime Collisions
- Drive slowly: poor weather conditions make it easier for accidents to happen. These poor conditions can range from anything from heavy snowfall, sleet, slippery roads, and many more common winter hazards. It’s essential to keep your speed at a reasonable level and to drive according to the weather conditions.
- Clear off your vehicle: if your vehicle isn’t completely cleared off before you take to the roads, flying snow and even ice can fall off your vehicle as you’re driving. This can not only affect your own ability to see the road clearly, but also fellow motorists. Ensure that you clear off your vehicle of all snow or ice so that you can see the road ahead of you.
- Ensure you have winter tires on: the realities of living in Canada means two sets of tires – and ensuring that you switch over to winter tires once snow starts to fall. Winter tires are specially designed to increase traction and shorten your braking distance.
- Keep extra space between vehicles: by keeping extra space between your vehicle and others, you reduce your chances of rear ending another vehicle if your vehicle slips, skids, or slides on ice or snow. While you should always be driving cautiously with space in between vehicles, in the winter time this becomes even more important.
Pursuing Legal Action
Even with all the necessary precautions taken, motor vehicle accidents still occur. A personal injury lawyer can help if you are suffering from injuries or are seeking justice for the death of a family member as a result of a motor vehicle collision. In a case involving an injured or killed family member, there are a variety of types of compensations available, including:
- Compensation for loss of care, guidance, and companionship
- Compensation for loss of financial support and pension benefits
- Compensation for loss of household services
- Handyperson assistance
- Funeral expenses
Beckett has helped thousands of people whose lives have been affected by motor vehicle accidents and wrongful death. Our team can help you understand your legal rights and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. Our experienced personal injury lawyers have the knowledge, expertise, and compassion necessary to help you through your car accident or wrongful death claim.
If you’re ready to take the next steps in pursuing a motor vehicle accident claim, reach out to Beckett today. Visit our contact us form for a free case evaluation.
