How Colorado Snows Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim

 Posted on September 14, 2020 in Car Accident

Over Labor Day weekend, Fort Collins experienced its earliest snow accumulation in over 130 years, reminding Coloradans once again of the state’s extreme weather fluctuations and the possibility for hazardous road conditions at almost any time of the year. It is never too early to start preparing for the necessary safety precautions when driving on snowy and icy roads so that you can avoid being injured in a car accident or causing a crash that injures someone else.

Precautions for Driving in Snow in Colorado

As a driver, there are many ways that you can take responsibility for preventing accidents in snowy weather, including:

• Check your tires: Make sure your tires are properly inflated and that they have adequate tread. You may choose to use snow tires during the late fall and winter months, or have chains ready for driving during or after a heavy snowfall.

• Reduce your speed: Do not rely on posted speed limit signs to determine safe speeds during snowy conditions. Instead, adjust your speed to make sure it is safe for the current conditions.

• Leave room between your car and other vehicles: Leaving extra space between vehicles gives you more time to react if someone begins to skid, or simply to come to a stop when traffic slows in front of you.

• Brake gently: Give yourself time to brake gradually so you can avoid sudden, heavy pressure that may cause your brakes to lock, making it easy to lose control of your vehicle.

• Use low-beam headlights: During a heavy snowfall, using your regular headlights instead of high beams can improve visibility for yourself and other drivers on the road.

• Stay off the road: Whenever possible, try to avoid driving during a snowstorm or after a heavy snowfall. This may be the only surefire way to completely avoid an accident.

Liability for a Car Accident in the Snow

The same driving behaviors that may be safe on clear roads can be considered negligent when there are dangerous road conditions. If a driver causes an accident because he or she was traveling too fast or following too closely for the current road conditions, he or she may be liable for damages related to any resulting injuries. If you are hurt in a collision in the snow, you should try to take pictures of the weather and road conditions in addition to your vehicle damage and injuries so that you have plenty of evidence to support a personal injury claim.

Contact a Fort Collins Car Accident Lawyer

As snow becomes increasingly frequent over the coming months in Colorado, the skilled legal team at Hoggatt Injury Law is here to help you pursue compensation for injuries caused by another driver’s negligence. Contact our qualified Larimer County personal injury attorneys today at 970-225-2190 to request a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.npr.org/2020/09/08/910677557/in-48-hours-colorados-wild-weather-sets-records-for-both-heat-and-snow

https://www.drivesmartcolorado.com/traffic-safety/winter-driving-tips/