Winter-Related Car Accidents in Indiana

Indiana is ranked high by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the top deadliest states for winter car accidents. Winter weather kills more Americans each year on the road than any other weather danger, and if you have lived through an Indiana winter, you know that driving during the snow and ice season can be a challenging experience. As a whole, Indiana gets over two feet of snow per year; however, certain areas in the northern part of the state can see over five feet of snow per year. Here is what you should know about winter-related car accidents in Indiana.

Top Winter Weather Conditions That Affect Driving in Indiana

Snow and ice don’t carry liability insurance. It is a strong reminder that vehicle crashes and accidents on Indiana roads are not the faults of the weather. With mid-winter driving conditions, it is important to familiarize yourself with safe driving practices. Here are some of the causes of winter accidents:

Temperatures Cause Winter-Related Car Accidents

While you may not be aware, cold weather itself can affect or even damage your car. Cold temperatures can affect a car’s battery, the engine fluids like oil, brake and transmission fluids and antifreeze, tire pressure, wipers and window washing fluid, or a car’s spark plugs and ignition. Cars that don’t start properly or don’t run as intended can cause an accident or contribute to a drivers’ distractibility.

Ice Fog

Also known as freezing or frozen fog, this occurs when tiny droplets of water freeze on a surface, such as a roadway, sidewalks, vehicles, and trees. Often caused by ice fog, black ice that forms on a roadway or walkway is difficult to see, meaning you are not expecting it to be there, as a pedestrian or a driver.

Low Visibility Cause Winter-Related Car Accidents

Heavy snow and blizzards throughout the winter can decrease a driver’s visibility, making it difficult to see even a few feet in front of you. Stay home if you can, but in the event of driving through low visibility, it is important you have functioning windshield wipers and working heat in your vehicle, and to keep a close eye on your surroundings.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Routine check-ups on your car or truck are important any time of year, but especially during the winter. If your car or truck is having issues, winter weather conditions can be even more of a test for your vehicle. Checking tires, windshield wipers, defroster fans, fog lights, and working headlights are important before heading out into uncertain weather conditions.

Driving Tips During Winter

Here are some of the driving tips you can employ during the winter season to avoid or minimize chances of a car accident:

Clear Your Vehicle of Snow and Ice

Make sure before you get behind the wheel that your vehicle is clear of all the ice and snow. Clearing only the windows and windshields may not be enough, as when you drive, snow on your vehicle’s roof can become dislodged and obstruct your view while driving, creating dangerous visibility issues while you’re in motion.

Keep Your Car Well-Gassed

In cold temperatures, it’s important to keep your gas tank full. When the tank gets below ¼ full in cold weather, the possibility of the gasoline blend separating becomes higher. This can freeze and cause problems. Additionally, because of the dangers of exposure during the winter, keeping your car fueled helps ensure you won’t become stranded somewhere due to an empty tank.

Handle a Skid With Calm

There is no more helplessness of a feeling than when your car begins to skid on a snow-covered road. It even happens to the most experienced of drivers. Fortunately, there are proper ways to handle skids that can greatly reduce your chances of ending up in an accident. The first instinct most drivers have when they begin to skid is to smash the brake to the floor. Try to avoid this! Instead, immediately take your foot off the gas pedal, keep both hands on the wheel, and gently steer in the direction you want the car to go. Apply breaks slowly when the car is in a stable condition. 

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Winter-Related Car Accident if You Received a Settlement Offer?

Shortly after many winter weather accidents, insurance companies may offer settlements to victims—often before they retain an attorney. While retaining a lawyer may seem unnecessary if the insurance company is willing to settle, first settlement offers are often for much less than a victim deserves. In addition, accurately determining the compensation to which a victim is entitled usually requires significant legal training and experience.

A lawyer will evaluate your losses and determine how much you should expect to receive from your car accident case. In addition, your lawyer will handle negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf and may file a lawsuit to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve under Indiana law.

Learn More About Winter-Related Car Accidents in Indiana

If tragedy strikes and you or someone you love is injured in a winter driving accident, please call Boulton Law Group for a completely free consultation. We will put our decades of experience to work for you. We aggressively represent clients in settlement negotiations and at trial. We understand how to obtain full and fair compensation for our clients, and we work diligently on each and every case. To learn more about how we can help you with your claim, contact us today.