3 Most Common Causes of Winter Auto Accidents

Winter is the most dangerous season to drive, especially in Wisconsin. Because of the long winters, low temperatures, and heavy snowfall throughout the Badger State, winter driving is something you would expect all drivers to be used to. And while Wisconsinites handle snow better than many other Americans, they still find themselves in winter car crashes, often due to the following reasons:

1. Slick Roads: Even the most winter-ready vehicle can still be difficult to control when driven over big patches of ice. Modern tires, brakes, and traction control systems are designed to keep vehicles on the road and drivers in control, but sometimes, black ice is simply too much to overcome, causing a crash.
2. Reduced Visibility: Snow can be beautiful when it’s falling and on the ground, but actual snowstorms are another matter entirely. Snowstorms can result in whiteout conditions due to intense snowfall, fog, and swirling snowflakes. Lack of visibility combined with slick roads can lead to extremely dangerous driving conditions and interstate traffic jams that go on for miles.
3. Poor Vehicle Conditions: While even winter-ready vehicles are susceptible to crashes, drivers who get behind the wheels of poorly maintained vehicles are tempting fate every time they drive during the winter. Bald tires, worn-out brakes, and poor-quality heaters and defrosters can make even a quick trip to the grocery store a potentially dangerous or even deadly affair.

Understanding Liability in Winter Weather Accidents

Winter weather can make driving conditions more difficult, but it doesn’t absolve drivers from their responsibility to operate their vehicles safely. If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, even during a winter storm, you have legal rights.

Drivers can be held accountable for these common negligent behaviors:

• Speeding: Driving too fast for the road conditions is a common cause of winter accidents.
• Failure to Maintain Vehicle: Poorly maintained vehicles, such as those with worn tires or faulty brakes, can significantly increase the risk of accidents.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or other forms of distracted driving can be especially dangerous in a snowstorm.
• Failure to Yield: Disregarding traffic signals or failing to yield the right of way can lead to accidents.

Protecting Your Rights After a Winter Weather Accident

If you’ve been injured in a winter weather accident, it’s important that you take the following steps to ensure that your rights are protected:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and well-being by seeking medical attention for any injuries. Some injuries are not immediately apparent, so even if you feel okay physically after an accident, speak with a medical professional for a second opinion.
2. Document the Accident: If possible, begin gathering information and evidence at the scene of the accident. This includes the other driver’s information, witnesses’ contact information, photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage, and a copy of the police report.
3. Speak With an Attorney: An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.

Remember, even in the harshest winter conditions, drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care. If you’ve been wronged, don’t let the snowstorm shield the negligent driver from accountability. Were you or someone you love involved in a winter crash that was caused by any of these factors AND a negligent driver? If so, we want to help. Contact the Green Bay auto accident lawyers at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.

Originally published January 7, 2021. Updated November 4, 2024.