Wintertime in Chicago is a dangerous time to be on the road. Between snow, ice, and blustering winds, winter weather makes road conditions less than ideal. There are some steps you can take to prevent winter auto accidents if you plan ahead and pay attention to you driving. For example, snow tires can prevent slipping and sliding in the snow and ice, and cautious, slow driving can prevent a collision. However, not all accidents are entirely preventable. Unfortunately, they happen every day. So what should you do if you’re in a winter auto accident? Below are Zimmerman Law Offices’s top 5 tips for Winter Auto Accidents in Chicago!
1. Get to the side of the road
You’ll want to pull over to the right side of the road as soon as possible and if at all possible after a collision. Staying in the middle of the road puts others in danger. Get as far away from traffic as possible as quickly as you can to avoid any more accidents.
2. Stay in the vehicle & put hazard lights on
Stay in the car with your seatbelt on and put on the hazards to warn other drivers of where you are. If you have a flare on hand, you can use this to call attention to your vehicle. Stay in the car and call for help. Remain there until the authorities arrive. Do not get out of your car and stand on the road, as this only puts you at risk of getting hit by oncoming traffic.
3. If you’re stuck in the snow
Stuck in the snow? Don’t spin the tires too much—you can dig yourself even deeper. Accelerate slowly and straighten the wheels. Try rocking the car back and forth to get unstuck. It’s a good idea to carry sand or road salt in your trunk for situations like this. Putting this in front of tires can help your vehicle gain traction and get you out of a tight spot.
4. Preserve Evidence
Once the authorities have arrived, make sure to try to document the scene of the accident as well as you can. You’ll want to photograph things like damage to vehicles, road conditions, and anything else that may have contributed to the accident. Get the other driver’s information and contact information for any witnesses you may talk to. Report the accident to your insurance company but do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company.
5. Call An Auto Accident Attorney
If you’ve been in an auto accident in Chicago this winter, give an experienced lawyer a call. Zimmerman Law Offices represents victims of Chicago car accidents. There are a lot of moving parts in an auto accident case, so you’ll want to put your trust in someone with years of experience dealing with these types of cases. Call Zimmerman Law Offices today for your consultation!
