Connecticut is known for its cold, snowy winters. Unfortunately, the cold weather in Connecticut often leads to car accidents due to reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces.
If you were injured in a cold-weather auto accident in Connecticut, it’s essential to understand how the accident occurred and who could be liable for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other losses.
How Cold Weather Impacts Connecticut Road Safety
Cold weather can impact Connecticut road safety in two main ways. The first is reduced visibility caused by winter storms and frosted windshields, and the second is reduced traction caused by snow and ice covering the state’s roads.
Driving the same way in cold weather conditions as you would in the middle of the summer is a recipe for disaster in CT. You may not have time to avoid cold-weather driving hazards that were obscured from view due to heavy snowfall. And even if you have the time to react, your vehicle may slide across the road rather than coming to a complete stop at a safe distance.
Connecticut Accident Trends During Winter Months
According to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, there are actually fewer accidents resulting in injury during the cold months of January, February, and March when compared to the summer months. However, this is likely because there is typically less traffic at that time of year.
The one notable exception is December. In December, many people travel for the holidays, and data consistently show a spike in winter driving accidents that cause property damage and injuries during that month.
Common Types of Cold-Weather Auto Accidents
Some of the most common cold-weather driving risks include:
- Rear-end collisions caused by slippery conditions
- Off-road incidents where cars leave the roadway due to ice
- T-bone collisions caused by vehicles sliding into intersections
- Spin-outs caused by drivers applying the gas too quickly when the road is slick
The best way to avoid a cold-weather auto accident is to adjust your driving to the road and weather conditions. When bad weather leads to poor visibility or slippery roads, you should slow down and drive defensively. Turning on your high beams or hazard lights can also help prevent collisions in poor visibility conditions.
Who Is Responsible for Winter-Related Crashes?
Several parties could be responsible for the winter-weather crash that harmed you. In many cases, the at-fault party is another driver who failed to reduce their speed to match the winter conditions. However, government entities and third-party snowplow services could also be at fault if they failed to clear the snow and ice from the roads in a reasonable time.
Your lawyer will identify all at-fault parties as part of their investigation into winter crashes and will gather the evidence needed to hold them financially accountable.
Contact Our Connecticut Car Accident Attorneys for Help
Since 1990, D’Amico Pettinicchi has been representing Connecticut accident victims and their families, helping them seek fair compensation for their injuries. If you were in a collision caused by winter weather, contact our law firm for a free case evaluation with an experienced Connecticut car accident lawyer.
