If you’re a New Jersey driver, this time of year can be stressful if you’re afraid of getting into an auto accident. There are many road conditions that can occur as a result of winter weather like snow, sleet, and ice. Thankfully, there are also plenty of tips you can follow to prevent the possibility of a car accident this winter. To learn more about winter driving hazards in New Jersey, read on or reach out to an Essex County Auto Accident Lawyer today!
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON WINTER DRIVING HAZARDS AND HOW CAN I AVOID THEM?
Out of the various hazards that you could come across this winter, the most common and sometimes most dangerous is icy roads. You should be especially careful if you come across black ice because it is invisible to drivers, meaning you won’t know you’re driving on ice until your car starts slipping. You can avoid accidents on icy or snowy roads by driving slowly and carefully by keeping a significant distance from other vehicles. You can also purchase snow tires or chains to prevent your car from slipping during the winter months. It’s important to take care of your tires all year but especially the winter months when you’ll really need high-quality tires.
Another common hazard is poor visibility. It’s a state law in New Jersey to clean all the snow and sleet off your car before driving. This prevents snow from affecting both your visibility and the visibility of other drivers, since snow could fall off your car while driving and possibly hit other vehicles. Driving through a snowstorm or rainstorm could also cause poor visibility. You should also keep an emergency kit in your car in case your battery fails during the wintertime, especially since freezing cold temperatures can possibly damage your car’s components.
WHO IS LIABLE AFTER A WINTER AUTO ACCIDENT?
If you get into a car accident due to winter road conditions, you might wonder who is liable for your expenses. New Jersey is a no-fault state, meaning that you’ll have to rely on your own insurance no matter who caused the car accident. The only way to earn compensation from the other driver’s insurance is by filing a personal injury claim. You can win restitution by proving in court that the other driver acted negligently which directly caused the accident that subsequently led to your injuries. However, negligence can be hard to prove in winter auto accidents because even the safest drivers can lose control of their vehicle on an icy road.
If you’ve recently been involved in a winter auto accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who has your best interests in mind. Rubenstein, Berliner & Shinrod, LLC is here to help! Contact us today for an initial consultation.
