New Hampshire Car Accidents Increase as Winter Weather Approaches
December 16, 2019
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, inclement weather, including snow and ice, is responsible for over 1,800 deaths and 136,000 injuries each year. Some car accidents are not preventable; however, many occur because drivers, property owners, and pedestrians do not take appropriate precautions when driving or walking through snow and ice. The high rate of weather-related car accidents should serve as a warning to drivers that it is crucial to operate their vehicles safely during these weather conditions.
New Hampshire drivers should make sure to prepare their vehicles for winter conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some steps that drivers can take to avoid a weather-related car accident are to clear off headlights and windshields, remove snow from their car, make sure that their car has enough antifreeze, and periodically inspect their tires. Drivers should also check weather reports to prepare for the road conditions and consider alternative routes, since bridges and overpasses may become icy before other surfaces do. Furthermore, drivers should take steps to improve their visibility by keeping their headlights on. Most importantly, drivers should reduce their speed and keep a safe distance from the car in front of them. The winter season brings both higher rates of vehicle travel and treacherous weather conditions, so drivers must engage in these safe behaviors. Recent reports indicate that many cities are urging their residents to take additional precautions when traveling during the holiday season. Some are suggesting that residents use public transportation and evaluate whether travel is necessary or safe.
When New Hampshire drivers engage in unsafe driving behaviors, they may be liable for the injuries that their actions cause. Accidents can occur when snow and ice fly off car roofs, when a driver follows too closely, or when their excessive speed causes a collision. Additionally, New Hampshire has statutes in place that require property owners to exercise reasonable care in the maintenance of their property. This means that property owners that do not rely on commercial salt applicators must ensure that their property is salted for people visiting their property.
Weather-related car accidents can cause serious bodily harm and even death. Drivers and passengers injured because of negligent New Hampshire motorists should recover the damages that they suffered in these car accidents.
Have You Been Involved in a Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries because of a negligent driver, you should contact the New Hampshire car accident attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. Winter weather accidents typically result in severe injuries that can have long-lasting and potentially fatal consequences. Our attorneys understand the devastating financial and physical repercussions that these car accidents can have for a victim and their loved ones. We are dedicated to representing the rights of New Hampshire victims and getting them the compensation that they deserve. We have an impressive record of successfully representing New Hampshire car accident victims and can help you get the compensation that you need. Contact our law firm at 800-804-2004 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney on our legal team.