During the winter season, Maryland’s weather offers picturesque scenery, but it can also create treacherous driving conditions. As such, it’s crucial to practice defensive driving during this time of the year, such as maintaining a safe following distance and adjusting your speed according to the road conditions to prevent collisions. Please continue reading to learn the most common winter driving hazards you should look out for and how a trusted Prince George’s County Auto Accident Lawyer can fight for you today.
What Winter Driving Hazards Should I Be Aware Of?
Although this may seem obvious, the most common driving hazards during the winter season have to do with inclement weather, such as snow and ice. Black ice on the road is particularly dangerous because it can be hard to see and can cause a total loss of control of your vehicle. Slippery surfaces can drastically reduce the traction on the road. As such, you should stay tuned to the weather forecast and stay off the roads. If you must drive, take additional precautions such as driving at slower speeds and keeping greater distances between yourself and other vehicles.
Another common driving hazard during the winter is poor visibility. It’s important to understand that the winter days are shorter, meaning motorists are confronted with more hours of darkness. Additionally, there may be layers of snow or ice on your windows, mirrors, and headlights, which can lead to diminished road visibility. To improve visibility, you should clear your vehicle of snow before getting behind the wheel and ensure your headlights are in working order.
Who is Potentially Liable?
Depending on the unique circumstances of your accident, multiple parties may bear liability. For instance, your local municipality may be responsible for plowing the roads from snow and salting the roads in an appropriate timeframe post-snowfall. If the municipality fails to fulfill its duties, it may be held liable for your endured damages. However, it’s much more likely that another motorist was at fault for the accident by failing to adjust their driving techniques to inclement weather conditions.
At Timian & Fawcett, LLC, we are prepared to help you identify negligent parties and navigate the claims process. If you have been injured in an accident related to winter driving hazards, please don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Prince George’s County auto accident lawyer who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and need to get your life back on track. Connect with our dedicated legal team today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
