There’s a lot to consider in terms of black ice, hydroplaning accidents, and winter driving risks. Be cautious when you drive on black ice. Otherwise, you risk a hydroplaning accident.
If another driver doesn’t account for black ice and slams their car into yours, have a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer help you deal with the aftermath of this situation.
Black Ice and Hydroplaning Accidents: Why You Need to Plan for Winter Driving Risks
Leave nothing to chance when it comes to black ice, hydroplaning accidents, and winter driving dangers. If you drive too fast on black ice or water, your car may lose traction or hydroplane. At this point, you may lose control of your car and cause an accident involving another motorist or pedestrian. On top of that, you may be held responsible for the incident.
Those who cause a black ice or hydroplaning accident may watch their insurance premiums rise. In addition, if a motorist or pedestrian suffers serious injuries in an accident, you or your insurance company may have to cover the costs of treating them.
For a free legal consultation, call (801) 266-0999
How to Protect Against Black Ice, Hydroplaning Accidents, and Other Winter Driving Risks
You can’t change the fact that black ice, hydroplaning crashes, and winter driving risks are problems for drivers. Thankfully, you have control over how you respond to black ice and water on the road.
Below are tips to help you manage wintertime driving risks before they lead to an accident involving black ice or hydroplaning.
Slow Down
Follow the maximum posted speed limits closely. Don’t rush if you’re worried about road conditions in winter. By slowing down, you’ll give yourself ample time to stop if you encounter black ice or water that causes hydroplaning.
Make Sure That There’s Plenty of Space Between Your Car and Other Vehicles
Generally, in good weather, you’ll want to maintain at least two seconds of following distance from other vehicles. When the weather is poor, and there’s the possibility of black ice or water that can cause hydroplaning, you may want to maintain up to six seconds of distance.
Avoid Sudden Moves
Hard braking or rapid acceleration can put you and others in danger. Remember, slow and steady is typically the way to go when you drive in winter. This will help you reduce the need to make sudden stops when traveling over black ice or water. Additionally, it can increase your chances of reaching your destination safely.
Do everything within your power to stay safe on the road, particularly in winter. If a motorist crashes their car into yours after driving over black ice or hydroplaning, you may hold them liable for their actions. To find out, meet with an auto accident lawyer. Next, your attorney can share FAQs and resources and help you if you want to proceed with a claim or lawsuit.
What to Do if You Drive in Winter and Come into Contact with Black Ice or Water That Results in Hydroplaning
As you learn about black ice, hydroplaning collisions, and winter driving risks, think about the worst-case scenario. Otherwise, if you don’t prepare for black ice and hydroplaning, you could make mistakes that cause harm. Here are tips to help you respond if you are driving in winter and come across black ice or water:
Don’t Slam on the Brakes
You may be tempted to press the brakes hard and repeatedly. However, if you do this, your car may skid, and you could get into an accident. Instead of slamming on the brakes, gently take your foot off the gas pedal. This will help you slow your vehicle before you lose control and cause an accident.
Guide Your Car Until You Get Traction Back
If you make sharp turns in your car while traveling over black ice or water, you may lose control and put yourself and others in danger. The moment that your car starts to veer due to black ice or hydroplaning, take a deep breath. From here, gently get your car to straighten out. Be patient, and your car will likely soon regain traction, and you’ll have control over it.
Shift Down
Drivers of manual-transmission cars may want to shift down when traveling over black ice or water. If your car starts to slide or hydroplane, shifting down may give you more control than you had previously. This control may be the difference between getting into an accident and avoiding one altogether.
If you are involved in an auto accident with a driver who ignored black ice or water, it may be beneficial to consult with a personal injury lawyer who has received dozens of positive client reviews. Your attorney can explain your legal options in depth. They may help you obtain compensation through an insurance claim or directly from the liable motorist.
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Why It Pays to Have a Lawyer on Your Side After a Black Ice or Hydroplaning Accident
Your car crash attorney can teach you all about black ice and hydroplaning accidents and winter driving risks. If someone else is at fault for your car accident that occurs due to black ice or hydroplaning, your attorney may help you get compensation through an auto insurance claim.
With Utah’s no-fault insurance coverage, you may receive compensation for your auto accident losses from your insurer, even if another driver is to blame for the incident. Following a car collision in which black ice or hydroplaning was a factor, your lawyer can negotiate an insurance settlement on your behalf.
If your auto accident losses exceed your insurance policy limits, your lawyer may encourage you to move forward with a lawsuit. By filing a lawsuit, you may recover economic and non-economic damages from the motorist liable for your black ice or hydroplaning accident. Your lawyer can calculate your losses and submit your lawsuit accordingly.
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The Bottom Line on Black Ice or Hydroplaning Accidents and Winter Driving Risks
The Siegfried & Jensen team is familiar with black ice and hydroplaning accidents and various winter driving risks.
We are here for you if you’ve been injured in a black ice or hydroplaning accident caused by another motorist. Let us serve as your legal representation. To get started, schedule a free case consultation.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
