Winter Weather in South Texas Leads to Serious Car Accidents
Drivers in South Central Texas rarely have to contend with severe winter weather conditions, but this can mean that when such conditions do arrive, they can be all the more dangerous. In recent days, as a rare winter storm has brought about the accumulation of ice and snow, police departments in New Braunfels, San Antonio, and the surrounding areas have received more than 100 reports of car accidents related to the weather, and several of them have been fatal. During this difficult time, it is important for Texas residents to be aware that they can pursue compensation for car accident injuries through a personal injury claim, even when the weather is a contributing factor in the accident.
How Can Texas Drivers Stay Safe in Winter Weather?
Generally, the best way to avoid an accident in winter weather is to avoid driving entirely while conditions are dangerous, as many Texas officials are currently recommending. You should consider delaying any unnecessary trips outside of your home until the severe weather abates and the roads are cleared. However, if it is absolutely necessary to drive, you should take special care to drive safely.
Safe winter driving starts even before you leave your home. First of all, you should be sure that your vehicle is equipped for the weather. This means that your tires have substantial tread, your brakes are fully functional, and you have working lights, defrosters, and windshield wipers. You should also clear your vehicle of snow and ice as much as possible so that you are able to see your surroundings while you are on the road.
While you are driving, you should be sure that your speed is safe for the current conditions, even if that means traveling at a rate significantly lower than the posted speed limit. Braking and turning should be gradual so that you avoid sudden actions that can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You should also leave plenty of space between your car and other vehicles so that you have time to react if you need to stop or if another vehicle loses control.
Pursuing Compensation from an Unsafe Driver
People who choose to drive during unsafe weather conditions can put themselves and others at risk, especially if they do not take the necessary safety precautions. While weather and road conditions may contribute to a crash, a driver can still be found negligent if their behavior contributes to another person’s injuries. This may be the case if the accident was simply due to the driver’s inexperience with snowy and icy conditions, and it is even more likely when a driver’s dangerous behavior, like drunk or distracted driving, is coupled with the hazardous weather.
Contact a New Braunfels Personal Injury Attorney
With car accidents increasingly likely to occur under Texas’s recent weather conditions, The Bettersworth Law Firm is ready to rise to the occasion to represent those who have been injured. We can help you demonstrate another driver’s negligence in a winter accident and recover fair compensation for your injuries and their effects. Contact a New Braunfels car accident lawyer for a free consultation at 830-443-9193.
Sources:
https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Winter-weather-expected-through-Thursday-15955309.php
https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/02/15/3-killed-on-roads-due-to-weather-related-crashes-san-antonio-police-say/
https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/02/15/san-antonio-police-respond-to-more-than-100-calls-for-weather-related-accidents-since-sunday-afternoon/
