Car Accidents on Icy Street or Highways

It is very important during the winter months to be aware of the changing weather conditions and the rapidly changing road conditions as well. It is very important to drive carefully and make sure you have the proper distances between you and the vehicles in front of you when the roads are snowy and icy. Sometimes motorists are in a hurry to get somewhere, or because they simply forgot to pay attention to conditions and adjust their driving, they will slide through an intersection, fishtail in front of you on the highway, or crash into the back of your car at a light. Often, the principal or a contributing factor is the other driver’s failure to properly remove ice or snow from their car before getting on the road. If you have been injured following an accident as a result of someone else’s negligence for not operating their vehicles carefully for the weather conditions, you want an experienced lawyer to help protect your legal rights so that you may receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.

At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we have been representing New Jersey residents for more than 25 years in all types of personal injury cases in Morristown, Denville, and Newark, and throughout New Jersey. Attorney Todd Leonard has been selected as a New Jersey Super Lawyer in 2011. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact our office online, or call us at (973) 920-7900.

When You Are Injured in a Car Crash on Snowy or Icy Roads

When you get behind the wheel of a car in New Jersey, you assume a duty to act as any reasonable person would in the same circumstances. If there is snow or ice on the road, you must operate your vehicle in a prudent way. Generally, this requires that drive at slower overall speeds, and that you pay close attention to your need to brake, tapping rather than slamming brakes. It also involves properly preparing your vehicle to minimize the risk of injury to others. This can include:

• Taking the time before you get on the road to remove all ice and snow from windows, hood or roof of your car, so that your view of road conditions is not impeded.
• Ensuring that your heating and window defrosting system are properly functioning, so that your windows are clear.
• Allowing your vehicle to warm up before you get on the road, so that your defrosting system is fully functional before you get on the road.
• Making certain that brakes are working and that your tires have adequate tread.

If you are involved in a car accident, you should safely pull to the side of the road and contact your local police department. If you are injured, you should seek immediate medical care.

In 2010, New Jersey legislature passed a new law, known as the “Ice and Snow Removal Law,” whereby motorists may be ticketed for failing to properly remove ice and snow from windshields, windows, side view mirrors, hoods and roofs of their cars. Since October, 2010, thousands have been cited for violating this law.

Contact Todd J. Leonard Law Firm

For a free initial consultation, contact our firm by e-mail or call the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, at (973) 920-7900. Se habla español.