We’re lucky to have mild winters here in Atlanta. But when a cold snap or winter storm does hit, our roads can quickly become hazards. Snowy and icy road conditions cause dozens of accidents in the area each year, and while many of them are minor, some are tragically serious, totaling cars and leaving drivers and passengers with painful injuries.
If you’ve had an accident on icy roads, seeking advice from a dedicated Car Accident Lawyer in Atlanta at John Foy and Associates can make all the difference in your claim.
At John Foy & Associates, our entire law practice is devoted to helping accident victims recover money for their injuries. We’ve been doing this for 20 years, and in that time, we’ve built a reputation as one of the top personal injury law firms in Georgia. We’d like to show you what we can do for you.
Schedule a free consultation and we’ll sit down with you and talk about your accident and the options you have. Call us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation today. If you’ve faced any personal injuries, our Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney is here to assist, ensuring you get the justice you rightly deserve
Why Are Icy Roads So Dangerous in Atlanta?
Since winter weather is rare here, drivers and local authorities tend to be less prepared for snow and ice than people up north. State and local transportation authorities may put salt or sand on roads in preparation for a storm. Major roads are most likely to be treated, but side streets, residential streets, and alleys can get icy quickly.
Drivers in the City of Atlanta are also generally unaccustomed to driving in icy conditions, so they may be unsure of how to react when a car goes into a skid.
But icy roads present unique hazards no matter where they’re located:
- Icy roads lack traction, so cars need more stopping time and are more likely to skid.
- Some ice is difficult to see because it blends in with the color of the pavement, especially at night or in shadowy areas. This “black ice” is especially hazardous.
- When roads are starting to ice up, people may clog the roads trying to get home or to the store to stock up on supplies. This can increase the incidence of road rage and aggressive driving.
- Winter storms can be unpredictable, and local officials may underestimate the path or severity of the storm and not apply sand or salt quickly enough. In addition, when sand is used, it does not prevent ice from forming—it only helps with traction.
- Melting snow is hazardous because as the temperature drops at night, it can refreeze. Roads that were safe to drive on in the afternoon can be hazardous at night.
- Bridges and overpasses freeze more quickly than other roadways because of the cold air underneath them.
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Who’s at Fault in an Icy Road Accident?
Sometimes, the accident isn’t anybody’s fault, but many accidents could have been avoided if someone had been more careful. When someone isn’t as careful as they should have been, they are “negligent” and can be held legally liable for the damage and injury that results. We commonly see the following people at fault in winter weather accidents:
- A driver who was tailgating
- A driver who was driving too fast for the road conditions
- A driver who wasn’t paying adequate attention
- A driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- A reckless driver, such as one who is changing lanes aggressively
But drivers aren’t the only cause of winter weather accidents. Even if you were the only car involved, in many cases someone else’s negligence caused your accident. This might be because of:
- Poorly maintained roads
- A failure to clear ice and snow from the road or apply salt
- A malfunction in brakes, tires, or other parts of a vehicle
- A defective vehicle
If you have been involved in an accident on a snowy or icy road, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. A good personal injury lawyer can investigate the facts surrounding your case and help you find out whether you have a claim.
What Should I Do If the Roads Are Icy?
Icy roads are dangerous, and knowing how to handle them could save your life. Here are some tips for navigating icy conditions:
- Slow down. If you feel your car starting to slide or fishtail, slow down even more. The posted speed limit is not a safe speed in icy weather.
- Brake gently. Applying your brakes too hard can trigger a skid, and anti-lock brakes aren’t very effective on ice and snow.
- Increase your stopping and following distances. It takes longer for a car to stop on ice, so keep plenty of space between yourself and the car in front of you and begin applying your brakes well before you need to stop.
- If you start to slide, turn your wheel in the direction the rear of your car is sliding. Be careful not to turn too far and “overcorrect.”
- Avoid hills. If you can’t get enough traction going up an icy hill, you may begin to slide backward. Going downhill you may be unable to control your speed and may slide off the roadway.
But the best advice is to stay home during winter weather emergencies. By staying off the roads you avoid accidents and keep the roads clear for sand and salt crews and emergency vehicles.
What Costs Can I Recover in an Icy Road Accident Claim?
Icy road accidents are no different than other types of car accidents: you are entitled to ALL the costs and damages resulting from any accident that wasn’t your fault. Depending on the exact circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to:
- Your medical expenses
- Prescription drug expenses
- The cost of therapies such as physical or rehabilitative therapy
- The cost of repairing your car or replacing a totaled car
- Lost wages, if your accident caused you to miss time from work.
Some accident victims can recover far more. If you were seriously injured, the local courts might award you pain and suffering damages, damages for a disability, or punitive damages.
Talk to an Atlanta Icy Road Accident Lawyer for Free
Icy roads present unique hazards for even the best and most experienced drivers. If you’ve been involved in an accident on an icy road, someone else may be legally responsible for your injuries. At John Foy & Associates, we’d like to help you get the financial recovery you’re entitled to.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to talk about your case. Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
We’re lucky to have mild winters here in Atlanta. But when a cold snap or winter storm does hit, our roads can quickly become hazards. Snowy and icy road conditions cause dozens of accidents in the area each year, and while many of them are minor, some are tragically serious, totaling cars and leaving drivers and passengers with painful injuries.
If you are in an accident on an icy road, you do not have to shoulder the responsibility for the cost of your injuries. An Atlanta icy road accident lawyer can help you get the money you need.
At John Foy & Associates, our entire law practice is devoted to helping accident victims recover money for their injuries. We’ve been doing this for 20 years, and in that time, we’ve built a reputation as one of the top personal injury law firms in Georgia. We’d like to show you what we can do for you.
Schedule a free consultation and we’ll sit down with you and talk about your accident and the options you have. Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
