To prepare for several months of unpredictable roadway conditions, drivers need to take several key precautions. Just a little bit of planning can help reduce the risk of getting into an avoidable car accident and needing the help of a lawyer.
Get the Car Checked in Late Autumn or Early Winter
A driver should take their car to a mechanic before the arrival of the winter season. A mechanic can perform a tune-up, top off liquids, check the lights, make sure the heater works, rotate the tires, and look for any problematic signs. Having a thoroughly checked-out car going into winter lessens the likelihood of a sudden breakdown in freezing weather.
Thoroughly Clean the Car
A car will only continue to get dirtier throughout wintertime. A motorist should wash the car’s exterior and then continue to keep it clean as it gets an inevitable build-up of salt and soil during the winter months. Additionally, a motorist may want to thoroughly scrub the interior of the car, paying special attention to floor mats. Overly worn floor mats should be replaced to improve their ability to collect moisture and debris, keeping wetness off the rest of the car’s interior.
Update the Emergency Roadside Kit
All vehicles should have a roadside kit in the backseat or trunk. This kit should include everything from jumper cables to flares. If the kit has not been updated or replaced in a while, it may be worth buying a new kit at a local big box retailer or online. Over time, flares can lose their efficacy, and tools can become lost. It is much better to have reliable items, especially in an emergency situation.
Pack Extra Cold-Weather Gear in the Car
Getting stranded is dangerous without the right types of helpful items on hand. A driver should create their own cold-weather gear box to keep in the car for unexpected situations. The box can be filled with blankets, extra gloves, additional footwear, water bottles, and non-perishable food items. Adding some replacement windshield wipers in the cold-weather gear box can make it easier to swap out blades.
Check All Charging Cables
A motorist should routinely examine their charging cords for fraying or other issues. Charging ports and cables are essential during emergencies to stay in touch with police and other first responders. Although a driver should not use their smartphone while operating a vehicle, they will need it if they break down.
Watch Out for Deer
Roadways are filled with deer in the fall and winter. Deer often spring into the road without any warning. A motorist who collides with a deer should remember to stay in their vehicle and call 9-1-1. It is not advisable to get near a wounded deer. A newer driver should also be reminded of how to react if they have an accident with a deer.
Consult with a Lawyer After a Serious Winter Wreck
Despite preparing for the worst, a driver may end up getting into crash. If the crash ends in a significant or catastrophic injury, the motorist may want to consult with a local lawyer before accepting any insurance settlement offer. A lawyer will help the victim start a personal injury claim.
Delaware County Personal Injury Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Help Victims of Winter Car Crashes Receive Adequate Damages
If you have a car accident injury, one of our Delaware County personal injury lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. can help you. Call us at 610-565-3701 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.