Ohio Accident Lawyer Serving Injury Victims
Winter driving accidents happen often in Ohio given that the state experiences inclement weather during many of the days of winter, and even into the spring. Residents of Cleveland can also experience lake effect snow, requiring them to drive through heavy precipitation that can make the roads slick. While many people who cause winter driving accidents might argue that inclement weather is entirely to blame, I want to emphasize that winter driving accidents frequently result from another motorist’s careless or reckless behavior on the road. As an experienced Ohio accident attorney, I want to encourage you to seek compensation for your losses and to hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Understanding Winter Driving Accidents
How often and why do winter driving accidents happen? Some of the following statistics from Carsurance.net help to explain winter driving collisions:
- More than 70% of roads in the US are in regions where snow is common in the winter, and about 70% of the population also lives in those regions;
- Approximately 17% of all motor vehicle collisions occur when there are winter conditions, suggesting that factors specific to winter driving may play a role in these collisions;
- Every year, more than 1,800 people sustain fatal injuries as a result of icy roads or sidewalks;
- More than 150,000 car crashes each year are attributed to icy roads;
- About 1,300 traffic fatalities occur in collisions where icy roads were a factor;
- More than 116,000 people sustain injuries in car crashes each year where icy roads were a factor in the collision; and
- Approximately 800 traffic fatalities occur each year in collisions during winter storms.
File Your Claim on Time
While you might start the process of seeking compensation for a winter driving accident by filing an auto insurance claim, I want to make sure you understand that Ohio law limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. According to Ohio’s personal injury statute of limitations, most motor vehicle claims will need to be filed within two years from the date of the collision. Filing a lawsuit after that time window closes means that you will not be able to obtain compensation from the at-fault driver, and I want to make sure you do everything you can to get the compensation you deserve.
Contact Me for Help with Your Case
Driving during the winter can be extremely hazardous, given that roads can be icy and motorists may need to navigate traffic while it is snowing or sleeting. If you can avoid driving during a winter storm, it is best to avoid the roads. However, roads can remain icy even hours or days after a storm hits. As such, it is important for drivers to learn to stay safe on the road and to ensure that aggressive drivers are held accountable. If you or someone you love got hurt in a winter driving accident in Cleveland or elsewhere in Ohio, you should get in touch with me to learn more about filing a claim. As an experienced Ohio accident lawyer, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Contact my office today at 877.944.4373.