North Dakota residents know that the winters here can be brutal. Driving on icy or snowy roads can be extremely stressful, especially if you are driving with children.
We would all love to stay home when the roads are bad, but unfortunately, sometimes we cannot. However, there are many ways to stay safe on North Dakota’s winter roads.
Know before you go
Always check the road conditions before you get on the road. You can receive valuable information on areas to avoid or any accidents.
Make sure your vehicle is working properly and your tires are in good condition. Drive with your lights on and brush snow off your lights before you get on the road.
Learn how to drive properly in the snow and ice, especially when it comes to braking or stopping.
Slow down
Drive slowly. You can sometimes be ticketed for driving the speed limit in winter weather, since driving the speed limit may still be driving too fast for the conditions.
Keep your vehicle stocked with supplies if you become stranded on the road, such as water and blankets. Do not leave your vehicle if you get stuck. Leaving and becoming lost in the snow could be dangerous.
Your options after an accident
You can be the safest driver in the world and still be the victim of an accident in winter weather because of another negligent driver.
Winter accidents can cause serious injuries and completely damage vehicles. If another driver causes your car accident, you could receive compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim.
Proving negligence
Your compensation amount could cover medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering, but it requires proving negligence. You must show that the other driver breached their duty to drive safely and caused your accident.
The other driver may say you were the one driving negligently, and in winter weather, who was more at fault can be hard to tell. Having a personal injury attorney advocating for you can make a huge difference.